How to Draw a Nose

In just a few simple steps, you'll learn how to draw a nose. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned artist, our guide has got you covered! With simple step-by-step instructions, you'll be on your way to leveling up your drawing skills in no time. With our nose drawing tutorial, you'll be able to create fantastic face clipart and funny stickers or simply impress your friends with your newfound talent.

With this nose drawing guide, use any medium you have on hand or are comfortable with. These could be digital programs such as Procreate or traditional mediums like crayons or paint. We recommend using at least some light or erasable sketching medium to make your rough sketches.

Want to learn how to draw other features of the human face? Check out our drawing tutorials on how to draw an eye or draw lips to go along with your nose illustration.

Step 1 - Create a Rough Nose Sketch

The first step in drawing a nose is to sketch it out with a pencil or light-colored medium. Let's start by drawing a simple guideline through the center of our drawing area.

Create the Base Shape

Start drawing a circle on the lower half of your guideline (shown in red). This will be the tip of the nose. Then, above the circle, sketch a narrower rectangular shape at the top to create the bridge of the nose.

Tip: Adjust the size and shape of your nose sketch by changing the circle's size and the rectangle's width.

Add the Nostrils

Draw two small circles at the bottom sides of the large circle, as we did with red in our example image below. These will be the nostrils. Make sure they are aligned with each other and are of equal size. Then draw curved lines from the outer edge of the nostrils toward the base of the rectangle shape.

Step 2 - Define your Nose Sketch

Now that you have sketched out the base shape, it's time to define your lines. The nose outline should begin around the guide circles for the septum. Use any permanent or dark medium to create your line drawing, such as a Procreate Calligraphy brush, felt tip maker, or pen.

Looking at our example image below, trace around the top of your nostril circles and below the large circle.

Then create a solid or minimalist line on the side of the nose and bridge. Make sure you define the nostrils by taking your outline through the small circles.

If there are any extra details you would like to add, like freckles or piercings, feel free to do so. Once you have traced and created your line art, go ahead and erase your rough sketches.

Step 3 - Apply Color to your Nose Illustration

Use a variety of skin color palette shades to add color to your nose clipart, such as light pink, peach, beige, and brown. As you are using your colors, think of how you want to create depth and dimension on the nose.

Layer your colors and use one of these blending methods in Procreate is a great way to create gradient effects or add texture. Start with your lightest base colors and apply your highlight to the center of the nose.

Then, keep using a darker color to add shading in the nostrils, around the nose, and bridge to complete your drawing.

Tip: Create realistic highlights and shading on your nose by using a reference photo in Procreate.

Congratulations on finishing our how-to drawing exercise! We hope you enjoyed learning techniques and tips to create a nose drawing. Use your illustration to make facial expressions and humorous wall prints, or combine it with other elements to add to your digital library.

If you're looking for more drawing inspiration, we have a variety of FREE drawing tutorials available for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. We've got you covered whether you're into drawing animals, food, or portraits!