How to Draw Jack Skellington

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Reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson

Last Updated: February 24, 2025

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Frightening Jack

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Friendly Jack

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Q&A

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In The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jack Skellington tries to bring aspects of the holiday season to a town based entirely around Halloween. Follow the steps below to learn to draw the Pumpkin King himself!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Frightening Jack

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Take note that Jack is very thin and has pointy fingers.

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He has a bat-inspired bowtie and the bottom of his coat has five pointy tips at the back.
He has eye sockets since he is already a skeleton. Draw an angle pointing upwards for the nose. Use vertical lines lined across a horizontal line for the mouth.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Friendly Jack

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Take note of the bat-inspired bowtie.
Use a circle for the eyes, two short slanted lines for the nostrils and a long curved horizontal line with vertical lines lined across for the mouth. Add lines under the eyes to give him the wrinkly effect.

Community Q&A

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Question

Is there a way to make him look scared?

Community Answer

Draw the friendly Jack, but make his eyes wide, his body tense, his hand over his mouth, and have him reeling back.

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Question

How do I do the legs and the bottom part?

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Community Answer

You can use the lower body from Scary Jack, but modify the pose as needed to fit the drawing you're making.

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Tips

Jack Skellington is characterized by his skeleton-like appearance. Don't be afraid to stretch his proportion by adding longer limbs, thinner and longer fingers, etc.--it adds to the character’s appearance.

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Make it as stitchy and edgy as possible for a better "Burton" effect.

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You can also forgo the pinstripes for a flat black suit. It's easier and doesn't hurt the image, since Jack’s outfit isn't too elaborate in the first place.

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Be confident. Not everybody's drawing is going to be perfect and the absolute best drawing on earth. But just be happy that you completed the drawing!!

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