Kawaii dolphins are incredibly cute versions of one of the ocean's smartest animals, characterized by their round bodies and oversized, expressive eyes. This simple drawing style makes them a perfect subject for a black-and-white coloring page that artists of all ages can enjoy. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced doodler, creating this adorable sea creature is a fun way to practice your illustration skills.

What is kawaii dolphin?

The term 'kawaii' originates from Japan and translates to 'cute' or 'adorable,' often focusing on characters with large heads, small bodies, and simplified features. A kawaii dolphin takes the sleek, natural form of a dolphin and transforms it into a soft, chubby character that emphasizes charm over realism. This style is a staple in Japanese pop culture and character design, making it a favorite for stickers, stationery, and plush toys worldwide.

Materials You'll Need

  • Pencil (HB or #2 for sketching)
  • Eraser (for cleaning up guidelines)
  • Black fine-tip marker or pen (for final outlines)
  • Drawing paper or printer paper
  • Colored pencils, markers, or crayons (for coloring!)
Step 1: Start with an Oval

Step 1: Start with an Oval

Draw a large, slightly tilted oval in the center of your page to represent the dolphin's main body. Keep your pencil lines light so you can easily erase them later as we refine the shape into a clean line drawing.

Step 2: Add the Snout

Step 2: Add the Snout

On the front side of the oval, draw a small, rounded 'U' shape pointing outwards to create the dolphin's rostrum. Make sure the lines blend smoothly into the main body oval to maintain a seamless and cute appearance.

Step 3: Draw the Fins

Step 3: Draw the Fins

Sketch a small, curved triangular shape on the top for the dorsal fin and two smaller side fins near the middle of the body. Ensure these fins are rounded at the tips rather than sharp to keep the kawaii aesthetic consistent.

Step 4: Create the Tail

Step 4: Create the Tail

At the back end of the body, draw two leaf-like shapes that meet at a center point to form the tail fluke. Make the tail slightly larger than a realistic dolphin's tail to give the character a more balanced and whimsical look.

Step 5: Add Kawaii Eyes

Step 5: Add Kawaii Eyes

Draw two large, solid black circles in the middle of the face, leaving two tiny white spots in each for highlights. This 'sparkle' in the eyes is the most important part of making your dolphin look truly friendly and adorable.

Step 6: Final Details and Outlining

Step 6: Final Details and Outlining

Add a tiny, curved smile just below the snout and some small circles around the dolphin to represent bubbles. Trace over your final lines with a dark pen or marker to create a bold black-and-white drawing that is perfect for coloring.

Pro Tips

  • Use pastel colors like light blue, mint green, or soft pink to enhance the 'kawaii' feel of your character.
  • When coloring, add a little bit of pink blush circles under the eyes to make the dolphin look even happier.
  • Keep your final outlines thick and bold to make the drawing pop like a professional coloring book page.

Get the Finished Coloring Page

Don't want to draw it yourself? Grab the ready-to-print kawaii dolphin coloring page!

View Coloring Page

Congratulations on finishing your very own kawaii dolphin! Now that you have a clean black-and-white line drawing, it's time to grab your favorite markers or crayons and bring it to life with vibrant colors. Don't forget to share your finished masterpiece with friends and family to spread the cuteness!