Please PAUSE the "How to Draw an Octopus" video after each step to draw at your own pace.

Time-Lapse (Speed Drawing) video:

Written step-by-step video tutorial:

For the first few steps, don't press down too hard with your pencil. Use light, smooth strokes to begin.

Step 1: Draw a circle near the right side of the paper as a guide for the main part of the octopus's body. First draw four small marks to indicate the height and width of the circle, then connect the marks using curved lines. Sketch lightly at first so that it's easy to erase if you make mistake. But the circle doesn't have to be perfect. It's just a guide. If you're having a hard time drawing the circle, trace the outer rim of a glass, a lid or any other object with a circular edge. For a more detailed guide on the different ways to draw a circle check out this tutorial: Four simple ways to draw a circle.

Step 2: Draw an arc on either side of the body as a guide for the second part of the octopus's body. First make a small mark to indicate the height of the arc, then connect the mark to the circle using curved lines. The arc on the right side of the circle should be a lot shorter. The end result should look like a giant eye.

Step 3: Add the lower half of the body by first drawing two sloping lines on the left side. Then draw another curved line on the left side to close up the shape and complete the guide for the octopus's body.

Step 4: Draw the guide for the octopus's first tentacle as a long line the stretches toward the left. Sketch the line lightly at first to determine where the tentacle will go, then darken the guide. Add another line above for another tentacle. For an easier drawing, don't curve the tips of the guide lines.

Step 5: Add two more lines to the left of the octopus's body two more tentacles. Make the guide lines curve more or wavier if you'd like. You can also draw them longer.