how to draw koi fish

Koi fishes are the colored varieties of the Amur carp. They are called nishikigoi in Japan, which literally translates to "brocaded carp" in English.

Their scales are also typically multi-colored, thus they are very appealing to look at.

Because of the distinct vibrant patterns on their scales, they are generally kept in outdoor ponds or water gardens for decorative purposes.

Their impeccable beauty has created a huge demand for a free koi fish drawing tutorial.

To fulfill our readers' wishes, we have curated a step-by-step tutorial on how to draw a koi fish, divided into 9 digestible steps to make it easier for you! drawing koi fish in 9 steps

What's more, each step comes with elaborate illustrations that serve as your visual guide as you follow the instructions one by one.

The most fun part about this tutorial is that you can customize the structure of the drawing as well as its colors. It enables you to create a very unique artwork of your own.

The best part? All you need is a piece of paper and your favorite pencil!

Have fun and use your creativity to draw a koi fish!

What's in this Blog Post

How to Draw a Koi Fish — Let's get started!
- Step 1
- Step 2 — Outline the Body of the Koi Fish
- Step 3 — Complete the Caudal Fin or the Tail
- Step 4 — Now, Draw the Pectoral Fin
- Step 5 — Draw All the Upper and Lower Fins
- Step 6 — Add Patterns on All the Fins
- Step 7 — Put a Smile on the Koi Fish's Face
- Step 8 — Draw a Huge, Gleaming Eye
- Step 9 — Now, Add Patterns All Over the Koi Fish's Scales
- Your Koi Fish Drawing is Complete!

How to Draw a Koi Fish — Let's get started!

Step 1

Starting in the very middle of your paper, draw a curved droplet shape to outline the shape of the koi fish.

In order to ensure that the koi fish will be drawn in the very center of your paper, draw an intersecting horizontal and vertical line across your paper to create reference lines.

The point where the two lines meet is where you should draw the body of your koi fish.

Step 2 — Outline the Body of the Koi Fish

On the pointed end of the koi fish's body, draw an upward curved line. Then, draw a halfway downward curved line beginning from the end point of the line we drew just now. This outlines one or the half of the koi fish's caudal fin or tail.

When drawn correctly, its shape should look like a three-quarters outline of a leaf.

Step 3 — Complete the Caudal Fin or the Tail

Using the outline of the half caudal fin we drew in the previous step, draw a similar shape right beside it to finalize the koi fish's caudal fin.

After finishing this step, the tail of your koi fish should now be full and complete.

Step 4 — Now, Draw the Pectoral Fin

In this step, we will now be structuring the fin on the side of the koi fish's body. Start by drawing an upward diagonal line.

Then, draw an inward curved vertical line starting from the end point of the line going downwards. Lastly, draw another diagonal line to complete the form of the fin.

Keep in mind that the two end points of the outline shouldn't be connected. Also, make sure that the corners of the fin should be curved rather than pointed.

Step 5 — Draw All the Upper and Lower Fins

The enormous fin at the top of a koi fish's body is called dorsal fin, while the two small ones at the bottom are called ventral fin and anal fin respectively.

Start by creating the fin at the top by drawing a wide curved line with both of its end points touching the surface of the koi fish's body.

Afterwards, draw two similar lines at the bottom of the koi fish's body. The fin on the right side should be relatively bigger than the one on the left side.

Step 6 — Add Patterns on All the Fins

After completing all the fins of the koi fish, it's time to add patterns and textures on it to make it appear more dimensional and realistic.

Draw multiple lines across the surface of all the fins to create its distinctive pattern. Bear in mind that the lines within the fins shouldn't be straight lines, rather it should be aligned with the natural outline of the fins.

Step 7 — Put a Smile on the Koi Fish's Face

Make your koi fish look happy by drawing an upward curved line on its face to create a huge grin.

Then, draw another curved line on the end point of the smile line to finish the look!

Step 8 — Draw a Huge, Gleaming Eye

Since the koi fish is facing sideways, only one eye is visible, thus we will be drawing only one. Draw a perfect circle above the koi fish's mouth to outline the eye.

Then, draw a small circle within the eye to create the iris.

In order to create a realistic-looking gleaming eye effect, shade the entire eye except the tiny circle inside. This trick can make the facial expression of any character look more adorable!

Step 9 — Now, Add Patterns All Over the Koi Fish's Scales

Koi fishes are particularly known for the unique patterns imprinted on their scales. It's actually really easy to create these patterns. Simply draw multiple uneven shapes all over their body.

Avoid stressing over the proportion of these outlines. It doesn't have to be perfect. As a matter of fact, the more uneven these patterns are, the more realistic they will look!

Now that we have successfully drawn a koi fish, it's time for the most enjoyable part, which is choosing the colors and coloring your koi fish drawing!

Koi fishes typically have varying combinations of black, white, and orange colors. However, there are some koi species that are purely gold or platinum in color.

You can opt to follow their standard colors or use a unique set of colors! Either way, we're sure you can color your koi fish beautifully and make it stand out.

Enjoy coloring your drawing and watch as your koi fish ultimately comes to life! koi fish drawing 9 steps

Your Koi Fish Drawing is Complete!

We hope you enjoy this step-by-step koi fish drawing tutorial. We think this artwork would make an amazing house decoration. It can be hanged up on your wall once it is colored and framed.

In which part of your house do you imagine this koi fish drawing would look great?

Remember, all of our drawing tutorials are 100% free for you to use as a guide.

We are uploading new content regularly, so make sure to keep re-visiting our catalog to enjoy all-new drawing tutorials. What kind of fish would you like to learn how to draw next?

Once you've finished your masterpiece, don't forget to show off the results of your hard work by sharing it on our Facebook page and on Pinterest.

While you're at it, please like our Facebook page as well! Your support would mean the world to us.

We are looking forward to seeing your colorful koi fish drawing! how to draw a koi fish in 9 easy steps