How To Draw a Planet in 4 Easy Steps

This is a simple planet drawing tutorial for beginners. I’ve broken it down into 4 easy to follow steps to make learning how to draw a planet as simple as possible. That way, even you can learn how to draw a planet!

The planet we will be drawing:

Step 1: Draw a Circle

Simple and easy is always the goal around here. Draw a circle to be the main body of the planet. If you’re practicing basic shapes, you might also like my tutorial on how to draw a sphere, since planets are basically giant spheres floating through space. Remember that planets aren’t perfectly round, so don’t worry if your planet is a little lumpy.

Step 2: Draw the Land Masses

Randomly draw some blobby shapes around the planet. These will be the land masses. Letting a few of them overlap the outline gives your planet drawing a cool look if you ask me.

Step 3: Draw the Rings

Right now our planet drawing looks a lot like Earth. Lets make it look a little more alien with some rings. Speaking of aliens, you can also learn how to draw a cartoon alien if you’d like to populate your new planet.

Step 4: Add the details

Scratch up the planet. Add some texture lines, dots, and marks. Make it look like it’s been around for billions of years.

Bonus Step: Color and Shade the Planet

If you feel like it, color and shade your drawing. Make it look extra alien by choosing crazy colors. Then, choose a light source and make sure you stick to it when you’re adding the highlights and shadows.

I appreciate you taking a look at this how to draw a planet tutorial. It really means a lot to me.

If you want to draw more weird space stuff, check out my tutorials on how to draw a UFO, how to draw a rocket ship, how to draw a space helmet, and how to draw a sun.

Drawing Challenge

Make your own planet. Change the color or number of rings. Maybe replace the rings with a moon. Create your own land masses. Create an entire solar system.

faq’s

Does my planet need to be round?

It can be round if you want it to be. Planets are kinda weird and lumpy so if you can’t draw a perfect circle, no big deal. If you want a perfect circle trace a cup. I think Neil deGrasse Tyson said earth is pear shaped so feel free to try any shape.

Does my planet need rings?

If you don’t like a ringed planet, change it. You could add rings, tilt them, or change the color. You don’t even need rings. Try replacing them with a moon.

Why does my planet look flat?

If you don’t shade the planet, it will probably end up looking like a circle. A planet is a sphere, so if you need help with shading one of those check out my how to draw a Sphere tutorial.