To invent a monster, mix and match parts: pick a body shape, then choose the eyes, mouth, horns or ears, arms and legs, and a special feature. Because monsters have no “right” look, they’re the perfect subject for kids to practice inventing characters, and they build confidence fast.
The monster recipe
Pick one from each list:
- Body: blob, circle, tall rectangle, triangle, bean, cloud.
- Eyes: one giant eye, three eyes, eyes on stalks, sleepy eyes, tiny dots.
- Mouth: a huge grin, one tooth, fangs, a tiny O, a tongue sticking out.
- On top: horns, antennae, a mohawk, a party hat, bat ears.
- Arms and legs: none, two, eight, tentacles, wheels.
- Special feature: spots, fur, wings, a tail, slime.
Roll a die for each list to make monster dice.
25 monster drawing ideas
- A monster under the bed who’s scared of kids.
- A monster who eats only socks.
- A shy, fluffy monster.
- A monster with too many eyes.
- A tiny monster living in a teacup.
- A monster chef.
- A monster at the dentist.
- A slime monster.
- A cloud monster who makes rain.
- A monster’s school photo.
- A sporty monster.
- A monster made of candy.
- A grumpy morning monster.
- A monster pet for a monster.
- A monster family.
- A monster who collects rocks.
- A sea monster who wants friends.
- A monster superhero.
- A monster’s birthday party.
- A food monster. See food monsters.
- A letter monster. See alphabet drawing activities.
- A robot monster.
- A monster on vacation.
- A monster who’s afraid of the dark.
- Your worry, drawn as a silly monster.
Tips for inventing creatures
- Start with a big shape. Then add parts. See drawing with shapes.
- Exaggerate. Huge eyes, tiny legs.
- Give it a feeling. Expressions bring monsters to life. See cartoon expressions.
- Give it a name and a story. See character design for kids.
Learn from lessons, then remix
Step-by-step monster lessons teach how monsters are built. Then kids can change one part at a time. Free lessons in the monsters hub.
The book that helps
Cute Cartoon Monsters and Weird Creatures are packed with monsters to learn from, then remix into your own.
How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Monsters
Trace Then Color: Weird Creatures
Draw by Grid: Weird CreaturesAs an Amazon Associate, FirstArtBooks earns from qualifying purchases.
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Questions
How do kids draw their own monster?
Pick a body shape, then mix and match eyes, mouth, horns, arms and legs and a special feature.
What are good monster drawing ideas?
A monster under the bed, a sock-eating monster, a monster chef, a slime monster or a monster superhero.
Why are monsters good for kids to draw?
Monsters have no right or wrong look, so kids can experiment and invent without pressure.