How to Draw a Nautical Star: An Easy Tutorial

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A simple way to draw a nautical star

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Reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson

Last Updated: March 28, 2025

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The nautical star originated as a sailor's symbol referencing celestial navigation and safe journeys home. It is a popular tattoo motif and now often considered to have general connotations of finding one's own way in life.

Note: You will need a mathematical compass, a protractor, and a ruler.

Steps

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1. 
   1
   In pencil, draw two concentric circles with the compass. The smaller one's radius should be about a third of the larger one's.
2. 
   2
   Using the protractor, draw five lines from the centre in fineliner pen, each 72 degrees apart.
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3. 
   3
   In pencil, draw guidelines to the edge of the smaller circle, halfway between each of the five lines from Step Two.

   • (These will be 36 degrees from the prior lines, and 72 degrees from each other.)
4. 
   4
   In fineliner pen, draw lines connecting the tip of the lines from Step Two (to form the points of the star), and the points where the guidelines from Step Three intersect the small circle.
5. 
   5
   Erase the pencil lines and circles, and add the final connecting lines in fineliner pen, as in the picture.
6. 
   6
   Fill in one half of each point in black to finish your nautical star! Add colour to the other halves if you like!
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• Question

  Can I do this if I'm not good at drawing?

  

  CanisChiroptera

  Community Answer

  Absolutely. Practice is the only way to get better, so don't be afraid to reach for more ambitious things. The more you're challenged, the more you're learning.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6
• Question

  How do I draw a five-point star?

  

  Community Answer

  Draw a pentagon; make sure the angles are defined. Once you have done this, draw a "V" shape at the top, and keep connecting.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4
• Question

  How do I draw a 4 sided star?

  

  Community Answer

  Try drawing four long isosceles triangles, connected at the base. You could try drawing a square first and then drawing the triangles on each side.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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