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Autumn

How to Draw a Kawaii Maple Leaf Step by Step

Learn how to draw a kawaii maple leaf with this easy step-by-step tutorial. We’ll begin with simple guide shapes, build the classic maple leaf outline, add veins and a cute face, then finish with warm autumn…

  • 15 minutes
  • 8 steps
How to Draw a Kawaii Maple Leaf Step by Step

Before You Start

Learn how to draw a kawaii maple leaf with this easy step-by-step tutorial. We’ll begin with simple guide shapes, build the classic maple leaf outline, add veins and a cute face, then finish with warm autumn colors.

This tutorial is beginner-friendly and perfect for fall doodles, journaling, stickers, seasonal artwork, and cute autumn illustrations.

What You Need

  • Pencil
  • Eraser
  • Black pen or fineliner
  • Colored pencils, markers, or digital brushes
  • Drawing paper or tablet
Step 1

Draw the Basic Guide Shapes

Start by drawing a large circle.

Then add a wide rectangle overlapping the lower part of the circle. These simple shapes will help you control the overall width and proportions of the maple leaf.

Add a vertical and horizontal center line inside the circle to help keep the drawing balanced.

Step 2

Add the Main Guidelines

From the center point, draw several diagonal guide lines spreading outward.

These lines will show where the main points of the maple leaf will go.

Keep the guidelines light because you will erase them later.

Step 3

Sketch the Maple Leaf Shape

Now use the guide lines to create the basic maple leaf outline.

Draw one tall point at the top, two large points on the sides, and smaller pointed sections near the bottom.

Connect the sections with curved inward lines.

At this stage, focus on getting the overall maple leaf shape rather than making the edges perfect.

Step 4

Draw the Stem

From the center of the leaf, draw a long narrow stem extending downward.

Give it a gentle curve instead of making it completely straight.

Round the bottom slightly for a softer kawaii look.

Step 5

Add the Leaf Veins

Use the guidelines to draw the main veins inside the leaf.

Start with a central vein running upward from the stem.

Then add several veins spreading toward the outer points of the leaf.

Add a few short branch lines along each vein for extra detail.

Step 6

Refine the Leaf Edges

Now make the outer edge more natural.

Instead of keeping each section perfectly smooth, add small curves, tiny bumps, and subtle pointed details around the outline.

This gives the maple leaf more texture while keeping the drawing simple and cute.

Step 7

Clean the Drawing and Add a Cute Face

Erase the original circle, rectangle, and any other guide lines you no longer need.

Trace the final outline cleanly.

Then add a simple kawaii face near the center of the leaf.

Draw:

  • Two tiny oval eyes
  • A small curved smile
  • Simple blush marks if you like

Keep the facial features small so they do not cover the leaf veins.

Step 8

Color Your Kawaii Maple Leaf

Finish your drawing with warm autumn colors.

For this example, use a soft orange tone for the leaf and a darker brown for the stem.

You can also add pink blush to the cheeks for an extra cute touch.

Other great fall colors include:

  • Golden yellow
  • Burnt orange
  • Warm red
  • Rust brown
  • Peach
  • Muted green

And that’s it! You’ve learned how to draw a kawaii maple leaf step by step.

Drawing Resources

A few tools and books that can make drawing easier and more fun.

Kawaii Drawing Book

Kawaii Drawing Book

A simple guide for cute characters and beginner-friendly sketching.

View on Amazon
iPad for Digital Drawing

iPad for Digital Drawing

A great digital drawing tool for sketching cute tutorials anywhere.

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Apple Pencil

Apple Pencil

Perfect for line art, note-taking, and digital doodling.

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Colors Alcohol Markers

Colors Alcohol Markers

Smooth, vibrant markers for coloring cute drawings.

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Sketchbook

Sketchbook

A nice everyday sketchbook for practice and doodles.

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Fine Line Pens

Fine Line Pens

Helpful for clean outlines and cute little details.

View on Amazon

Some links may be affiliate links, which means Cute Thing Corner may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Final Tips

Your finished maple leaf has the classic pointed shape of a maple leaf, but the simple construction and tiny face give it a cute kawaii style.

You can use this drawing for:

  • Fall doodles
  • Autumn journal pages
  • Cute stickers
  • Printable worksheets
  • Seasonal illustrations
  • Greeting cards
  • Kawaii drawing practice

Try making several leaves in different autumn colors to create a complete fall-themed illustration.

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