Step 15: Draw the rest of the smilodon's head by using the initial rectangle shape as a guide. Draw a curved line at the bottom using quick, short strokes to emphasize the strong jaw.

Step 16: Using the lines on the left side as guides, draw the smilodon's front legs. Lightly sketch the shape of the first leg as you follow the path of the line. When you get the structure right, darken the lines. Add a few curved lines within the shape for the muscle structure. Add a couple of curved lines at the end of the smilodon's feet to separate the individual toes. Smilodons were stocky and had relatively short legs, so don't draw the saber-tooth cat's legs too long or thin. Use the other line as a guide to draw the leg on the other side. Sketch the shape of the leg lightly at first. Once you get the structure right, darken the lines.

Step 17: Now use the lines on the right side as guides to draw the hind legs. Remember to sketch out the leg lightly at first as you follow the basic path of the lines. Darken the lines when you get the structure right. Draw curved lines at the bottom for the toes and within the leg for the muscles. Finish drawing the last leg by using the line farthest to the right as a guide. The smilodon is stepping forward, so draw the legs somewhat apart for a wider stance.

Step 18: Draw the rest of the smilodon's body by using the remaining lines as guides. Follow the basic path of the guides as you darken the lines. Use quick, short strokes for a furry texture. Use the short, curved line as a guide to draw the smilodon's small, stubby tail.

Step 19 (optional): For a cleaner look, erase as much as you can of the initial lines. Don't worry about erasing all of the guides. It's okay to leave some behind. Also re-draw any final sketch lines that you may have accidentally erased.

Final Step (optional): Add some shading to your smilodon drawing to give it more dimension and volume. Pick the direction of the light source when shading so that the shadows are consistent with it. Vary the pressure on your pencil to get different degrees of tonal value. Shade the individual curved lines along the legs and body to emphasize the smilodon's muscle structure. Alternate between light and dark values by adjusting the pressure on your pencil to achieve a rounder, more three-dimensional look.

Draw a cast shadow underneath. This helps ground the saber-tooth cat so it doesn't appear to be floating.

You can add more value throughout your smilodon drawing for extra detail. Add the value by using strokes that go in the general direction of the saber-tooth cat's fur. Use an even value throughout the entire body for a solid coat pattern. No one is exactly sure what the coat of a smilodon looked like, so you can draw yours however you want. You can draw spots, stripes or leave it solid. For a spotted coat like this, push harder on your pencil to create a darker pattern. Don't overthink it. Just add the spots randomly. Don't forget to pause the "How to Draw a Smilodon" video to draw at your own pace.

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