How to Draw a Totem Pole easy with this how-to video and step-by-step drawing instructions. Learn to draw for beginners and everyone.

How to Draw a Totem Pole

Please see the drawing tutorial in the video below


Get Creative with Mrs. Jones

You can refer to the simple step-by-step drawing guide below

Step 1

Start this first step with a long rectangle and then add guide lines on the face of the sculpture.

Step 2

Alright, you will start sketching the eagle side of the totem column design. This is really easy to do even if it looks scary, as you can see how simple and easy the shapes and lines are drawn.

Step 3

Next draw horns as ears for the eagle part of the totem column and then draw eyes. Complete the shape of the wings and then you can move on to the next step. You are doing great, just keep up the good work.

Step 4

Is a totem pole made of wood? In order for your totem pole to look realistic, you have to detail it to look like wood. So what I want you to do is sketch some small scratches on the top of the eagle’s head and then on the ears. Once done, you can start to detail the eyebrows part of the totem pole and then detail the wings, face and beak.

Step 5

All you have to do here is detail the wings and around the eagle’s face. Once done, you can move on to the next step. Remember since this is a tutorial that can be your own, you can design your totem any way you want.

Step 6

You will start out sketching the second half of the totem column as you see here. I love the way this part came out because it looks so authentic and creative. But like I said, do what you’re more creative with. All you are really drawing in this step is the pole design.

Step 7

As you can see, you are almost done with this lesson. What I want you to do next is start the third half of the totem by drawing out a set of teeth and then the paws. You will also draw other shapes and lines to complete the design.

Step 8

This is your final drawing step and just like step two, you’ll need a detailed sketch for the wood effect. Draw the face of the bottom totem and then draw the nose and mouth. Next, add some shadows and then start erasing the principles and shapes to complete your drawing.

Step 9

This is what you should end up with when you’re done. Color in your column and you’re done with this tutorial on “how to draw a totem column step by step”.