How to Draw a Cute Smiling Girl

7 simple steps to draw a cute smiling girl (start from guidelines) 

Tools: pencil HB/2B, eraser, fineliner/ink pen (optional), blending stump or tissue, sketch paper (A4 or sketchbook). For digital: use basic brush, pressure sensitivity if available. 

Step 1 — Setup guidelines (foundation) 

Draw a vertical centerline for face symmetry. 

Draw an oval for the head (slightly wider at top than chin). 

Divide the oval horizontally into 3 equal parts: 

Hairline (top third) 

Eye line (middle of face) 

Nose/midline (lower third) 

Add a chin line slightly pointed for a cute look (soft V). 

Draw a horizontal guide halfway between eye line and chin for mouth placement. 

Step 2 — Block in major shapes (face & hair) 

Mark jawline gently from ear level down to chin following vertical guideline. 

On the eye line, place two almond shapes roughly one eye-width apart (space between eyes ≈ one eye). Add a small rounded nose between nose guide and mouth guide (tiny “u”). 

Draw a simple mouth: slight curve + tiny upper lip line — a gentle smile (don’t overdefine). 

Sketch hairline and basic hair volume — for cute style, make hair slightly oversized and rounded (soft bangs or side sweep). 

Tip: For “cute” style enlarge eyes slightly and shorten nose/chin distances. 

Step 3 — Define facial features (eyes, nose, mouth) 

Eyes: large irises that touch the lower eyelid slightly. 

Add two highlights (big + small) for sparkle. 

Eyelashes: short, upward curve at outer edges. 

Keep them soft — not too many lines. 

Eyebrows: thin, rounded, slightly raised to enhance friendly expression. 

Nose: keep it small and soft — a few lines or a tiny shadow beneath. 

Mouth: small curved line with a tiny ‘smile crease’ at ends. 

Add a soft lower lip line if needed. Make each feature simple and expressive — less detail = cuter. 

Step 4 — Hair details & ears Use sweeping lines for hair flow — define big clumps rather than individual strands. 

Add bangs: soft curved lines across forehead. 

Draw ears between eye line and nose line if visible — small and rounded. Erase unnecessary guidelines. Tip: Hair should frame the face and help silhouette; this sells the cute look. 

Step 5 — Neck, shoulders, clothing hints 

Neck: short and slightly narrow for a youthful appearance. 

Add shoulders and a simple top (rounded collar or sweater). 

Don’t overload detail — keep focus on face. 

Add small details like a hair clip, ribbon, or freckles (sparingly). 

These small accessories make the character memorable. 

Step 6 — Linework & cleanup Go over final lines with a darker pencil or a fineliner for digital ink. Clean erased stray marks; keep line weight varied (thicker outside contour, thinner interior lines). Preserve the eye highlights by avoiding ink or dark shading over them. Varying line weight brings depth while keeping the cute style soft. 

Step 7 — Shade, highlight, final touches Lightly shade under chin, under hair, and on the neck to show form. 

Add soft blush on cheeks (small circles brushed lightly). Use an eraser to create a highlight in hair if using pencil. 

Final check: adjust smile curve, make eyes sparkly, ensure symmetry. 

Optional: color with soft pastels or watercolor for a delicate, cute finish.