How to Draw a Simple Zombie: A Step-by-Step Guide
Zombies have captured our collective imagination, appearing in countless movies, TV shows, and video games. If you're eager to bring these undead creatures to life on paper, you've come to the right place. In this step-by-step guide, we'll show you how to draw a simple zombie using basic shapes and simple lines. No advanced drawing skills required!
Gather Your Materials
Before we begin, make sure you have the following materials:
- Pencil (HB or 2B)
- Eraser
- Paper
- Optional: markers or colored pencils for adding color
Understand the Basic Anatomy of a Zombie
Zombies are essentially reanimated corpses, so their anatomy is a bit different from that of a living human. They often have visible injuries, missing limbs, or decaying flesh. For our simple zombie, we'll focus on the following key features:

- Head and face
- Torso
- Arms and legs
Step 1: Draw the Basic Shapes
Start by drawing basic shapes to establish the zombie's structure. We'll use an oval for the head, a rectangle for the torso, and simple lines for the arms and legs.
Here's a table to help you understand the proportions:
| Body Part | Shape | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Oval | Approximately 1/3 of the total height |
| Torso | Rectangle | About 2/3 of the total height |
| Arms and Legs | Simple lines | Vary the length and thickness to create a unique look |
Step 2: Add Details to the Face
Zombie faces are often grotesque and terrifying, with sunken eyes, missing teeth, and decaying flesh. To create a simple zombie face, start by drawing two small circles for the eyes, then add a curved line for the mouth. You can also add wrinkles, lines, or other details to give the face a decayed appearance.

Step 3: Draw the Clothing and Accessories
Zombies often wear tattered, blood-stained clothing. To add clothing to your zombie, draw simple lines and shapes to represent a shirt, pants, and shoes. You can also add accessories like a backpack, a belt with a holster, or a weapon, such as a baseball bat or a chainsaw.
Step 4: Refine Your Drawing
Once you have the basic shape and details of your zombie, it's time to refine your drawing. Use your eraser to remove any unwanted lines, and add shading and highlights to give your zombie depth and dimension. You can also use markers or colored pencils to add color to your drawing.
Step 5: Practice and Experiment
Drawing is a skill that improves with practice. Don't be afraid to experiment with different zombie designs, such as adding more details, changing the proportions, or trying out different poses. The more you practice, the better you'll become at drawing zombies and other undead creatures.
Happy drawing, and may your zombie horde be terrifyingly awesome!