In Maurice Sendak's famous book – Where the Wild Things Are – a boy named Max is sent to his room, and using his imagination… journey's to another world – one where 'the Wild Things' live.

Here, learn how to draw one of the more memorable creatures from this book.

Here goes…

First Step – A Structure for Your Wild Thing!

A quick look at the images in the book once again, and you get a nice idea for the structure of which these monsters are composed of. This one in particular – is best represented with a couple ovals/circles. The arms and legs are simple enough that we can use some lines to hold them in place.

Use this to help you establish proportion and form early on…

Where the Wild Things Are - simple framework image Where the Wild Things Are - framework for drawing a monster Cartoon monster framework for Where the Wild Things Are Detailed monster framework for Where the Wild Things Are

One key feature with respect to this one, is its 'lion-like' mane that appears around the circumferenceof its head. As you can see, the orange line marks this off above. Sketching in his hair will be that much easier.

On to the drawing part…

Second Step – Draw Your Monster, Step by Step

The best place to start – is with its eyes. The nose takes on a distinct shape, and here, I've simplified it (as with many parts of this lesson) – so its easier for you to draw, and turn – have your end result look like the one from the book.

Step by step, here's how it takes shape…

Eyes and nose for cartoon monster from Where the Wild Things Are Horns and mouth of the monster from Where the Wild Things Are Mane of the monster from Where the Wild Things Are Facial details for the monster from Where the Wild Things Are Drawing the body of the monster from Where the Wild Things Are Drawing of the monster's arms from Where the Wild Things Are Starting the monster's feet from Where the Wild Things Are Continuing with the monster's feet from Where the Wild Things Are Where the Wild Things Are mosnter almost complete Where the Wild Things Are monster complete Where the Wild Things Are monster image Colored Where the Wild Things Are monster cartoon drawing

Looking back, I just can't help to think and comment — Maurice Sendak has quite the imagination!

Having completed one of the creatures from Where the Wild Things Are, see if you can tackle some of the others – using a similar approach.

Congrats on a job well drawn! 🙂