Draw an S-shaped guideline for the snake’s body
Sketch a small oval head at one end of the S
Add a tapered neck leading into the body
Draw the main body with smooth curves along the guideline
Lightly sketch a tail that narrows toward the other end
Add legs only if drawing a stylized snake with legs; otherwise skip legs
Place the eyes on the head and draw small pupils
Add nostrils and a simple mouth line
Draw a tongue by extending a forked line from the mouth
Add scales using short, curved lines or small overlapping shapes along the body
Define the belly by slightly changing the curve thickness or adding a lighter underside line
Add thickness and volume by tracing over the guideline with consistent line weight
Refine the spine curve and smooth any uneven bends
Erase construction lines
Add patterning (bands, spots, or stripes) with clean, repeating shapes
Shade the body with a light direction and gentle gradient
Darken the underside and deeper curve areas for depth
Add highlights on the top curve and any raised scale ridges
Finalize outlines and patterns with clean, confident lines