32 Nightmare Creepy Drawings Made By Children (2024)

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Kids — they’re bundles of joy, whirlwinds of chaos, and sometimes, when you hand them a pencil and paper, unintentional masters of the macabre. Sure, they might start off with stick figures and sunny skies, but give it a beat, and you might find yourself looking at something that’s more a nightmare creepy drawing than a naptime doodle.

Here at Bored Panda, we’ve done a little digging into this phenomenon and unearthed a collection of creepy drawings that are sure to raise an eyebrow or two. From unsettling greeting cards that redefine “special wishes” to scary drawings that make you wonder what was in that bedtime storybook, these pieces are as creatively creepy as it gets. They might make you consider a padlock for the cutlery drawer, just in case.

Go on, take a look at these creepy doodles, and vote for the ones that you think deserve the crown of the spookiest or — if your sense of humor appreciates a walk on the dark side — the coolest.

What To Do If Your Child Is Drawing Disturbing Images?

Navigating the waters of parenting is no small feat, especially when your child’s creativity takes a turn for the unsettling. If you’ve discovered that your little one has a penchant for creepy doodles, it can certainly be cause for a double-take. But fear not — this doesn't necessarily signal a darker path ahead. Often, it’s simply a part of growing up and exploring a range of emotions.

First, approach the situation with calm curiosity. Sit down with your child and talk about their drawings. Ask them to tell you the story behind their artwork. This open dialogue can provide insights into their thoughts and feelings. It’s a chance to understand what’s stirring in their mind, and often, you’ll find it’s more about curiosity or processing the world around them than anything else.

Offer reassurance and support. Children need to know it’s okay to express all their emotions, even the dark and twisty ones. Encouragement in their exploration of art, letting them know you’re there for them, can often turn a potentially worrying situation into a teachable moment about emotions and creativity.

If the content of the drawings is consistently disturbing or escalates, consider seeking the guidance of a child psychologist. A professional can discern if these scary drawings are a normal part of development or a sign of something that needs more attention.

What Are The Warning Signs In Children’s Drawings?

One of the warning signs to watch out for is the repetition of disturbing themes, like aggression or isolation. If these elements are a common thread, it might be time to delve a little deeper. Also, take note of the colors they use — a predominance of dark colors could reflect their mood or feelings.

Changes in the nature of the drawings can also be telling. A sudden shift from typically cheerful scenes to more disturbing imagery could be indicative of a child experiencing distress or anxiety. Additionally, if a child’s drawings become increasingly detailed in their depiction of distressing subjects, this might be a prompt for a gentle conversation.

Also, pay attention to the emotional responses your child exhibits while drawing. If it seems to evoke hurt, anger, or sadness consistently, it’s important to address these emotions and potentially seek support.

Which Artists Are Known For Their Disturbing Artwork?

Some artists have made a name for themselves by exploring unsettling themes and subjects, often leaving audiences captivated and a little disturbed.

One such master of the macabre was Francisco Goya, whose dark and haunting scenes, like those in The Black Paintings, delve into human despair and madness. In more recent times, H.R. Giger, known for his surreal and nightmarish landscapes that gave birth to the design of the Alien in Ridley Scott’s film, is also very much worth mentioning.

For fans of horror manga, Junji Ito stands as a towering figure. His narratives and illustrations, like Uzumaki’s spiraling madness and Tomie’s haunting allure, stretch the boundaries of nightmare drawings. For those interested, Netflix released an anthology series in January 2023, adapting various stories from Ito’s repertoire and introducing his work to a broader audience.

Why Are People Fascinated By The Macabre?

In an era captivated by true crime documentaries and podcasts, the artwork of Goya, Giger, and Ito echoes a similar question: What pulls us towards these eerie creations? Why does a shiver down the spine feel so oddly satisfying?

Experts seem to suggest that this attraction might be deeply rooted in our psyche. The macabre confronts us with the ultimate unknown — death and the aspects of life that are uncontrollable, unpredictable, and mysterious. It allows people to process these complex emotions and existential uncertainties in a controlled environment where they can safely explore and satisfy their curiosity.

Moreover, disturbing art can serve as a mirror, reflecting our internal chaos and fears and allowing us to confront and understand them better. See it as some kind of catharsis, a way to cleanse our anxieties by facing them head-on in an almost ritualistic manner.

So, while the macabre might not be everyone’s cup of tea, its ability to fascinate is undeniable. It taps into our innate desire to make sense of what is difficult to comprehend and gives us a space to acknowledge and appreciate the full spectrum of human experience — light, dark, and all shades in between.

How Do You Make A Drawing Scary?

Inspired by the works of Goya, Giger, or Ito, and feeling an itch to create your own nightmare drawings?

The subject is your foundation. Consider distorted figures, twisted forms, and unsettling scenes that can provoke discomfort. The human brain is set to recognize faces, so when you toy with this familiarity and deviate from the norm — elongating a shadow here, warping a feature there — anything normal can instantly become disturbing. Eyes that seem to follow the viewer, or hands that are a bit too long to be human, get a strong reaction.

Expressions also play a crucial role. Think about a blank stare, an exaggerated frown, or a mouth twisted in a scream. It’s the subtle details, however, that often wield the most power. These could be small, almost hidden elements that are not immediately noticeable but add to the overall feeling of dread once they’re seen.

Remember, the story your art tells doesn't have to be explicit. By letting the shadows hint at figures or faces that aren't fully defined, you invite the observer to complete the narrative and fill in the blanks with their own fears.

After all, the unknown can be more frightening than the known. Take that giant spider that was crawling over your bed until a moment ago and has now disappeared — sometimes, what we can't see is much more terrifying than what we can see.

Do you remember sketching a nightmare creepy drawing that gave you the chills as a kid, or perhaps you’ve witnessed a child’s imagination run a little too wild on paper? Comment below and tell us about it!

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