Start with a large head circle and seated body, then build a fox with pointed ears and a bushy tail. Add a pretend astronaut suit and finish with colour.
What you will learn
Simple shapes can become an expressive, original character.
Skills: Basic shape drawing, facial expressions and original character design
Jump to picture steps ↓What you’ll need
- Plain paper
- Pencil and eraser
- Black pen (optional)
- Orange and teal colouring pencils
Get ready: Draw on scrap paper first; demonstrate one light circle and a seated body shape.
Make it, one picture at a time.
Look at the picture, try that step on your paper, then move to the next. Follow the numbered stages, then choose your own colours and details.
STEP 01Sketch a large round head, smaller seated body, and soft front paws. A light guide line can help place the face.
STEP 02Add two tall triangular ears, little tufts of fur and a fluffy curved tail.
STEP 03Draw two big eyes, a small nose and a happy mouth. Keep the first construction lines light.
STEP 04Sketch a round space helmet, ear covers, a collar and a small control panel. Imagine how the fox would breathe and communicate.
STEP 05Trace the chosen lines, erase the guides gently and add a few star shapes around the character.
STEP 06Colour your fox orange, leave the muzzle cream and add contrasting colours to the space suit. Invent a name for the planet.
Make it your own
Try a different face or helmet design. A character feels more original when you change its expression, costume and story.
Talk about it: What would your fox discover on its planet?
Help a young artist learn
These practical notes are for parents, carers and teachers. Children can follow the picture steps above.
For parents and carers — teach together
Start together
Draw on scrap paper first; demonstrate one light circle and a seated body shape.
During the activity
Invite the child to imagine a job or planet for the fox, then listen to their story.
Afterwards
Ask: What would your fox discover on its planet?
For teachers — classroom adaptation
Learning focus
Basic shape drawing, facial expressions and original character design
Demonstrate and guide
Demonstrate how a circle and triangles create a recognizable character before allowing personal costumes.
Observe, do not grade the artwork
Ask learners to describe one choice they made and one thing they would try differently.
Make it easier or take it further
Make it easier
Draw only a fox face with two ears and a smile.
Extra challenge
Add a second pose or a three-frame space adventure.
Keep creating
Make animals using circles, triangles and squares
An easy drawing challenge that shows how complex pictures begin with simple shapes.
Draw a friendly monster from simple shapes
Turn three basic shapes into a funny character with a personality of its own.
Activities are suggestions, not assessments. Adapt materials and supervise as needed.