Create Your Own Fantasy: How to Draw a Mermaid Unicorn

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Creating a magical and mythical creature like a mermaid unicorn can be an exciting and creative endeavor. With its captivating blend of a mermaid’s tail and a unicorn’s horn, this figure allows artists to explore vibrant colors and whimsical features. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to draw this imaginative creature from scratch.

Step 1: Sketch the Basic Outline

Start by lightly sketching the basic shape of the mermaid unicorn. Draw a small circle for the head, followed by a larger, elongated oval for the body. Next, sketch the tail in a flowing “S” shape to give the drawing a sense of motion, and extend it toward the right or left depending on the direction you want the mermaid to face. Don’t forget to sketch out the arms, positioned either in front or behind the body, and leave space for the fin at the tail’s end.

For the unicorn aspect, sketch a small, spiraled horn at the top of the head. Place it slightly off-center to make it more visually interesting. These shapes should be very simple and act as a framework to guide the rest of the drawing.

Step 2: Refine the Face and Hair

Now that the basic shapes are in place, refine the face. Draw two large, expressive eyes with long lashes, typical of a cartoon style. Add a small nose and a big, cheerful smile to give your character a friendly, approachable look. The mermaid unicorn should have long, flowing hair, so draw the hair cascading from the head, following the motion of the tail. This will help balance the composition and make the image more dynamic.

Step 3: Add Details to the Body and Tail

Next, it’s time to focus on the body. Draw the outline of a simple bikini top or seashells for a classic mermaid look. Below the waist, add scales to the tail using small, repetitive crescent shapes. The scales should follow the curvature of the tail, gradually getting smaller as they approach the end of the tail. Don’t forget to include the fin at the tail’s tip, adding a couple of wavy lines for texture and detail.

Step 4: Draw the Arms and Hands

For the arms, sketch slender shapes extending from the body, and add hands with five fingers. Since this is a whimsical drawing, the arms can be exaggerated, with soft, flowing lines that match the movement of the hair and tail.

Step 5: Color the Drawing

Now that your drawing is fully sketched, it’s time to add color. Use vibrant shades to bring the mermaid unicorn to life. Traditionally, mermaids are associated with shades of blue and green for their tails, but feel free to experiment with more unique combinations like pink and purple. For the hair, use golden or platinum blonde to contrast with the brightly colored tail. Don’t forget to color the horn a pearlescent white or add a slight shimmer to enhance its magical qualities.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Once the colors are applied, go back and add any additional details to make the drawing pop. You can add bubbles around the mermaid unicorn, light shading on her body to create depth, and highlight areas of the hair and tail to give them shine. Finally, darken the outlines with a fine pen to make your drawing look crisp and finished.

Conclusion

Drawing a mermaid unicorn is a delightful way to combine two beloved mythical creatures. By starting with simple shapes and gradually refining the details, you can create a magical character that captures the imagination. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors and features to make your drawing unique!