Ready to draw your favorite nunchuck-swinging turtle? In today’s free video tutorial, I’m showing you how to draw Michelangelo—yes, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle himself. If your kid’s into pizza-loving, sewer-dwelling heroes, they’re going to love this one.

This drawing is totally kid-friendly and drawn in my usual silly cartoon style. I walk you through every step slowly and clearly, making it easy for young artists to follow along.

And while Michelangelo isn’t one of the characters in my Draw by Grid: Mutant Animals book, this video fits right in with the kind of weird, wild, and wonderfully mutated animals you’ll find inside the pages of that book. After all, what are the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles if not the original mutant animal cartoon crew?

Draw by Grid: Mutant Animals

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About the Book: Draw by Grid – Mutant Animals

Draw by Grid: Mutant Animals is one of my weirdest and funniest books—and that’s saying something. Every drawing in the book uses a simple grid system to help kids create their own versions of hilarious mutant creatures, one square at a time.

These aren’t your average animals. This book is packed with:

• A sheep with 4 arms
• A cycloptic pig
• A horse/bird hybrid
• A 6-armed cat creature
• …and dozens more strange and silly animal mashups

It’s a great companion to this free video, where we walk through how to draw Michelangelo, because the focus in both is the same—drawing funny characters with personality.

Kids who love the Turtles will get a kick out of this book because it taps into that same kind of energy: action, humor, and creative design all mashed together.

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What Makes the “Draw by Grid” Series Different?

This series is all about making drawing fun and accessible for kids. Each page features a goofy character broken down into a simple grid format. That means your child doesn’t have to worry about getting everything “right” all at once. Instead, they can focus on one square at a time, slowly building their drawing in a way that feels easy and achievable.

Draw by Grid: Mutant Animals is especially fun because it breaks all the rules of the animal kingdom. In this book, anything goes. Extra limbs? Go for it. Eye patches? Absolutely. Wings, horns, weird fur patterns, teeth where they shouldn’t be—yes, yes, and yes.

If your kid had fun learning how to draw Michelangelo in the video, they’re going to love drawing these ridiculous animal hybrids too.

Why Drawing Mutant Animals Is a Hit With Kids

There’s something super satisfying about drawing weird creatures. Kids don’t have to follow the same old rules, and that opens the door to real creativity.

In this book, I’ve designed each character to look wild and funny, but not complicated. They’re goofy and expressive, not overly detailed or intimidating. That balance makes it perfect for young artists who want to create cool things without getting overwhelmed.

Get The Book!

Plus, mutant animals spark storytelling. Your kid might start with the drawing, but don’t be surprised if they end up naming their creature, giving it a backstory, and imagining whole worlds where these characters live. It all starts with putting pencil to paper.

And after they try this video and learn how to draw Michelangelo, you may find them inventing their own turtle-like creatures—maybe even a pizza-loving platypus with a shell?

Designed for Kids Ages 6 and Up (But Fun for Everyone)

The Draw by Grid format works well for artists of all skill levels, but it really shines for kids ages 6 and up. The gridded pages help build spatial awareness, improve focus, and teach kids how to translate what they see into what they draw.

It also teaches patience—something every artist needs. Completing one of these pages feels like a mini achievement, and the results always bring a smile.

Even if your kid is just starting out, they’ll feel successful working through this book. And the more they draw, the more their confidence grows.

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Drawing at Home, in Classrooms, or on the Go

This series is designed to be used anywhere. All you need is a pencil and a flat surface. There’s no mess, no apps, no batteries required—just good, creative fun.

Try the free video where I show you how to draw Michelangelo, then grab a copy of Draw by Grid: Mutant Animals and keep the momentum going. Whether your child is working at the kitchen table, on a road trip, or in an art class, this book is easy to bring along and hard to put down.

Try the Video, Then Dive Into the Book

I always love sharing these video freebies because they give you a real taste of what drawing with me is like. If your child enjoys drawing Michelangelo, they’re going to love the mutant animal madness waiting inside the book.

The grid system in Draw by Grid: Mutant Animals makes it easy for kids to follow along, and the silly characters make it irresistible to keep going. This isn’t just drawing—it’s play, imagination, and storytelling all rolled into one.

So give the video a try. See what your kid thinks. And if they love learning how to draw Michelangelo, they’re absolutely going to love drawing their own army of mutant animals next.

Get Started!

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The post Video Drawing Tutorial: How to Draw Michelangelo from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 8 Minutes | Fun Drawing Video For Kids appeared first on FirstArtBooks.com.

If your child is a fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (I know I am), there’s a good chance they have a favorite turtle (I do)—and for many, that turtle is Donatello. Known for his intelligence, tech-savvy skills, and signature bo staff, Donatello has always been a standout among the team. And now, your young artist can learn how to draw Donatello step by step with our free video drawing tutorial.

This beginner-friendly video breaks the character down into simple, easy-to-follow shapes and lines. It’s perfect for kids who are just learning to draw or those who love sketching their favorite heroes from pop culture. All they need is a pencil, paper, and a few minutes to dive in.

Why Drawing Donatello Is a Great Place to Start

When it comes to cartoon characters, Donatello is a solid choice for beginner artists. His design is expressive but not overly complicated. With the help of the video tutorial, kids can learn to draw his headband, bo staff, shell, and signature pose without feeling overwhelmed.

The key here is confidence. When a child successfully draws a character they know and love, like Donatello, it fuels their interest and motivates them to keep going. This sense of accomplishment often opens the door to exploring new drawing techniques and trying more challenging subjects.

Watch The Tutorial:

A Natural Extension: Learning with the “How to Draw” Series

After your child has finished their Donatello drawing, they might be looking for their next creative challenge. That’s where the How to Draw series comes in. These books are designed with the same philosophy in mind: make drawing fun, approachable, and skill-building.

The series features step-by-step instructions that guide kids through every stage of a drawing. From simple creatures and silly monsters to themed topics like sea life, animals, food, and fantasy characters, each book is tailored to different interests while sticking to the same accessible drawing method.

Many kids begin with characters they already love—like Donatello—and soon want to create their own. Our books help bridge that gap by teaching how to build characters from scratch: starting with basic shapes, building forms, adding details, and bringing drawings to life with expression and personality.

See Our “How to Draw” Books for Kids

Drawing as a Learning Tool

Drawing isn’t just fun—it’s a skill that supports a child’s development in all kinds of ways:

• Fine Motor Skills: Holding a pencil, following curves, and controlling pressure.
• Focus and Patience: Drawing step-by-step takes attention and persistence.
• Creativity and Imagination: Learning techniques opens doors to inventing new characters and worlds.
• Confidence: Finishing a drawing builds pride and encourages further learning.

When a child sits down and successfully draws Donatello, they realize they can draw. That realization often leads them to want more: different styles, new subjects, and personal projects. Our How to Draw series helps keep that momentum going.

Why the Video Format Works

For visual learners, watching a drawing come together in real-time can be extremely helpful. Our free Donatello video tutorial shows each stroke and shape in sequence, so your child can pause, rewind, and follow at their own pace.

Seeing the character develop step by step demystifies the process. Kids realize that a finished drawing isn’t magic—it’s just a series of simple shapes and lines added in order. That insight can transform the way they think about drawing entirely.

Plus, drawing a well-known character like Donatello adds a layer of excitement. It’s rewarding to draw something familiar, and it gives kids a cool piece of art to show off afterward.

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Themes That Spark Interest

The How to Draw series is packed with themes that match what kids are naturally drawn to. Whether they love animals, fantasy creatures, aliens, robots, food with faces, or silly characters, there’s a book for them. These themes make drawing accessible and entertaining, and they meet kids where they already are in their interests.

If a child starts by drawing Donatello, they might soon want to draw their own superhero, a sidekick, or a creature from another planet. The themed books help kids learn how to take inspiration from existing characters and expand into their own creations.

Screen-Free Creativity

In a time when so many activities involve screens, drawing offers a quiet, focused alternative. The Donatello video may start the process, but what follows is hands-on, screen-free fun. Kids step away from devices and get into a creative flow with nothing but paper and pencil.

That kind of engagement isn’t just relaxing—it’s productive. And it encourages problem-solving, observation, and imagination. Drawing can be a form of mindfulness for kids, giving them a break from busy schedules and digital noise.

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Great for All Skill Levels

Whether your child is brand new to drawing or already filling sketchbooks with creative ideas, there’s something to gain from both the Donatello tutorial and the drawing books that follow.

Beginners benefit from:

• Step-by-step guidance
• Encouraging subject matter
• Simple tools (no special supplies needed)

More experienced young artists can:

• Add personality and detail to their drawings
• Try new styles and techniques
• Create their own versions of favorite characters

No matter where your child is on their drawing journey, our approach is designed to help them grow.

Encouraging Ongoing Creativity

Once a child completes a drawing they’re proud of, the natural next step is asking, “What should I draw next?” That question is at the heart of our drawing series. By offering new characters and styles to explore, the books keep kids moving forward.

Maybe today it’s Donatello. Tomorrow it might be a space alien, a grumpy monster, or a smiling shark. Whatever captures their imagination, there’s a drawing lesson that can bring it to life.

Activity Books for Kids

Try the Donatello Drawing Video Today

If you haven’t already, check out the free drawing video tutorial and let your child try drawing Donatello. It’s a great way to get started, build confidence, and spark a love for drawing that can lead to hours of creative exploration.

And if they enjoy the process, there’s a full world of themed How to Draw books waiting to support them. With approachable lessons, engaging characters, and topics kids already love, the series makes drawing an easy and rewarding part of their daily life.

Start with Donatello. Stick with drawing. See where it leads.

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The post Free Video Drawing Tutorial: How to Draw Donatello from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles | Fan Art Drawing Series appeared first on FirstArtBooks.com.

How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Animals
by Kevin Coulston

Buy Now on Amazon

How To Draw Pikachu from Pokémon ⚡ Step-by-Step Drawing Tutorial by Kevin Coulston

⚡ Easily draw and color Pikachu from Pokémon step-by-step!
📗 Check out our step-by-step drawing books on Amazon https://amzn.to/42aQ36T

Get 'How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Animals' on Amazon

ORDER NOW WITH PRIME SHIPPING ON AMAZON

5 Reasons Your Kids Will Love This Book

1. Easy-to-follow instructions
2. Funny art you won’t find in any other series
3. Promotes active imaginations
4. Boosts creativity, and nurtures talent.
5. Hours and hours of fun!

GET THE BOOK IN JUST 2 DAYS WITH AMAZON PRIME SHIPPING

 It’s vitally important to encourage creativity in our kids. This fun activity book will guide them through drawing 50 different robot characters, but when they’re done, I expect you’ll see many more creatures and characters that come directly from their own imaginations. Inspire storytelling, artistic tendencies, and embrace having fun with this kid-friendly art series from children’s book author and illustrator Kevin Coulston.

This book and many more in the series are available on Amazon.com, and are eligible for Prime shipping! Click here to buy.

CLICK HERE TO BUY
“HOW TO DRAW: CUTE CARTOON ANIMALS”
ON AMAZON

Join our mailing list to stay up to date on all “How to Draw” releases from FirstArtBooks. In addition to updates on new books, you’ll receive free drawing and activity pages. A great resource for Parents and Teachers looking to keep their children engaged creatively. Sign up for our free email list here, and get free drawing pages in your inbox right away!

ORDER NOW

The post How To Draw Pikachu from Pokémon – A Video Drawing Tutorial appeared first on FirstArtBooks.com.

How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Animals
by Kevin Coulston

Buy Now on Amazon

How To Draw Geno from Super Mario RPG 🍄 Step-by-Step Drawing Tutorial by Kevin Coulston

🍄 Easily draw and color Geno from Super Mario RPG step-by-step!
📗 Check out our step-by-step drawing books on Amazon https://amzn.to/42aQ36T

Get 'How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Animals' on Amazon

ORDER NOW WITH PRIME SHIPPING ON AMAZON

5 Reasons Your Kids Will Love This Book

1. Easy-to-follow instructions
2. Funny art you won’t find in any other series
3. Promotes active imaginations
4. Boosts creativity, and nurtures talent.
5. Hours and hours of fun!

GET THE BOOK IN JUST 2 DAYS WITH AMAZON PRIME SHIPPING

 It’s vitally important to encourage creativity in our kids. This fun activity book will guide them through drawing 50 different robot characters, but when they’re done, I expect you’ll see many more creatures and characters that come directly from their own imaginations. Inspire storytelling, artistic tendencies, and embrace having fun with this kid-friendly art series from children’s book author and illustrator Kevin Coulston.

This book and many more in the series are available on Amazon.com, and are eligible for Prime shipping! Click here to buy.

CLICK HERE TO BUY
“HOW TO DRAW: CUTE CARTOON ANIMALS”
ON AMAZON

Join our mailing list to stay up to date on all “How to Draw” releases from FirstArtBooks. In addition to updates on new books, you’ll receive free drawing and activity pages. A great resource for Parents and Teachers looking to keep their children engaged creatively. Sign up for our free email list here, and get free drawing pages in your inbox right away!

ORDER NOW

The post How To Draw Geno from Super Mario RPG – A Video Drawing Tutorial appeared first on FirstArtBooks.com.

Trace Then Color: Cartoon Robots
by Kevin Coulston

Buy Now on Amazon

How To Draw Elephant Mario from Super Mario Bros. Wonder 🍄 Drawing Tutorial by Kevin Coulston

🍄 Easily draw and color Elephant Mario from Super Mario Bros. Wonder step-by-step!
📗 Check out our step-by-step drawing books on Amazon https://amzn.to/42aQ36T

Get 'Trace Then Color: Cartoon Robots' on Amazon

ORDER NOW WITH PRIME SHIPPING ON AMAZON

5 Reasons Your Kids Will Love This Book

1. Easy-to-follow instructions
2. Funny art you won’t find in any other series
3. Promotes active imaginations
4. Boosts creativity, and nurtures talent.
5. Hours and hours of fun!

GET THE BOOK IN JUST 2 DAYS WITH AMAZON PRIME SHIPPING

 It’s vitally important to encourage creativity in our kids. This fun activity book will guide  them through tracing and then coloring 50 different robot characters, but when they’re done, I expect you’ll see many more creatures and characters that come directly from their own imaginations. Inspire storytelling, artistic tendencies, and embrace having fun with this kid-friendly art series from children’s book author and illustrator Kevin Coulston.

This book and many more in the series are available on Amazon.com, and are eligible for Prime shipping! Click here to buy.

 

CLICK HERE TO BUY “TRACE THEN COLOR: CARTOON ROBOTS” ON AMAZON

Join our mailing list to stay up to date on all “How to Draw” releases from FirstArtBooks. In addition to updates on new books, you’ll receive free drawing and activity pages. A great resource for Parents and Teachers looking to keep their children engaged creatively. Sign up for our free email list here, and get free drawing pages in your inbox right away!

ORDER NOW

The post How To Draw Elephant Mario from Super Mario Bros. Wonder – A Video Drawing Tutorial appeared first on FirstArtBooks.com.