Please PAUSE the "How to Draw a Smilodon" video after each step to draw at your own pace.
For the first few steps, don't press down too hard with your pencil. Use light, smooth strokes to begin.
Step 1: Draw two circles as guides for the smilodon's body. The circles don't have to be perfect. They're just guides. The circles should be about the same size. Don't place them too far apart, otherwise the smilodon will be too long.
Step 2: Draw a tilted rectangle on the left side of the circles as a guide for the smilodon's head. The rectangle should be about a quarter the size of the first circle, and the lower, right corner should touch the edge of the circle.
Step 3: Draw two intersecting lines inside the head to help you when learning how to draw the smilodon's facial features later.
Step 4: Draw two arc-like shapes on the left side of the head as guides for the saber-tooth tiger's top and lower jaw. The top jaw should be bigger and directly on the side of the smilodon's head. The lower jaw should be small and on the lower left corner of the head.
Step 5: Draw a rounder arc on the upper right side of the smilodon's head as a guide for the ear.
Step 6: Draw a series of lines that connect the major shapes to form the saber-tooth tiger's body. Add a short, curved line on the right side for the smilodon's stubby tail.
Step 7: Draw four lines under the body (two under each circle) as guides for the smilodon's legs. Bend the lines to indicate where the feet and joints will be.
That's it for the initial sketch! From this point on, press harder with your pencil to get a more defined sketch.
Step 8: Draw the smilodon's eye on the upper left portion inside the head. Use the lines as guides for placement. The shape of the smilodon's eye is similar to a greater-than sign with a curved line for the eyeball. Shade the inside of the eyeball except for a tiny circle to represent glare. Add a few lines around the eye for extra detail on the fur.
Step 9: Draw the smilodon's nose on the tip of the upper jaw. The shape is similar to a triangle. Draw a darkened slit for the nostril and a curved line on the top for the top of the muzzle.
Step 10: Use the initial shapes as guides to draw the top jaw. Draw a curved line as you follow the basic path of the guides to form the top part of the saber-tooth tiger's open mouth. Draw a couple of pointy shapes at the tip of the mouth for the front teeth. Now draw the smilodon's distinctive canines as long, pointy shapes that extend all the way down toward the lower jaw. Make the teeth long but leave room at the bottom to draw the lower jaw. Add the visible part of the canine on the other side too.
Step 11: Continue to extend the curved line using the initial shapes as guides to create the lower part of the smilodon's open mouth. Draw a few pointy shapes at the bottom for the bottom row of teeth and a couple of curved lines around them for the gums. Add the chin under the open mouth by following the basic path of the guides. Use quick, short strokes for a fuzzy feel.
Step 12: Draw a couple of curved lines to represent the other side of the smilodon's open mouth.
Step 13: Add a few lines around the top of the muzzle for extra detail. The curved lines on the saber-tooth cat's muzzle represent the wrinkled skin that gives the smilodon a more ferocious snarl.
Step 14: Use the small arc on the head as a guide to draw the smilodon's ears. Add a few quick, short strokes in the ear for the fur.
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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