How to Draw a Unicorn

The mythical unicorn symbolizes beauty, purity and truth and is thought to possess healing powers. In ancient Chinese mythology, the unicorn is called  k’i-lin. According to legend, this mysterious beast has the tail of an ox, the body of a horse and the face of a deer with a fleshy horn in the middle of its forehead. Its back is covered with fur that radiates many colors while its belly is white or tan. This magical being is thought to be an omen of good luck and lives peacefully for 1000 years.

More about Unicorns

Other legends include the Greek unicorn in red, black and white with a single horn in the forehead, while the Roman unicorn is fleet of foot and has a deep bellowing voice and a single black horn in the forehead. The unicorn’s horn is thought to contain healing powers.

In modern times, the legendary unicorn is often portrayed as a beautiful white horse with a flowing mane and tail. This gentle beast became a household image when Lisa Frank introduced her line of school and party supplies in the late 70s.

Unicorns in Your Art

Many children and adults enjoy drawing unicorns to add to journal entries, illustrate stories or simply for the joy of expressing their concept of a mystical unicorn. While there is no right or wrong way to draw a unicorn, there are several resources available for learning how to draw a basic unicorn.

How to Draw a Simple Unicorn

Jeannel King of Big Picture Studios provides several versions of simple unicorn shapes, and even includes a stick figure unicorn suitable for illustrating fairy tales and legends of royal unicorns. She gives step by step instructions for both the head and the body for a cute unicorn you can easily draw on your own.

How to Draw a Unicorn for Kids

The Art for Kids Hub offers both a video and easy step by step illustrated directions for teaching children how to draw a baby unicorn – but that doesn’t mean you need to be a kid to enjoy it. This cuddly little unicorn is just right for a quick art lesson or project. The bold outline can be colored or painted to create a one-of-a-kind unicorn. Add a rainbow and a few puffy clouds and any child will be delighted with the masterpiece.

Kids Art Hub also offers a video with step by step directions for drawing a magical unicorn with a background of stars. This video is designed as an art lesson for kindergarten and elementary students. While it is a bit more complicated than the Art for Kids video, it is suitable for children and adults who want to learn how to draw a unicorn step by step.

How to Draw a Cartoon Unicorn

Zooshii Draw’s video shows you how to draw a leaping cartoon unicorn suitable for illustrating children’s stories or just for the fun of creating a new character. This video is suitable for older elementary children, teens and adults.

How to Draw a Rearing Unicorn – Gothic Style

If you are more interested in drawing a realistic unicorn, StephieArt’s Gothic rearing unicorn may be for you. While it does require some artistic ability, this video is great for those who are serious about drawing unicorns. As an added bonus, Stephie discusses the signature features of gothic unicorns and offers commentary on each step of the drawing.How to Draw a

Unicorn Head

If you are interested in learning to draw the head and face of a unicorn, check out Bexyboo88’s video. This video includes directions for three different types of unicorn heads and is great for learning to create a unicorn with personality and style.

Learning to draw a variety of unicorns can be a lot of fun and opens the door to creating your own unicorn characters. Don’t be afraid to adapt the instructions and make alterations to suit your needs. While there are some universally recognized features of unicorns – such as their singular horn – no one knows for sure what they look like. Adding unique colors, adapting the tail or mane, or even changing the shape of the feet or body may result in a one-of-a-kind unicorn that you adore.