Who’s Moo Deng, you ask? Solely the web’s cutest child hippo! And wright here is Moo Deng from? Based on Wikipedia, Moo Deng is a child pygmy hippopotamus born on July 10, 2024, at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand.
Her identify, that means “bouncy pork” in Thai, was chosen by way of a public ballot. Moo Deng gained worldwide fame as a result of her playful demeanor and endearing look, resulting in a big improve in zoo guests and widespread on-line consideration.
Learn to create a cute illustration of Moo Deng utilizing Adobe Illustrator. Remodel easy shapes and use artistic methods to make your design stand out. Good for anybody who adores cute illustrations or is trying to have a enjoyable time, this tutorial will provide you with cute animal drawing concepts to stage up your design abilities. If you happen to already know how to attract in Illustrator, you’ll cruise by way of this tutorial simply.
Let’s get began!
What you’ll study on this Moo Deng tutorial
- Tips on how to draw Moo Deng in Illustrator
- Tips on how to create an simple, cute animal drawing
- Tips on how to use Warp Results
- Tips on how to create a cute animal illustration utilizing fundamental shapes
- How to attract in Adobe Illustrator
1. Tips on how to create Moo Deng’s head in Illustrator
Step 1
After you have opened Adobe Illustrator, create a brand new doc (File > New). Enter 850 px Width and 750 px Peak within the new dialogue window, and press OK. This will likely be your new artboard.
Now, let’s begin our cute animal illustration by creating Moo Deng’s head. Use the Ellipse Instrument (L) to attract an ellipse (fill colour R=182, G=196, B=216). It’s the underside a part of the top.
Now, we wish to create the higher a part of Moo Deng’s head. Create a brand new ellipse with the identical fill colour on high of the primary one. The black stroke within the picture is only for higher visibility; you don’t really need it.
Whereas maintaining the higher half chosen, go to Impact > Warp > Inflate and, within the new dialogue window, enter the choices you see beneath. Then press OK.
Develop this form (Object > Develop Look).
To mix the 2 elements, we wish to use the Form Builder Instrument (Shift-M). Hold the 2 shapes chosen, and use this instrument to maneuver your mouse over them.



Step 2
Subsequent, let’s create the muzzle for our Moo Deng illustration. Use the Ellipse Instrument (L) to attract an ellipse (fill colour R=218, G=228, B=239) in the midst of the top.
Whereas maintaining it chosen, go to Impact > Warp > Squeeze and, within the new dialogue window, enter the choices you see beneath. Then press OK. That is the higher a part of the muzzle. Develop this form (Object > Develop Look).
To separate the higher half from the longer term decrease half, create a duplicate of the higher one behind it (Management-C, Management-B) and stretch it downwards barely. Change its fill colour to R=199, G=214, B=226.
Once more utilizing the Ellipse Instrument (L), draw a tiny circle (fill colour R=57, G=65, B=73). That is the nostril.
After that, drag it to the fitting whereas holding the Shift and Alt keys. Shift will transfer it straight, and Alt will create a duplicate. Make sure you place the nostrils symmetrically.



Step 3
Now we have to create the decrease a part of the muzzle. Utilizing the identical fill colour because the higher half (R=218, G=228, B=239), create an ellipse utilizing the Ellipse Instrument (L). Make sure it stays beneath the higher muzzle half. For this, you possibly can reduce off the decrease half in addition to the top (Management-X), and place them behind all the things (Management-B).
After that, choose simply the decrease a part of the muzzle and go to Impact > Warp > Inflate and, within the new dialogue window, enter the choices you see beneath. Then press OK. Develop this form (Object > Develop Look).
Make a brand new ellipse (fill colour R=143, G=160, B=181) to point out that Moo Deng’s mouth is open in shock. This new form wants to remain behind the higher a part of the muzzle as nicely.
Whereas maintaining it chosen, as soon as once more go to Impact > Warp > Inflate and, within the new dialogue window, enter the choices you see beneath. Then press OK. Develop this form (Object > Develop Look).



Step 4
Let’s make the tongue. Begin with a pink ellipse (fill colour R=244, G=212, B=217).
Create a duplicate of it by holding the Shift and Alt keys on the identical time and dragging it. Use the Form Builder Instrument (Shift-M) to create a single form out of those two.
Then, choose the darker form of the decrease muzzle half (the within of the mouth). Create a duplicate in entrance (Management-C, Management-F). Whereas holding the Shift button, choose the tongue (holding the Shift button lets you choose two or extra shapes). Lastly, press the Intersect button on the Pathfinder panel (Window > Pathfinder). Now Moo Deng has a tongue inside her mouth.



Step 5
Have you ever observed how we are able to use only one easy form—the ellipse—to create so many design parts? Now, we are able to make the eyes utilizing ellipses simply as earlier than. To attract the primary eye, create an ellipse with the fill colour R=57, G=65, B=73.
Whereas maintaining it chosen, go to Impact > Warp > Inflate and, within the new dialogue window, enter the choices you see beneath. Then press OK.
Let’s add a spotlight to the attention. Draw a small white circle and place it within the upper-right nook of the attention. Then, make an ellipse beneath the attention since we wish to add extra depth to the face. The fill colour is R=125, G=255, B=255.
To create one other eye, choose these three ellipses (two grey and one white) and drag them to the fitting whereas holding the Shift and Alt keys. Shift will transfer them straight, and Alt will create a duplicate. Make sure the eyes are positioned symmetrically.



Step 6
This Moo Deng vector illustration positively wants ears. Draw a small ellipse with a fill colour of R=182, G=196, B=216.
Go to Impact > Warp > Arc, and within the new dialogue window, enter the choices you see beneath. Then press OK. Develop this form.
Create a brand new ellipse in entrance. Change its fill colour to R=143, G=160, B=181.
Go to Impact > Warp > Arc, and within the new dialogue window, enter the choices you see beneath. Develop this form too. Your first ear is now completed!



Step 7
Now, we wish to create the opposite ear. Hold the primary one chosen, and take the Mirror Instrument (O) and press Enter. It should open a brand new Mirror dialogue window. Make sure you test Axis Vertical, Angle 90 levels, and press Copy. This may create a second ear for Moo Deng. Place it symmetrically and evenly.
Afterward, after we create the physique, we’ll wish to preserve the top and torso separate. To take action, create a duplicate of the top form behind (Management-C, Management-B), stretching it diagonally downwards and to the fitting. Change its fill colour to R=161, G=179, B=198.



2. Tips on how to create Moo Deng’s physique in Illustrator
Step 1
Let’s make Moo Deng’s physique! Utilizing the Ellipse Instrument (L), create a giant ellipse behind the top. To get the identical fill colour as the top, use the Eyedropper Instrument (I).
Then, take the Direct Choice Instrument (A), choose the underside anchor level of the ellipse, and slide it up.



Step 2
Use the Rectangle Instrument (M) so as to add a protracted rectangle. We’re creating Moo Deng’s leg. It ought to be the identical fill colour because the physique—the black stroke is only for higher visibility.
Whereas maintaining the rectangle chosen, go to Impact > Warp > Arc. Enter the choices you see beneath, after which press OK. Develop the form.
Now we wish to separate the leg from the physique, and we’ll do it identical to after we separated the top from the torso. Whereas this new form is chosen, create a duplicate of it within the again: press Management-C, Management-B. Change its colour to the identical shadow colour that separates the top from the physique, and stretch it a bit of down and to the fitting.
Choose Moo Deng’s proper leg together with its shadow, and use the Mirror Instrument (O) to create the left leg. Be happy to make use of the Direct Choice Instrument (A) to maneuver the anchor factors of the shadows in order that Moo Deng’s legs can keep visibly separated from the physique.
Our Moo Deng illustration is prepared! Make sure that to group it (right-click > Group).



3. Tips on how to create a bath in Illustrator
Now let’s create some extra parts for our illustration!
Step 1
Change the fill colour to R=244, G=232, B=211, and draw a rounded rectangle with the Rounded Rectangle Instrument (M). We’re creating the bottom of the bath.
Change the fill colour to R=239, G=209, B=156. Utilizing the identical instrument draw the bath leg. Then, simply create one other copy by dragging it to the fitting whereas holding the Shift and Alt buttons.
Create two extra bathtub legs on the opposite aspect.



Step 2
Let’s proceed to create our bathtub. Utilizing the identical Rounded Rectangle Instrument, draw a rounded rectange like within the picture beneath. The fill colour is R=206, G=169, B=110. This darkish yellow form is the within of the bath.
Go to Impact > Warp > Arc, and within the new dialogue window, enter the choices you see beneath and press OK. Develop this form.
Whereas maintaining this form chosen, go to Object > Path > Offset Path… Within the new dialogue window known as Offset Path, enter Offset: 10 px, after which press OK. Change its fill colour to R=239, G=209, B=156, or use the Eyedropper Instrument (I) to take the fill colour from the bath legs.
A brand new rounded rectange would be the water (fill colour R=218, G=228, B=239). We wish to deform it a bit of: go to Impact > Warp > Arc. Develop.
Hold the water chosen, and make it larger. After that, choose the darkest inside a part of the bath, and create a duplicate in entrance of it (Management-C, Management-F). This new copy is a cutter. Hold this copy chosen and choose the water. Within the Pathfinder panel, press the Intersect button. Now the water ought to be precisely inside the bath.



Step 3
Let’s create a bathe head. Take the fill colour from the lightest a part of the bath utilizing the Eyedropper Instrument (I). Make this fill colour a stroke colour by clicking on the Swap Fill and Stroke (Shift-X) button on the left panel.
Now, use the Rounded Rectangle Instrument to attract a vertical rounded rectangle.
Take the Scissors Instrument (C) and click on on the anchor factors proven within the picture beneath. You need to have two elements of the rounded rectangle. Delete the decrease proper half and place it behind the bath.
Create a brand new rounded rectangle the place the bathe head ought to be. Make the stroke colour into the fill colour by urgent Swap Fill and Stroke (Shift-X) button on the left panel.
Then, create any colour rectangle that overlaps the bathe head: we wish to reduce off the underside half. Choose each shapes and hit the Minus Entrance button on the Pathfinder panel (Window > Pathfinder).
Take the fill colour from the darkest a part of the bath and draw a protracted, slender rounded rectangle on the underside of the bathe’s head.



Step 4
Place Moo Deng within the tub.



Step 5
Let’s make some cleaning soap bubbles to cowl the underside a part of Moo Deng’s physique. Take the water fill colour and create a couple of circles. It’s essential maintain the Shift button to create a fair circle.



4. Tips on how to create floral parts in Illustrator
Step 1
Now, we have to create a monstera leaf. Use the Ellipse Instrument (L) to attract an ellipse (fill colour R=163, G=178, B=164). Whereas maintaining it chosen, go to Impact > Warp > Inflate and, within the new dialogue window, enter the choices you see beneath. Develop this form (Object > Develop Look).



Step 2
Let’s make a stalk for the monstera leaf. Make sure that the leaf will not be chosen, press the Swap Fill and Stroke (Shift-X) button, and alter the stroke colour to R=118, G=135, B=118. Utilizing the Arc Instrument, draw the stalk of the leaf. On the Stroke panel, you possibly can regulate the stroke Weight nonetheless you want, because it depends upon how huge the leaf is. Additionally, within the Cap part, be sure you choose Spherical Cap.
Utilizing the identical stroke colour and a lighter stroke Weight, draw the veins of the leaf.
Now we wish to create these typical monstera holes. Take the Eraser Instrument (Shift-E) and choose the article you wish to erase, which is after all the leaf. Modify the scale of the Eraser Instrument (Shift-E) by double-clicking on it. Then erase some elements of the leaf to create holes.



Step 3
Create a duplicate of the entire leaf and alter the fill colour to R=142, G=160, B=143. Now you might have two leaves.



Step 4
Subsequent, for an exquisite colour distinction, we wish to create a pink leaf. Create a protracted vertical ellipse with the fill colour R=244, G=212, B=217.
Utilizing the Anchor Level Instrument (Shift-C), click on on the highest and backside anchor factors of the leaf. That’s the way you get pointy edges.
Press the Swap Fill and Stroke (Shift-X) button, and alter the stroke colour to R=226, G=176, B=186. Utilizing the Arc Instrument, draw the stalk of the leaf. On the Stroke panel, you possibly can regulate the stroke Weight nonetheless you want, because it depends upon how huge the leaf is. Additionally, within the Cap part, be sure you choose Spherical Cap.
Create numerous copies of the pink pointy form and place them across the stalk. The pink leaf is now prepared.



Step 5
To create a easy flower, we’d like the Polygon Instrument. If you happen to don’t see it, simply click on on the Rectangle Instrument or the Ellipse Instrument (it depends upon what you used beforehand) and maintain for a second. A brand new pop-up window will seem the place you possibly can select the Polygon Instrument. Seize it and click on in your canvas. Within the new dialogue window known as Polygon, enter Sides: 5 with any Radius, after which press OK.
Change its fill colour to R=226, G=176, B=186 and go to Impact > Distort & Remodel > Pucker & Bloat… Enter the choices you see within the picture beneath. Do you see a easy flower form?
Add a yellow circle within the center (fill colour R=244, G=232, B=211), and the pink flower is full.



Step 6
Now let’s create the yellow flower. Use the Polygon Instrument to create a polygon with 11 sides (you possibly can technically give it any variety of sides you need).
Set its fill colour to R=244, G=232, B=211, and go to Impact > Distort & Remodel > Pucker & Bloat… Enter the choices you see within the picture beneath.
Add a darkish yellow circle within the center (fill colour R=206, G=169, B=110), and the yellow flower is full.



Step 7
To date, you must have the 5 floral parts depicted within the picture beneath. Make sure each is grouped individually for straightforward transferring.



Place the floral parts behind the cute illustration of Moo Deng within the bathtub. You’ll be able to comply with the picture beneath or place them nonetheless you’d like.



Step 8
In fact, the bathe wants operating water. Seize the Line Section Instrument () and go to the Stroke panel (Window > Stroke). Test Spherical Cap within the Cap part. Additionally put a tick within the field labeled Dashed Line. Lastly, make the stroke colour R=218, G=228, B=239 and draw some strains coming from the bathe head.



Step 9
Choose the water so you should have its fill colour. Draw extra circles as bubbles that cowl the water and fly round Moo Deng.
Then, go to the Transparency panel (Window > Transparency), and alter the Opacity from Regular to Display screen and cut back it to 50%.



5. Tips on how to create a background in Illustrator
Step 1
Take the Rectangle Instrument (M) and click on in your artboard. Within the new dialogue window, enter 850 px Width and 750 px Peak. Press OK and alter the fill colour to R=98, G=114, B=100. This will likely be our background.
Minimize the background (Management-X) and place it behind all the things you have created thus far (Management-B). Make sure that your background stays in the midst of your artboard.
If you wish to place your background precisely in the midst of the canvas, go to the Align panel, and test Align to: Align to Artboard (bottom-right nook). Once you test this, any gadgets that you just select to align will likely be aligned to your artboard. Now you must choose the article that you just wish to align. Within the Align Objects part, press Horizontal Align Middle and Vertical Align Middle. That is how you set any object precisely in the midst of your canvas or artboard.



Step 2
Now, place our vector Moo Deng illustration and all the opposite objects on the background.



Congratulations!
That is such a cute image! I hope you had enjoyable creating it and realized one thing new about illustrating simple, cute animal drawings and the best way to attract Illustrator alongside the way in which. Thanks for becoming a member of me on this tutorial.
Now you understand how to attract Moo Deng. Hold exploring and experimenting with all the things you have realized to create your individual beautiful designs. I can not wait to see you in our subsequent session!



If you wish to study extra, check out these tutorials
Discover Envato Tuts+ for a variety of drawing tutorials designed to boost your abilities. Our intensive guides cowl numerous subjects, providing worthwhile insights and methods that can assist you develop. Whether or not you’re simply beginning out or already a professional, these tutorials can elevate your work. Take this chance to study, enhance, and advance your artwork with expert-led content material crafted to assist your artistic journey.