Drawing HeiHei
Draw HeiHei from Moana using simple shapes, pencil sketching, inking, and coloring. Practice proportions, expressions, and using bright colors for feathers.
About this tutorial
Draw HeiHei from Moana using simple shapes, pencil sketching, inking, and coloring. Practice proportions, expressions, and using bright colors for feathers.
What you need
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Place your reference picture of HeiHei where you can see it easily.
- 2
Step 2
Lightly draw a large oval for HeiHeiâs body.
- 3
Step 3
Lightly draw a smaller circle overlapping the top of the oval for HeiHeiâs head.
- 4
Step 4
Sketch a long thin triangle for the beak coming out of the head.
- 5
Step 5
Draw two big round eyes and add small pupils inside them.
- 6
Step 6
Add a thin S-shaped neck connecting the head and body.
- 7
Step 7
Draw two thin legs with three pointy toes on each foot under the body.
- 8
Step 8
Add zigzag tufts on the head and a few long curved tail feathers.
- 9
Step 9
Change the eye shapes or add slanted eyebrow lines to give HeiHei a funny expression.
- 10
Step 10
Erase extra guidelines so only the neat sketch lines remain.
- 11
Step 11
Ink over your final lines with the black marker.
- 12
Step 12
Let the ink dry completely.
- 13
Step 13
Gently erase any remaining pencil marks.
- 14
Step 14
Color HeiHei using bright colors for the feathers a yellow or orange beak and pink or red legs.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished HeiHei drawing on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I draw HeiHei from Moana step by step?
Start by observing a reference image. Block HeiHei into simple shapes: a circle for the head, an oval for the body, thin rectangles for the beak and legs. Lightly pencil sketch proportions, position eyes and comb to capture his goofy expression. Refine outlines, erase construction lines, then ink with a fine linerâvary line weight for character. After ink dries, erase pencil marks and color feathers using bright, saturated hues; add shadows and highlights to finish.
What materials do I need to draw HeiHei?
Paper (sketchbook or heavyweight drawing paper), HB and 2B pencils, pencil sharpener, kneaded and vinyl erasers, fine liners (0.3â0.8 mm), colored pencils, markers or watercolor set for vibrant feathers, a blending stump or cotton swab, ruler for proportions, and a printed reference image of HeiHei. Optional: lightbox, masking tape to keep paper steady, and scrap paper for color testing. Also have a cup of water and paper towel if using watercolors.
What ages is drawing HeiHei suitable for?
This activity suits kids aged about 5 and up. Ages 5â7 enjoy basic shape-building and will need adult help with detailed inking and precise coloring. Ages 8â12 can follow step-by-step drawing and experiment with expressions and color choices independently. Teens and adults can focus on refining proportions, textures, and advanced shading. Always supervise younger children with inks, paints, or small tools.
What are the benefits of drawing HeiHei for kids?
Drawing HeiHei helps children practice proportions, facial expressions, and simplifying complex shapesâkey art fundamentals. It improves fine motor skills, handâeye coordination, and color theory understanding when choosing bright feather palettes. The stepwise process from sketching to inking builds patience and confidence, while experimenting with expressions encourages storytelling and emotion recognition. For families, it's a low-cost, screen-free activity that can be adapted into group exer
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I don't have a black marker or a printed reference picture?
If you don't have a black marker for the 'Ink over your final lines' step, use a fine-tip permanent pen or dark gel pen, and if you can't print the reference picture, display it on a tablet or phone where you can see it easily.
My sketch looks messy or the head and body don't line upâwhat should I do before inking?
Keep the initial large oval and smaller overlapping circle very light so you can adjust the 'thin S-shaped neck', beak, and eye placement, then use the 'Erase extra guidelines' step to clean proportions before you 'Ink over your final lines'.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older children?
For younger kids, pre-draw the large oval and smaller circle for them to trace and let them 'Color HeiHei' with crayons, while older kids can add feather texture, shading, and extra ink details after 'Let the ink dry completely'.
How can we extend or personalize the drawing once HeiHei is finished?
Personalize HeiHei by changing the eye shapes or adding slanted eyebrow lines for a funny expression, create a bright beach background with colored pencils or watercolor after erasing pencil marks, and then photograph it to 'Share your finished HeiHei drawing on DIY.org'.