How to Draw Demons

Fantastical images of mythical beasts are a huge part of the horror, science-fiction and fantasy genres. From Iron Maiden's heavy metal mascot, Eddie, to the myriad of sinister creatures in "Lord of the Rings," demons are a popular representation of our deepest fears. The right drawing techniques can help you bring demons to life on paper, whether for a comic book, film or just your own sketchbook.

Instructions

1. Sketch a light outline of the overall shape before you fill in the features. Consider its posture and whether you want it to stand up straight or hunch over like a gargoyle.

2. Draw eyes that slant upward at the outer corner. Draw a heavy, arching eyebrow bone above the eyes, but don't add too much hair, such as eyelashes or eyebrows. Give the pupils a slit, cat-eye look.

3. Create a small, stubby nose that's not much further down from the eyes. Many drawings of demons show them with flared nostrils, and noses that are so small they resemble that of a skull or pig.

4. Give the mouth an open, evil smile. An open mouth will give you the opportunity to draw teeth that are spiky and jagged.

5. Shade in the cheekbones. Many representations of demons show them with sunken, skeletal cheekbones, which give them the look of death.

6. Add pointy ears and small horns protruding from the temple. You can keep the head bald or add tendrils of straggly hair.

7. Pencil-in the torso, limbs and wings. You can get creative with the body details, and make the body appear either muscular and powerful or skeletal and frail.