Step 15: Use the remaining lines and shapes as guides to draw the rest of the meerkat's body and tail. Simply follow the path of the guides as you darken the lines to create the shape of the body. Use the line on the right as a guide to draw the meerkat's tail. Make it thick at the base and pointy at the tip.

Step 16 (optional): For a cleaner look, erase as much as you can of the initial guide lines. Don't worry about erasing all of the guides. It's okay to leave some behind. Re-draw any final sketch lines that you may have accidentally erased.

Final Step (optional): Add some shading to your 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. Add the value lightly at first, then gradually build up to the level of darkness that you want. Vary the pressure on your pencil to get a different degrees of tonal value.

Add a cast shadow underneath. This helps ground the meerkat so it doesn't appear to be floating.

You can add even more value throughout your drawing for extra detail. Use a darker value around the meerkat's eyes, ears and nose. Use a lighter value for the rest of the head. Shading can be time-consuming, so be patient and take breaks. Try to add the value by using strokes that go in the general direction of the fur. It's always a good idea to use reference for a more accurate drawing. Remember to pause the "How to Draw a Meerkat" video after each step to draw at your own pace. Use a slightly darker value to create the light stripes across the back.