How to Draw a Skull and Crossbones
Learn how to draw a great looking Skull and Crossbones with easy, step-by-step drawing instructions, and video tutorial.
By following the simple steps, you too can easily draw a beautiful Skull and Crossbones.
Jump to the step-by-step instructions.
In various times and places, the skull and crossbones symbol has had a number of different meanings.
In history and popular culture, this symbol placed on a black flag meant the vessel flying the flag was a pirate ship.
The image has been used by certain military groups, university fraternities and sororities, and secret societies.
In Spanish speaking cultures, it is sometimes used to mark the entrance to a cemetery.
On product packaging, the skull and crossbones indicates that the contents are poisonous in nature and should be handled with caution.
Scroll down for a downloadable PDF of this tutorial.
If you would like to learn to draw a cartoon skull and crossbones, follow this easy, step-by-step drawing tutorial.
You will need a piece of paper and something with which to draw, such as a pencil, marker, or ink pen. An eraser is also recommended.
As you follow this drawing guide, you will notice that each step is accompanied by an illustration. In each picture, new lines drawn during that step are highlighted in blue, while previous lines appear in black.
Sketch lightly at first, as you will need to erase some of the early lines, called guide lines, as you complete your picture.
If you liked this tutorial, see also the following drawing guides: Jack O Lantern, Ghost, and Skeleton.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Drawing a Cartoon Skull and Crossbones
How to Draw a Great Looking Skull and Crossbones for Kids, Beginners, and Adults – Step 1
Begin by drawing a circle.
Easy Skull and Crossbones Drawing – Step 2
Next, draw a curved line, beginning within the circle and extending downward.
Easy Skull and Crossbones Drawing – Step 3
Draw another line on the opposite side, creating a mirror image of the first line.
Easy Skull and Crossbones Drawing – Step 4
Erase the portion of the circle that is between the two curved lines.
Easy Skull and Crossbones Drawing – Step 5
Draw another curved line extending downward from the middle of the first curved line.
Easy Skull and Crossbones Drawing – Step 6
Draw another line on the opposite side, mirroring the previous line.
Easy Skull and Crossbones Drawing – Step 7
Draw a curved line connecting the previous two lines.
Easy Skull and Crossbones Drawing – Step 8
Draw a horizontal curve in the middle of the image. This line should resemble a smile.
Easy Skull and Crossbones Drawing – Step 9
Draw teeth above the curved line. For each tooth, draw a curved, upside down “U” shaped line. Repeat to create eleven teeth. The two front teeth should be the largest, decreasing in size toward the sides.
Easy Skull and Crossbones Drawing – Step 10
Using eleven “U” shaped lines, draw a mirror image of the teeth below the curved line.
Easy Skull and Crossbones Drawing – Step 11
Draw the left eye by sketching a circle.
Easy Skull and Crossbones Drawing – Step 12
Draw a second circle to form the right eye.
Easy Skull and Crossbones Drawing – Step 13
Below the eyes, draw an irregular, egg shaped oval. This forms the nasal cavity.
Easy Skull and Crossbones Drawing – Step 14
Within the oval, draw two curved lines, beginning at the top of the shape and extending to each side.
Easy Skull and Crossbones Drawing – Step 15
Draw the bone extending from the upper right side. To begin, draw a large, upside down “U” shaped line. Connected to this, draw another “U” shaped line, open to the left. Connect this line to the skull using a slightly curved line.
Easy Skull and Crossbones Drawing – Step 16
Draw the other end of this bone extending from the bottom left. Use two curved lines to form the bone. Each line should be shaped roughly like the upper portion of a question mark.
Easy Skull and Crossbones Drawing – Step 17
Draw the bone extending from the bottom right using two curved lines.
Easy Skull and Crossbones Drawing – Step 18
Draw the bone on the upper left side. It should be a mirror image of the bone on the right side, consisting of three curved lines.
Easy Skull and Crossbones Drawing – Step 19
Shade each of the eyes and the upper portions of the nasal cavity.
Easy Skull and Crossbones Drawing – Step 20
Erase the curve from the bottom of the nasal cavity. Your cartoon skull is now complete.
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