21 Side Profile Drawing Ideas You’ll Want to Try Today

BySophia Reynolds Updated
Side Profile Drawing Ideas - Eversofreshly

I’ve filled sketchbooks with doodles that never quite looked right from the side, so trust me—I get the struggle.

I used to think side profile drawing was only for super skilled artists with perfect pencils and magical talent.

There was a time I avoided it completely because every face looked like a cartoon gone wrong.

Yes, I’ve drawn noses that looked like triangles and chins that disappeared into the neck!

But after tons of practice, tutorials, and way too much scrolling on art blogs, I finally found some simple side profile ideas that actually helped.

These drawing ideas won’t just improve your skills—they’ll also make your art feel more confident and creative.

So let’s check out some fun and easy ways to draw side profiles:

1. Windblown Hair Profile

A pencil drawing of a side profile with flowing, windblown hair against a plain white background. The hair strands are sketched with loose, sweeping lines that trail behind the subject, each strand curling and overlapping naturally. The face is drawn in a stunning style, with soft lines indicating the forehead, nose, lips, and chin. The jawline is subtly shaded to suggest gentle contours, while the neck is lightly outlined. The hair, although free-flowing, maintains a directional rhythm, giving the drawing a sense of movement and grace. The entire composition is balanced and uncluttered.

Ever tried drawing someone mid-breeze? It’s magic. 

The hair flows wildly, framing the face with movement and life. 

This kind of profile feels spontaneous, free, and a bit romantic. 

Play with direction and line weight—each strand tells its own story.

2. Silhouette Side Profile

A minimalist, plain white background pencil drawing illustration of a side profile rendered entirely in silhouette. The drawing is in a simplistic style, consisting of a single continuous outline forming the subject’s head, nose, lips, and chin with smooth, uninterrupted lines. There are no facial features or details within the silhouette; instead, emphasis is placed solely on the outline. The profile includes a subtle arch in the brow and a slight curve at the mouth’s edge, offering a suggestion of expression. The flat, shaded fill contrasts gently against the plain white background, creating a clean and striking image.

Silhouettes are pure drama. With just the outline, you capture character, attitude, and elegance. 

No details, no shading—just the shape. 

Try placing it against a bold color background or adding texture within the silhouette for extra punch. 

Simplicity never looked so stylish.

3. Profile with Animal Traits

A minimalist, plain white background pencil drawing illustration of a side profile that blends human and animal features. The drawing, done in a simplistic style, shows a human face with feline characteristics—cat ears extending from the head and a subtly elongated, whiskered nose. The almond-shaped eye is lightly indicated, and short fur textures are drawn with soft, fine pencil strokes along the cheek and ear. The jawline and neck remain human, clearly separated with smooth contour lines. This imaginative combination of textures is cleanly outlined and framed by a spacious, undistracting white background.

Want to stretch your creativity? 

Morph your human profile with animal features—think cat ears, a wolf snout, or deer antlers. 

It’s whimsical, wild, and a bit mythical. 

The blend of human and beast opens up endless possibilities for storytelling and style.

4. Cyberpunk Side Profile

A minimalist, plain white background pencil drawing illustration of a futuristic, cyberpunk-inspired side profile. The figure is drawn in a simplistic style, with a clean jawline and sharp nose, accompanied by high-tech implants along the temple and neck. Thin lines and small shaded areas represent glowing circuits and metallic plates embedded in the skin. The eye features a mechanical lens, outlined precisely with geometric edges. The hairstyle is short and angular, complementing the rigid, artificial elements. All components are lightly shaded, giving subtle dimension without overpowering the minimalist structure.

Glowing wires, metallic implants, and sharp neon shadows—yes, please. 

A cyberpunk profile brings a gritty, high-tech edge. 

Play with asymmetry, cold color palettes, and futuristic textures. 

Perfect for exploring tech-meets-human themes and getting lost in a dystopian daydream.

5. Nature-Inspired Profile

A pencil drawing of a side profile with intertwined natural elements. The subject has long hair and wears a necklace. The hair is intertwined with branches and leaves. There are floral shapes around the ear and forehead. The branches and leaves gently emerge from the subject's hair and neckline. The drawing has a minimalist style and is drawn on a plain white background.

Think flowers tucked behind ears, vines twisting through hair, or butterflies fluttering by. 

This soft, organic profile idea brings peaceful energy to your drawing. 

It’s like sketching a forest spirit—delicate, earthy, and full of natural grace. 

Let the plants guide the lines.

6. Elderly Side Profile

A pencil drawing of an elderly person's side profile on a plain white background. The person has a gentle, curved face with soft wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and neck. The nose is prominent, and the cheek is slightly sunken. Loose skin is depicted with thin lines around the jaw and neck. The person has sparse, neatly combed hair. The drawing has clean outlines and reserved shading.

Lines, folds, stories etched into skin—there’s so much beauty in age. 

Drawing an elderly person’s side profile challenges you to notice the subtle depth in expression and time. 

These aren’t just wrinkles; they’re life’s road map, and every one is worth honoring.

7. Warrior in Profile

A pencil drawing of a side profile of a battle-hardened warrior. The warrior has a strong jawline, firm mouth, and a faint scar across the cheek. He wears a headband and has tufts of hair peeking out. There is a single armor plate along the shoulder line. The background is plain white.

Chisel that jaw, add a scar or two, maybe a helmet or war paint. 

This profile says “I’ve seen things.” 

Whether it’s a fantasy warrior, gladiator, or rebel, this one’s all about power and past battles. 

Go bold with shading and texture.

8. Child’s Side Profile

A pencil drawing of a child's side profile on a plain white background. The child has round cheeks, a small nose, and a gentle chin. Their eye is closed or partially lidded, giving a calm expression. The child has short, slightly tousled hair. There is a light shading under the chin and at the hairline, adding dimension while keeping the form delicate. The overall composition evokes tenderness within a minimalist framework.

There’s something heart-melting about a little nose and chubby cheeks in profile. 

Capture that gentle roundness and curious expression. 

It’s a lovely study in soft forms and proportions. 

Bonus points if you add a toy or messy hair—it makes it even more endearing.

9. Side Profile with Dramatic Lighting

A pencil drawing of a side profile of a person with dramatic lighting effects. The person has a simplistic style with facial features that are partially shaded. One side of the face is in stark shadow, while the other remains outlined by clean lines. The brow, nose bridge, and jawline are defined by sharp contrasts. Cross-hatching is used sparingly to suggest depth. The eye socket and neck area are more heavily shaded to create contrast, giving the piece an emotional intensity. The plain white background enhances the chiaroscuro effect.

This one’s for the drama lovers. 

Use intense shadows and hard highlights to carve out the face. 

Try underlighting for a spooky vibe, or a single beam of light for cinematic flair. 

It’s a moody, emotional challenge that makes your profile pop.

10. Profile Wearing Glasses

A minimalist, plain white background pencil drawing illustration of a side profile featuring a stylish pair of eyeglasses, drawn in a creative style. The frames are cleanly sketched, sitting snugly on the nose bridge and curving behind the ear. Light reflections are indicated with tiny white gaps within the lens area. The subject’s eye is barely visible behind the lenses, and the face is defined with smooth, understated lines. The hair is tucked neatly above the ear, allowing the glasses to be the focal point. The image is crisp and tastefully minimal.

Glasses bring instant personality. 

Maybe it’s sleek and modern, or chunky and vintage. 

Drawing them from the side sharpens your eye for perspective and reflection. 

And let’s be honest—there’s just something cool about a side glance behind a bold frame.

11. Profile with Tattoos

A minimalist, black and white pencil drawing illustration depicts a serene profile of a young person with visible tattoos, rendered in a delicate and precise style. Their face is characterized by smooth, flowing lines outlining a gently curved nose, subtly defined lips, and a strong, elegant jawline, with a single strand of hair falling across the forehead. Intricate, fine-lined floral and geometric tattoos adorn the neck, temple, and ear, subtly contrasting with the clean lines of the facial features and adding depth to the composition. The subject is set against a plain white background, softly illuminated by diffused light that highlights the pencil strokes and emphasizes the minimalist aesthetic.

Decorate the skin with ink—floral sleeves, geometric lines, or tiny behind-the-ear symbols. 

It’s not just an aesthetic choice; tattoos tell stories. Incorporating them into a side profile gives your character depth and edge. 

Plus, it’s a great way to play with contrast.

12. Profile in a Hat

A pencil drawing of a side profile wearing a wide-brimmed hat. The hat is placed on the head with a gently curved brim and a shallow crown. The profile beneath shows a soft facial outline, including the nose, lips, and chin, all delicately drawn. Light pencil shading under the hat's brim suggests a cast shadow on the forehead. Strands of hair slightly peek out from beneath the hat, adding texture. The entire drawing has a clean, balanced look against the white background.

Add a fedora, floppy sunhat, or even a backward cap—it instantly changes the mood. 

Hats challenge you to handle shape, perspective, and shadow in new ways. 

They also reveal character: are they stylish, mysterious, playful? Let the hat do the talking.

13. Laughing Side Profile

A minimalist, plain white background pencil drawing illustration of a side profile caught mid-laughter, drawn in a creative style. The mouth is open slightly, curved upward in a joyful expression. Light creases are drawn at the corners of the eye and mouth, conveying natural motion. The cheek is rounded and lifted, and the eye is narrowed with a gentle arc. The sketch radiates emotion while preserving a clean and minimalist layout.

Draw someone mid-laugh—eyes squinted, mouth open, joy written all over. 

It’s not about perfection, it’s about capturing that fleeting, genuine moment. 

This one’s all emotion and energy, and it’ll stretch your skills in facial anatomy and expressive linework. 

Pure happiness in profile form.

14. Cartoon Side Profile

A minimalist pencil drawing of a whimsical cartoon side profile with a plain white background. The head is exaggerated in size with a large, rounded forehead, oversized eye, and a small pointed nose. The mouth is open in a quirky grin, with a single visible tooth. A few playful lines represent tufts of hair, and the ear is simplified into a rounded swirl. The entire composition uses confident, exaggerated strokes, with no intricate detail—just bold, clear forms against a stark background.

Go full fun mode. 

Big eyes, exaggerated noses, goofy grins—nothing’s off-limits. 

Cartoon profiles let you bend the rules and stretch reality. 

Whether it’s a wacky character or a stylized version of yourself, it’s about joy, humor, and pure creative playtime.

15. Profile with an Earring

A delicate pencil drawing illustration showcases a minimalist portrait of a woman's side profile against a stark white background, emphasizing the artistry of line and form. The central focus is her ear, meticulously rendered with smooth, flowing curves, highlighting the elegant silhouette of her jawline and cheek. A single, substantial silver hoop earring hangs from her lobe, catching the light with subtle shading and reflective highlights, creating a focal point of understated luxury. The background remains clean and uncluttered, allowing the detailed sketch of "Serenity" to command the viewer's attention and evoke a sense of quiet contemplation.

Sometimes it’s the smallest details that add the most personality. 

A hoop, a stud, a feather—earrings change everything. They add sparkle, shape, and just a hint of attitude. 

Plus, it’s an easy way to practice metallic shine and balance in your design.

16. Emotional Side Profile (Crying, Pensive, or Angry)

A delicate pencil drawing illustration of a person in profile against a stark, plain white background. The subject's face expresses deep sadness, with a single teardrop tracing a path down their cheek and a subtly furrowed brow conveying intense emotion. Soft, grey shading emphasizes the contours of the face, highlighting the downturned lips and the slight angle of the chin, while the eye reflects quiet contemplation. A single, gently curving line represents the neck, connecting seamlessly to the shoulders, and the overall composition evokes a sense of solitary introspection.

Showcase raw emotion—tears slipping down a cheek, a tense jaw, or furrowed brows. 

Drawing emotional expressions in profile adds weight and soul to your artwork. 

It teaches you how subtle muscle shifts tell big stories. 

Go deep, be vulnerable—let the face speak.

17. Fantasy Elf Profile

A minimalist pencil drawing of a side profile of an elf with a plain white background. The elf has elongated, pointed ears and a slender, smooth face with high cheekbones and a slightly upturned nose. The elf's flowing hair is gently outlined, and a small headband or leaf accessory rests across the forehead. The lines are light and controlled, highlighting the ethereal beauty of the fantasy character.

Long, pointed ears, elegant bone structure, and an ethereal aura—elves are a fan favorite for a reason. 

Add in jeweled headbands, glowing tattoos, or braided hair for extra flair. 

This profile invites magic, mystery, and a touch of the fantastical.

18. Vintage-Inspired Profile

A minimalist, pencil drawing illustration of a side profile from a past era. The subject has a vintage hairstyle with pin curls and wears a pearl earring. The background is a plain white background.

Choose an era and go all in. 

Whether it’s a 1920s bob and pearls, a 1950s pompadour, or a 1970s afro with hoops, vintage profiles celebrate fashion history. 

This idea’s all about stylish silhouettes, hair structure, and accessories that define a decade.

19. Masked Side Profile

A pencil drawing of a side profile of a person wearing a mysterious mask. The mask covers the upper half of the face and is outlined with elegant curves and subtle designs. The mouth and chin are visible beneath the mask. The edge of the mask follows the brow line precisely. The background is plain white.

What’s behind the mask? 

Whether it’s a masquerade mask, plague doctor beak, or superhero disguise, this idea brings instant intrigue. 

It adds complexity to your composition and plays with symmetry, mystery, and hidden identity. 

Great for storytelling and dramatic flair.

20. Dual Profile (Back-to-Back Faces)

A pencil drawing illustration of two side profiles placed back-to-back on a plain white background. The drawing is in a creative realistic style. One profile has a smirk, while the other has a neutral expression. The heads are connected at the back, sharing a single neck or hairline. There is minimal linework and light shadow beneath the chins. The duality is symmetrical yet emotionally expressive in its restrained composition.

Two profiles, facing away from each other, sharing one neck or head—it’s visually striking and loaded with meaning. 

Explore themes like duality, conflict, or balance. 

This idea challenges your symmetry and composition skills while delivering maximum visual impact.

21. Alien or Monster Profile

A minimalist, plain white background pencil drawing illustration of a side profile featuring a non-human, alien-like design, drawn in a simplistic style. The head is elongated with an enlarged cranium and narrow chin. The eye is oversized and slanted, lacking visible iris detail. Small ridges or textured skin lines are etched along the jaw and temple. There are no ears—only a flat surface or subtle indentation. The nose is almost nonexistent, and the mouth is a thin slit. Despite the extraterrestrial features, the drawing maintains a clean, stylized clarity.

Go beyond the human form—elongated skulls, extra eyes, ridged jaws, or strange textures. 

This is your chance to let your imagination run wild. 

Sci-fi, horror, or fantasy—whatever your genre, a non-human profile flexes your creature design muscles like nothing else.

Side Profile Drawing Ideas

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