A Step-By-Step Guide to Drawing Skulls, Skull Anatomy, and Creative Skull Designs for Beginner and Experienced Artists by Vault Editions & Kale James
How to Draw Skulls is a step-by-step guide to mastering the art of drawing skulls both as anatomical studies and as dynamic, creative motifs.
This book explores the enduring symbolism of skulls in art, design, and tattoo culture, teaching you how to draw everything from realistic anatomical views to imaginative compositions like flaming skulls, winged skulls, and skulls with swords, snakes, flowers, and more.
Each design is broken down using the Vault Editions 12-step drawing process, making complex forms approachable, repeatable, and perfect for building your confidence and skills. Whether you're a tattoo apprentice, a professional artist, or a drawing enthusiast, this guide is designed to develop your technical skills while giving you the tools to create both accurate anatomical studies and imaginative skull-based designs.
Download Included:
- A custom set of Procreate brushes (liners and shaders) optimised for drawing skulls
- 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
Every design includes practical Pro Tips to help you succeed, whether it's understanding structure, refining composition, or improving flow. This book goes beyond step-by-step instruction and offers a complete foundation for mastering skull drawing in both anatomical studies and creative design.
Start your journey into skull illustration today and immerse yourself in the linework, symbols, and visual storytelling behind one of art's most iconic and enduring motifs.
Table of Contents
Skull - Frontal View
Frontal Skull - Rotated Forward
Frontal Skull - Rotated Backward
Frontal Skull - Angled View with Open Jaw
Frontal Skull - Underside Perspective
Skull - Profile View with Open Jaw
Skull - Profile View with Jaw Closed
Skull - Underside Profile View with Jaw Dropped
Skull & Snake
Skull & Anchor
Skull & Crossbones
Skull & Scythe
Cloaked Skull
Skull Heart
Skeleton Key
Skull & Sword
Butterfly Skull
Crowned Skull
Skull Flower
Memento Mori
Skull in Medieval Helmet
Decaying Skull
Skull Spider
Sugar Skull
Skull & Bat Wings
Skull & Arrows
Skull & Candle
Skull with Crown of Thorns
Flaming Skull
Skull with Flower Garland
Skull Gripped by Claw
Horned Skull
Skull with Laurel Wreath
Skull & Fungi
Skull with Pipe
Skull & Roses
Mystic Skull with Third Eye
Winged Skull
Skeletons Embracing
Pile of Skulls
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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.
