A deer looks tricky because of the long legs and antlers, but it is just a few simple shapes. This guide shows how to draw a deer in a cute, simple style: a round head, an oval body, straight legs and branching antlers.
The free printable has a step-by-step sheet, a tracing page, a practice sheet with a grid and a coloring page. It is a good winter and Christmas drawing for kids from about age 5.
What’s in the PDF
- Step-by-step sheet with 6 numbered steps; new lines are black, earlier lines are grey
- Tracing page with a large deer in light grey to trace over
- Practice sheet with a small reference and two boxes with a light grid
- Coloring page with the finished deer in bold outlines
How to draw a deer step by step
- Draw the head and snout. A round head with a smaller oval snout at the bottom.
- Add the ears. Two leaf shapes on the sides of the head.
- Draw the antlers. Two lines going up from the top of the head, each with two short branches.
- Draw the neck and body. Two curved lines down from the head, then a big oval for the body.
- Add four legs. Two straight lines for each leg and a small block at the bottom for the hoof.
- Finish the face. Add eyes, a nose and a smile, a small tail and a few spots on the back.
Keep the legs straight and evenly spaced; that is what makes a simple deer look like it is standing.
Trace it first
If drawing freehand feels hard, start with the tracing page. Go over the grey lines with a pencil, pressing lightly, and you will learn the shapes and the order without worrying about mistakes. Then try again on the practice sheet.
Practice on the grid
The practice sheet has a small finished deer for reference and two boxes with a faint grid. The grid helps with size and spacing: count how many squares tall the deer is in the reference, then draw it the same way.
Color the finished drawing
Use light brown for the body, darker brown for the antlers and hooves, and cream for the snout and spots. Add a red nose and it becomes a reindeer.
Drawing tips for kids
- Draw the body oval lightly first and fix its size before adding legs.
- Make the antlers different heights for a more natural look.
- Add a scarf or a bell collar for a Christmas reindeer.
- Draw a snowy ground line under the hooves.
Download the pages one by one
Prefer a single page? Click a link to open the full-size PNG, then print it or save it. The full PDF with all pages and a cover is in the download box.
- How to draw a deer: step-by-step sheet (PNG)
- a Deer tracing page (PNG)
- a Deer practice sheet with grid (PNG)
- a Deer coloring page (PNG)
More winter animals and Christmas drawing: try how to draw a snowflake, how to draw a Christmas tree or the Christmas coloring pages.
FAQ
How do I turn the deer into a reindeer?
Color the nose red, give it a collar with a small bell and make the antlers a little bigger. That is all it takes.
What paper should I print it on?
Plain US Letter printer paper works. Use cardstock if your child will color with markers or wants to keep the drawing.
Can I use it in my classroom?
Yes. The pages are free for personal and classroom use. Print a copy for every student, and link to this page instead of sharing the PDF file.
