220 Drawing Prompts To Get Your Creative Juices Flowing

For creative drawing prompts guaranteed to kick-start your imagination and artistic journey, keep reading.

Are you feeling the call of creativity but don’t know where to start? Are your ideas stuck in a rut and in need of some inspiration?

With these helpful tips, it won’t be long before you find yourself putting pen or pencil to paper and producing jaw-dropping artwork that you will be proud of showing off. So grab a drawing pad because it’s time to get creative.

Animal Drawing Prompts

We could all use a bit of creativity in our lives, and what better way to express it than through drawing animals? I have compiled a list of fun animal drawing prompts to spark the imagination.

llama drawing
iStock/Olha Pohorielova
  • Draw a lion
  • Draw a tiger
  • Draw a bear
  • Draw an elephant
  • Draw a giraffe
  • Draw a monkey
  • Draw a chimpanzee
  • Draw an orangutan
  • Draw a gorilla
  • Draw a koala
  • Draw a kangaroo
  • Draw an opossum
  • Draw a wombat
  • Draw a Tasmanian devil
  • Draw an echidna
  • Draw a platypus
  • Draw an antelope
  • Draw a bison
  • Draw an elk
  • Draw a deer
  • Draw an angelfish
  • Draw a fire salamander
  • Draw a guinea pig
  • Draw a chihuahua
  • Draw a honey bee
  • Draw a panther
  • Draw a hummingbird
  • Draw a butterfly
  • Draw an arctic fox
  • Draw a rabbit
  • Draw a clownfish
  • Draw a dragonfly
  • Draw a Dungeness crab
  • Draw a llama
  • Draw a koi fish
  • Draw an aardvark
  • Draw a barn swallow
  • Draw a tyrannosaurus
  • Draw an Egyptian cobra
  • Draw a carpenter ant
  • Draw a jellyfish
  • Draw a Teddy Roosevelt terrier
  • Draw a koala
  • Draw a barn owl
  • Draw an otter
  • Draw an alpaca
  • Draw a camel
  • Draw a prairie dog
  • Draw a Yokohama chicken
  • Draw a hoary bat
  • Draw a dog playing fetch
  • Draw a cat napping in a sunbeam
  • Draw a bird perched atop a tree
  • Draw a snake slithering through the grass
  • Draw a horse galloping across a field
  • Draw a rabbit hopping through a meadow
  • Draw a mouse scurrying across a floor
  • Draw a bear fishing in a stream
  • Draw a fox stalking its prey
  • Draw an elephant bathing in a river
  • Draw a giraffe eating the leaves of a tree
  • Draw a lion lounging in the shade
  • Draw a tiger prowling through the jungle
  • Draw a leopard stalking its prey
  • Draw a gorilla swinging through the trees
  • Draw a chimpanzee grooming another chimp
  • Draw an alligator basking in the sun
  • Draw a crocodile lurking in the water
  • Draw a hippopotamus wallowing in a mud hole
  • Draw a rhinoceros grazing on grass

Creative Drawing Prompts

Ready to step outside your box and come up with something truly creative? I’ve rounded up some of the best drawing prompts around. These ideas are sure to spark some inspiration.

woman riding bike
iStock/Ponomariova_Maria
  • Draw a portrait of your best friend
  • Draw a self-portrait with three things that represent you
  • Draw a picture of your favorite place
  • Draw a picture of something that makes you happy
  • Draw a picture of something that makes you sad
  • Draw a picture of your favorite thing to do
  • Draw a picture of your favorite thing to wear
  • Draw yourself in the future
  • Draw yourself in the past
  • Draw a famous landmark
  • Draw a portrait of someone you don’t know very well
  • Draw a scene from your favorite book
  • Draw a scene from your favorite movie
  • Draw something that scares you
  • Draw something that makes you feel safe
  • Draw an imaginary creature 
  • Draw something inspired by your favorite song 
  • Draw a character that is half human and half animal
  • Draw a character with superpowers
  • Draw a character in a different time period
  • Draw a scene from a dream you had recently
  • Draw yourself as another species
  • Draw your favorite cartoon character
  • Draw an object that has come to life
  • Draw the sunrise/sunset

Cartoon Character Drawing Prompts

If you enjoy drawing cartoon characters, you can have fun drawing classics like SpongeBob SquarePants and Daffy Duck or modern favorites like Louise Belcher. There is something here for everyone.

Dexter drawing
iStock/Tharakorn
  • SpongeBob SquarePants
  • Daffy Duck
  • Porky Pig
  • Puss in Boots
  • Tom Cat
  • Shaggy Rogers
  • Louise Belcher
  • Velma Dinkley
  • Yosemite Sam
  • Bart Simpson
  • Gary (SpongeBob Square Pants)
  • Garfield
  • Stewie Griffin
  • Dexter
  • The Pink Panther
  • Winnie-the-Pooh
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
  • Perry the Platypus
  • Squidward Tentacles
  • Mickey Mouse
  • Speed Racer
  • Pluto
  • Cosmo and Wanda
  • Taz (Looney Tunes)
  • Bugs Bunny
  • Popeye
  • Speedy Gonzales
  • Spider-Man
  • Wile E. Coyote
  • Foghorn Leghorn
  • Homer Simpson
  • Fred Flintstone
  • Elmer Fudd
  • Deadpool
  • Patrick Star
  • Tigger
  • Jerry Mouse
  • Pink Panther
  • Donald Duck
  • Stitch
  • Scrooge McDuck
  • Courage (Courage the Cowardly Dog)
  • Charlie Brown
  • Scooby Doo
  • Plankton
  • Chip’ n’ Dale
  • Batman
  • Tweety (Looney Tunes)
  • Goofy
  • Eeyore
  • Marvin the Martian
  • Road Runner
  • Sylvester
  • Eric Cartman
  • Eugene H. Krabs
  • Pikachu
  • Snoopy
  • Clifford (Clifford the Big Red Dog)
  • Sandy Cheeks
  • Papa Smurf

Food Drawing Prompts

If you’re looking for food drawing inspiration, look no further than your kitchen. With these food drawing prompts, anyone can pick up their pencil and get creative.

Donut drawing
iStock/Carlosrojas20
  • Asparagus
  • Cupcake
  • Donuts
  • French toast
  • Gnocchi
  • Gumbo
  • Hot dogs
  • Kabobs
  • Spaghetti
  • Waffles
  • Fruit basket
  • Cookies
  • Lemons whole and sliced
  • Escargot
  • Fruitcake
  • Figs
  • Falafel
  • Avocado toast
  • Pumpkin pie
  • Strawberry shortcake
  • Cotton candy
  • Eclair
  • Funnel cake
  • Pizza
  • Hamburger
  • Corndog
  • Shrimp tempura
  • Popcorn
  • Chips
  • Flan
  • Trifle pudding
  • Watermelon
  • Bangers and mash
  • Blueberry macaroon
  • Buttered toast
  • Fried egg
  • Bowl of ramen
  • Draw a plate of your favorite food
  • Draw a healthy meal
  • Draw a junk food feast
  • Draw your favorite fruit or vegetable
  • Draw a fruit or vegetable that you dislike
  • Draw a rainbow-colored fruit or vegetable platter
  • Draw a picnic lunch
  • Draw breakfast in bed
  • Draw a romantic dinner for two
  • Draw a family dinner around the table
  • Draw a birthday cake
  • Draw your favorite ice cream flavor
  • Draw a sundae topped with all your favorite toppings
  • Milkshake
  • Smoothie
  • Cup of coffee or tea
  • Slice of pizza
  • Chinese takeout in a cardboard box
  • Banana leaf platter
  • Sushi rolls
  • Freshly baked bread
  • Tacos al pastor
  • Fried chicken
  • Lobster dinner
  • Blueberry muffin
  • Dango
  • Profiterole
  • Peanuts

Nature Drawing Prompts

Drawing the great outdoors can be a great way to explore the world while building your artistic skills. If you love drawing nature, check out these nature-themed drawing prompts.

Cactus drawing
iStock/Photosynthesis
  • Village
  • Hills
  • Forests
  • Parks
  • Meadows
  • Landscape
  • Valleys
  • Monuments
  • City skyline
  • Countryside
  • Seaside
  • Lakes
  • Rivers
  • Mountains
  • Erupting volcano
  • Igloo in a blizzard
  • Crystals
  • Cactus
  • Mushrooms
  • Icebergs
  • Draw a cabin in the woods
  • Draw a tree that you pass by every day
  • Draw the flowers in your garden
  • Draw a bird that you see often
  • Draw the clouds in the sky
  • Draw the sun shining through the trees
  • Draw a waterfall that you’ve seen in person or in a picture
  • Draw a river or stream that you know
  • Draw a lake or pond that you’re familiar with
  • Draw the ocean waves crashing against the shore
  • Draw a sandy beach with people playing in the water
  • Draw a rocky beach with seagulls flying overhead
  • Draw a forest scene with animals living among the trees
  • Draw a meadow with wildflowers blooming
  • Draw a mountain that you’ve seen in person or in a picture
  • Draw a valley with a winding road leading through it
  • Draw an island paradise with palm trees and clear blue water
  • Draw a desert scene with cacti and dunes
  • Draw someone kayaking down a river
  • Draw someone hiking up a mountain trail
  • Draw someone camping in the woods
  • Draw the moon in the night sky
  • Draw a rainbow after a storm
  • Draw a group of ducks swimming in a pond
  • Draw wolves howling at the moon

Object Drawing Prompts

Drawing objects is an excellent idea whether you are a professional artist, student, hobbyist, or someone just seeking new creative outlets and ways to explore artistic expression.

Coffee mug drawing
iStock/Noongraphicstudio
  • Pencil
  • Pen
  • Paper clip
  • Stapler
  • Hole punch
  • Tape dispenser
  • Paperweight
  • Pencil sharpener
  • Magnifying glass
  • Pillow
  • Book
  • Laptop
  • Tablet
  • Smartphone
  • Alarm clock
  • Lamp
  • Vase of flowers
  • Framed photo
  • Coffee mug
  • Water bottle
  • Bike
  • Glasses
  • Earrings
  • Pencil case
  • Headphones
  • Croissant
  • Vase
  • Candy bar
  • Candle
  • Perfume bottle
  • Carafe
  • Movie tickets
  • Teddy bear
  • Recorded player
  • Your dream car
  • Toaster
  • Lock and key
  • Gumball machine
  • Can of soda
  • Peacock feather
  • Draw a boat
  • Draw a statue
  • Draw a UFO
  • Draw a picture of your favorite object
  • Draw a picture of an object that you dislike
  • Draw a picture of an object that is important to you
  • Draw an object from memory
  • Draw an object in black and white
  • Draw an object using only straight lines
  • Draw an object as if it were melting

People Drawing Prompts

These people drawing prompts are a great way to get rid of artist’s block and add some creativity to your sketchbook.

Woman sleeping drawing
iStock/Anastasia Malachi
  • Draw a person in a field of flowers
  • Draw a person on a beach at sunset
  • Draw a person in a kayak on a river
  • Draw a person hiking in the mountains
  • Draw a person playing with a dog in a park
  • Draw a portrait of someone you love
  • Draw a person riding a bike through the city
  • Draw a person sitting on a bench in a busy square
  • Draw a person walking through an empty parking lot
  • Draw a portrait of a famous musician or composer
  • Draw a person standing in front of an old building
  • Draw a portrait of a person with a unique hairstyle
  • Draw a person leaning against a tree
  • Draw a group of people singing around a campfire
  • Draw a person sitting on the edge of a cliff
  • Draw a person standing at the top of a tall building
  • Draw a person looking up at the stars
  • Draw a person lying on the grass in a meadow
  • Draw a person sitting on a dock at sunset
  • Draw a person fishing from a boat
  • Draw a person swimming in a pool
  • Draw a person playing tennis
  • Draw a person rock climbing
  • Draw a person reading a book 
  • Draw a person cooking dinner

Random Drawing Prompts

I’ve compiled a list of random drawing prompts to help spur your creativity and ignite your imagination.

Pot of gold
iStock/Lukpedclub
  • Draw a robot uprising
  • Draw an action scene with superheroes or villains battling
  • Draw a cyberpunk city
  • Draw a city on a distant planet
  • Draw a pot of gold
  • Draw a dinosaur on rollerskates
  • Draw a cat/dog wearing sunglasses
  • Draw a dancing potato
  • Draw a bear riding a bike
  • Draw a horse reading a book

Drawing Challenge Prompts

I love 30-day challenges like this because they give me a guideline to follow that I can stick to. If you’re ready to challenge yourself to get better at drawing, there’s no time like now to get started.

  • Day 1: Draw an animal
  • Day 2: Draw a flower
  • Day 3: Draw a beach scene
  • Day 4: Draw your favorite food
  • Day 5: Draw a tree
  • Day 6: Draw your favorite book cover
  • Day 7: Draw a cartoon character
  • Day 8: Draw whatever you want
  • Day 9: Draw a portrait of yourself
  • Day 10: Draw something beginning with the letter ‘S’
  • Day 11: Draw something with wings
  • Day 12: Draw your favorite hobby
  • Day 13: Draw something you see outside your window
  • Day 14: Draw a landscape
  • Day 15: Draw something you ate today
  • Day 16: Draw something beginning with the letter ‘E’
  • Day 17: Draw something you’re afraid of
  • Day 18: Draw something you wore today
  • Day 19: Draw a mushroom
  • Day 20: Draw a place you would like to visit
  • Day 21: Draw something that makes you happy
  • Day 22: Draw a character from a book or movie
  • Day 23: Draw something that represents your personality
  • Day 24: Draw a dessert
  • Day 25: Draw something blue
  • Day 26: Drawing anything for 20 minutes only
  • Day 27: Draw a drink
  • Day 28: Draw a plant
  • Day 29: Draw yourself or someone else as a caricature
  • Day 30: Redraw one of your drawings from earlier in the month, making it better

Don’t forget to unlock my FREE drawing challenge printable below!

Download the FREE 30-Day Drawing Challenge Printable.
Drawing prompt ideas

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I'm Tiffany, author of the 30-Day Drawing Challenge Workbook. I'm a crafting expert and writer with over 12 years of experience. I love sharing my passion for crafting, which includes crocheting, drawing, painting, and nail art.