Big shapes first, small details last. Every step adds just one thing, so even your most hesitant artists finish with a cute monster they are proud of.
Before you start: a pencil, an eraser, a sheet of paper and something to colour with.
Draw lightly at first. Dark lines come at the end, once the shapes look right.
Step-by-step: how to draw a cute monster
Step 1. Head and body
Draw the big sleepy body shape.
Step 2. Horns
Add the two soft horns.
Step 3. Eyes
Draw the sleepy eyes.
Step 4. Smile
Add the smile and one little tooth.
Step 5. Arms
Draw the two arms hugging inward.
Step 6. Feet
Add the two feet.
Step 7. Blanket
Draw the curved blanket line.
Step 8. Pillow
Add the pillow under the head.
Step 9. Stars
Add two dream stars.
Step 10. Create
Make the sleepy scene yours.
The pink line is the new part in each step.
Make it theirs
- Add a background that tells a story. Where is it?
- Give it a name and write it underneath.
- Try it again tomorrow from memory.
- Colour last. There is no wrong colour for a cute monster.
Teaching it with the projector
The projector version draws each step slowly on the board, pauses while students copy it, then checks in before the next step. Nobody has to talk, so you are free to walk around and help.
Quick Fix: 6 steps, about 3 minutes. Good for a brain break or the last few minutes before recess. Full Focus: all 10 steps, about 5 minutes, with the extra detail.
Open Sleepy Monster on the projector → It works on any classroom screen. No accounts, no student names, no ads.
Curriculum connections
Visual arts: the elements of design (line and shape) and creating art for a purpose. Language: listening to and following multi-step directions. Directed drawing also builds fine motor control and focus.
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