A Step-By-Step Guide to Drawing Traditional Japanese Tattoo Designs for Beginners and Experienced Artists by Vault Editions & Kale James
How to Draw Dragons is a step-by-step guide to mastering one of fantasy art's most iconic and enduring subjects.
This book introduces you to the essential building blocks of dragon illustration anatomy, poses, expression, and character design through 40 dynamic projects featuring Western dragons, elemental dragons, ancient serpentine dragons, hatchlings, and dragons from global mythologies. Each drawing is designed to be approachable, making complex forms accessible for beginners while offering depth and variety for more experienced artists.
Each design is broken down using the Vault Editions 12-step drawing process, making complex dragon forms approachable, repeatable, and ideal for building confidence and skills. Whether you're a professional illustrator or fantasy art enthusiast just getting started, this guide will deepen your understanding of dragon construction, movement, and imaginative variation.
Download Included:
- A custom set of Procreate brushes (liners and shaders) optimised for dragon illustration
- A free digital copy of the publication perfect for drawing on your tablet or on the go
- A printable, gridded practice workbook to support your drawing progression
With carefully written entries paired with every drawing, this book offers more than just how-to guidance it's a deep dive into the forms, function, and mythology of dragon art across cultures and fantasy traditions.
Start your journey into dragon illustration today and bring these legendary creatures to life with bold lines, dynamic poses, and powerful symbolism.
Table of Contents
Western Dragon Head
Western Dragon Head II
Western Dragon
Wyvern Dragon
Amphiptere
Hydra
Lindworm
Celestial Dragon
Faerie Dragon
Quetzalcōātl
Eastern Dragon
Antaboga
Fire Dragon
Lava Dragon
Ice Dragon
Crystal Dragon
Forest Dragon
Earth Dragon
Storm Dragon
Air Dragon
Water Dragon
Hatching Dragon
Hatchling
Parent & Hatchling
Undead Dragon
Dragon Skull
Attacking Dragon
Dragons Clashing
Coiled Dragon
Crawling Dragon
Diving Dragon
Dragon Guarding Treasure
Flying Dragon
Landing Dragon
Perched Dragon
Resting Dragon
Roaring Dragon
Running Dragon
Sleeping Dragon
Proud Dragon
Drawing Scales
Dragon Eyes
Ridges, Spines & Crests
Dragon Tails
Dragon Scales
Show More +
About Vault Editions
Vault Editions is an independent, family-run business based in London, England, dedicated to helping the creative community unlock their potential by providing captivating visual reference books, instructive tutorials on various areas of art and design, and business advice tailored to the creative industries. Vault Editions offer an invaluable resource for artists and designers of all levels to develop their techniques and expand their knowledge. They are passionate about celebrating and sharing the valuable heritage of artistic expression while nurturing the talents of tomorrow's creatives. They are committed to inspiring creativity in everyone, fostering growth with practical guidance, and fueling excellence with knowledge-rich resources.
About Kale James
Kale James is an illustrator, graphic designer, and Creative Director of Vault Editions. He is an Amazon best-selling author with 60+ acclaimed art and design books.
