Toad from Super Mario is one of the most charming characters in gaming — his oversized spotted mushroom head, tiny compact body, and permanently enthusiastic expression make him a joy to draw. Despite looking complex, Toad's design breaks down into very simple shapes that any young artist can master. Parikshet walks you through every step.

🖍️ What You Need

  • Pencil and eraser
  • White and red markers for the mushroom cap (or blue and white for Blue Toad)
  • Skin tone for the face
  • Blue for the waistcoat/vest
  • Black fine-tip pen for outlines

How to Draw Toad Step by Step

  1. Draw the mushroom cap — this is the most important element. A large, rounded dome shape sitting on top of where the head will be. The cap is significantly larger than the body below it. Add a white border/brim around the base where it meets the head.
  2. Add the spots on the cap — large white circles scattered across the red dome. Classic Toad has 4-6 spots. The spots near the edges are slightly cut off by the dome's curve.
  3. Draw the face — a round, friendly face visible below the cap brim. Large, wide eyes with dark irises. A small round nose. A wide open smile, often showing excitement.
  4. Add rosy cheeks — two large circular pink cheeks on either side of the smile. These are one of Toad's most distinctive face features.
  5. Draw the body — a small, compact torso, much smaller than the cap above. Toad wears a blue or yellow vest over a white shirt.
  6. Add the arms and hands — short, rounded arms with small white-gloved hands. Toad often has his arms outstretched or one arm raised.
  7. Draw the legs and shoes — short, stubby legs with brown shoes. Toad's legs are notably short.
  8. Add the diaper/shorts — Toad wears what appears to be a white nappy or shorts. Draw it as a puffed-out white shape between the vest and legs.
💡 Parikshet's Tip: The mushroom cap must be drawn larger than feels natural — it should be at least twice the width of the body below and nearly as tall as the entire body height. If your Toad looks like a person with a small hat, the cap is not big enough yet.

🌟 Did You Know?

Toad has appeared in more Mario games than almost any other character — he debuted in Super Mario Bros. (1985) as Princess Peach's loyal retainer and has been in the series ever since. For decades, players assumed Toad was male, but Nintendo confirmed in 2014 that Toad and Toadette are neither male nor female — they are a species, not gendered individuals. The Toad species is one of the most populous in the Mushroom Kingdom.

Toad Colour Variants to Draw

  • Red Toad — classic red cap with white spots. The standard Toad appearance.
  • Blue Toad — light blue cap with white spots. Appears in multiplayer Mario games.
  • Yellow Toad — yellow cap. Often shown as a slightly different personality.
  • Toadette — pink cap with pigtail extensions. Pink overall colouring. Same body structure as Toad.
  • Captain Toad — red Toad wearing a large adventure backpack with a headlamp. Stars in his own puzzle game.

🎯 Try This: Draw Toad in His Favourite Scenario

  1. Draw Toad running with a Power Star held above his head (classic 'treasure found!' pose).
  2. Add a golden glow effect around the star using yellow and gold markers.
  3. Put him in front of a castle gate background.
  4. Write 'THANK YOU!' above in the classic Mario font style.