Update: the How to Draw Camels ebook has been moved to my new site at howtodrawcamels.com. Click here to download the book!
First of all, HAPPY CAMEL APPRECIATION DAY!!
Now get ready to have your mind blown
I have been drawing camels for years. For a long time, I just assumed everyone knew how to draw them. Then one day I asked one of my middle school students to draw a camel. What they drew looked like a brontosaurus. I asked more of my students to draw camels and the results were consistently terrible.
It was then that I decided to start an intensive and unforgiving training program. I’m proud to say that close to 20 students in Washington DC can now draw camels. Look at some of these photos:
Before Camel Drawing Training Program
And After…
Teaching the World How to Draw Camels
For the past five months I have been traveling around West Africa teaching Ghanaians, Ivorians, Malians, and now Moroccans, how to draw camels. But I realized I could reach more people if I could somehow package this information into a book. It was not easy, but I did it anyways.
This book will change your life.
You will learn how to draw:
The camel face (one of the most difficult animal faces to draw)
the camel neck
the camel hump(s)
the camel ass
the camel legs
the camel toes
Once you learn the techniques, you will be able to draw camels under any circumstances. With a gun to your head. Blindfolded. Drunk.
If you can’t draw a camel after reading this guide, there is something wrong with you.
And once you know how to draw a camel you will:
be more confident – camels are difficult to draw. When you learn how to do something difficult, you become more confident.
make money – you can now draw pictures of camels and sell them to people.
find a mate – camels are one of the most seductive animals on the planet. If you can draw them, you harness some of that power. Since I started drawing camels publicly, I have had to fight off women every time I leave the house.
If 50 people send me a picture of their camel, I will donate $50 to Partners in Health
At the beginning of my trip, I set aside $50 to give to Partners in Health, one of the most efficient and holistic non-profits in the public health field. If you are unfamiliar with them, you can find them at PIH.org. Read about one of their more recent projects here: How to create a modern hospital in rural Africa. As their name implies, they act as partners, collaborating with the local community, serving and empowering at the same time. Thanks to my $140 month in Cote D’Ivoire I’m going to give $100 – with your help.
If you send me a picture of a camel drawn with my techniques, I will give $1 to Partners in Health. I will match every “camel buck” up to $50. Send pics to phil.paoletta at gmail dot com. I will later make them into a giant collage.
People who should not download this ebook:
Professional artists
Serious people
Update: the How to Draw Camels ebook has been moved to my new site at howtodrawcamels.com. Click here to download the book!
After you download the ebook, join my email list (it is separate from the blog posts) so you can receive semi-regular updates about the most cutting edge camel drawing techniques. You will also learn how to live the life of your dreams. And you will receive updates on Phil’s personal life. But wait, how personal can it be when you already tell us whenever you have a watery stool on your website? Trust me, it can get more personal. In fact, I’m banning my mom’s email address from the list. (sorry, mom)
Still not convinced?
See what other people are saying about camels
I asked some of the most influential bloggers on the Internet what they had to say about the book and camels in general. After you read their comments, and of course download the ebook, you should visit their sites – there is a reason they became so influential.
Keith from Traveling Savage
How would knowing how to draw a camel change your life?
Knowing how to draw a camel is just the type of life experience many employers look for without knowing they’re looking for it. A well-drawn camel is a badge of creativity and a mark of higher-order thinking. Did you know that Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Ernest Hemingway, and Leondardo da Vinci all knew how to draw camels? They did. Sadly, much of our collective skill at drawing camels has been lost in the flux of evolution. This e-book will help usher in a new golden age of camel drawing.
Liv from I Eat My Pigeon
Who would win in a fight between a camel and an anteater and why?
Camel ftw. The camel wins because it’s bigger, easier to draw, and because it fights dirty. I assume you’ve seen camels spit? They’re not hydrating, my friend. They’re showing all the anteaters what they’re capable of. Winning. But camel fighting is illegal in most countries so for your efforts, and for your work in the camel drawing gambit, I applaud you.
Benny from Fluent in 3 Months
Benny’s review of the book:
“Just three days ago I was living in a gutter, feeding myself entirely off discarded jacket buttons and pencil sharpeners, when destiny threw “How to Draw Camels” into my lap. So many people have been impressed by my camel drawing skills that I progressed up through aristocracy and now own seventeen islands and am engaged to Miss Brazil. Learning how to draw camels unlocks the secrets to the universe itself!! Read it now!”
Ayngelina from Bacon is Magic
How would knowing how to draw a camel change your life?
All my life I have never been able to draw from than stickmen. I could never imagine drawing something as difficult as a camel. If I could draw a camel I could do anything in life!
Why is it that camels are so seductive?
It’s definitely their walk. They know how to saunter down a street pretending like no one is watching when they know everyone is staring at them. They are the most sensuous animal – well next to a pig of course.
Who would win in a fight between a camel and an anteater and why?
Camel hands down. It would just spit into the anteater’s eye and push its head into the sand. Game over.
Amanda from A Dangerous Business
Why is it that are camels so seductive?
It’s something in the way they chew — that sensuous, sideways motion of their big yellow teeth. It’s something in the way they fold their legs up underneath them when they lay down — just like a graceful ballerina. And it’s something about their humps. I mean, when you have a body part named after a sexual act, how can you NOT be seductive?
Brendan from Brendan’s Adventures
How would knowing how to draw a camel change your life?
Well when I was in Egypt I rode a camel whom I named Benji. If I knew how to draw a camel I could draw a picture of me on Benji’s back traveling the world together. And maybe I could send the pictures to my friend Benji.
Why is it that camels are so seductive?
Why are camels so seductive??? Are you kidding me with this question??? Have you seen their eyes? Those eyes ooze love and sensuality. If I could do a camel, I would.
Who would win in a fight between a camel and an anteater and why?
Everyone knows that a camel would beat an anteater in a fight. I don’t even think anteaters have teeth. What are they going to do, suck the camel to death? The camel would probably just swing his epic neck like a zoo whip and send the anteater back to the nearest ant hill. What a stupid question, an anteater beating a camel in a fight? Ha!
Earl from Wandering Earl
How would knowing how to draw a camel change your life?
Drawing a camel would give me the confidence to begin drawing yaks, and in all honestly, I can’t imagine anything more rewarding than drawing yaks all day while sipping butter tea and eating noodle soup.
Sally from Unbrave Girl
How would knowing how to draw a camel change your life?
As they say, “Give a man a fish, and you have fed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you have fed him for a lifetime.” I think the same message applies to drawing camels. Sure, you can’t eat drawings of camels… but, umm…. nevermind.
Why is it that camels are so seductive?
I think camels have always been seductive, but it wasn’t until the release of the Black Eyed Peas’ song “My Humps” that we finally realized why. To quote Fergie: “My hump, my hump, my hump, my humps they got you.” Yep, it’s the humps… they got me.
Who would win in a fight between a camel and an anteater and why?
Camel without a doubt. It all comes down to diet. Anteaters eat ants — that’s not enough protein in that diet to kick a camel’s ass. Besides, camels are bad ass. Anteaters? They’re just the insect-eating dorks of the animal kingdom.
Jessica and Tim from Hedgehogs Without Borders
Their review of the book
For the longest time it really felt like something was missing in our lives – a largish void that spits and can be a bit persnickety – and now that void has been filled with lots and lots of hand-drawn camels. Sadly we haven’t gotten them to spit yet, but the night is still young and we are full of hope. Because if there’s anything that camels do for mankind – other than providing transportation in the desert and much-needed milk for nomadic tribes – it is to provide hope. Oh, and creating jobs for touts around the Pyramids. They do that too.
In short: Our lives are fuller now that we are surrounded by our very own hand-drawn camels. We look forward not only to the day we can demonstrate this newfound ability to mere mortals, but to the day those mere mortals buy us beer in exchange for our camel-drawing prowess. Thank you, Phil. And thank you, dear dear camel.
How would knowing how to draw a camel change your life?
Sara from Children on the Roof
Sara’s review of the book
I used to teach my kindergarteners how to write alphabet letters and count to 100. But after reading this book, I’ve burned that busted curriculum and we spend our days in the shade of an acacia tree, drawing camels and plotting the revolution. Naturally, the camel is our party mascot. Inspired by this majestic creature, our platforms are water conservation, celebration of individual difference (ex: one hump or two), and, since kindergarteners confuse political parties with other manifestations of party, goody bags. With Sweet Tarts.
Noah from The Flying Pork Knuckle
Noah’s review of the book
I’m heavy into learning new things. So, when Phil asked me — No, challenged me — to change my life, the critical ingredient was getting off my butt and drawing.
Listen:
I kept a marker in my pocket at all times. I tagged bathroom walls with camels. This, I decided, was a sure-fire way of building “street cred.” What I failed to consider, however, was how dastardly Burger King restaurant patrons could be. Someone came along and wrote “Sucks” beneath each camel.
Even though you may not know how to achieve a lofty goal, set it anyway. You will be surprised at how inspired you’ll be and you’ll likely take action you wouldn’t normally have taken.
Andi from My Beautiful Adventures
How would knowing how to draw a camel change your life?
Because if I knew how draw a camel, then I have a strong suspicion that I could also figure out how to bring peace to the world. Because we all know that drawing camels is one of the most important things in life.
Michael from Go. See. Write.
How would knowing how to draw a camel change your life?
A: Hard to put into words, but I am sure that it will be the key to me unlocking the door to my perpetual happiness and possibly, my personal salvation. Or I will finally be able to meet my life mate, and more importantly, have the means to impress and woo her, in order to make her mine.
Why is it that camels are so seductive?
A: Seriously? This is almost too obvious to answer. The fluid manner in which they walk. The humps — uh’ huh, the humps. The smile. The spitting. What about a camel is not perfection, wrapped up in a fragrant package?
Who would win in a fight between a camel and an anteater and why?
A: The camel wins a fight with any other fauna, based solely on the Fonzie principle — it is cooler than everyone else. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070992/)
Christine from Almost Fearless
Why is it that camels are so seductive?
I wish I knew. Honestly. Then maybe I could pry my husband away from his “camel chat rooms” where you just know what they are really talking about. I mean it’s fine. I get it. It starts with a little camel drawing, and then you have a camel desktop theme, and before you know it you’re downloading feature length camel flicks, while your wife and child are in the next room. I mean, they are seductive. I just wish I had my husband back. That’s all. You know, for our son’s sake.
Matt from 1 Year Sabbatical
How would knowing how to draw a camel change your life?
I’d all but given up on learning to draw. I tried to draw a line once and ended up with a circle which I guess technically is a line that curves. But the point is that after reading “How to Draw Camels” I quickly moved beyond being able to draw a line and into being able to draw a whole camel! It was a miracle! I can now draw a camel with my eyes closed. No longer am I just another nameless face at a party. I am now known as that “funky camel drawing dude” or something like that rather than just “that dork in the corner over there”.
Here’s a little seasonal camel trivia for you. Did you know that Santa originally used camels to pull his sleigh? It’s true. However, faced with protests and pickets by a very strong reindeer union led by Rudolph ( a bright red nosed reindeer) he was forced to give in to this reindeer coup and stop using camels. Not many people beyond the inner circles of elf-dom know this. Now that I can draw camels in my sleep I’ll be putting up camels and not reindeer this holiday season.
Daniel and Kathyrn from Two Go Round the World
Why are camels so seductive?
Picture this — endless dunes, bejewelled caravans, romantic courtyard houses and ancient walled cities. The iconic camel fuses the past and the present, providing a cultural resonance that conjures up a strong sense of place—and an even stronger sense of smell. Man, those things are gassy!”
Jason and Aracely from Two Backpackers
How would knowing how to draw a camel change your life?
I could become the artist I have always wanted to be. Drugs, parties and a penthouse sweet in NYC. I mean, if you can draw a camel, people will absolutely purchase the art masterpieces for a few million US dollars. It’s almost ridiculous to think otherwise.
Why is it that camels are so seductive?
Have you ever been with a camel? Then you wouldn’t know.
Who would win in a fight between a camel and an anteater and why?
The anteater would most likely win, only because camels are lovers not fighters. The anteater would establish a well organized trap consisting of deep holes in the ground. The camel would inevitably walk into these holes so perfectly, that each leg would fall deep into the ground and it would look like a two mountain landscape from a distance. Probably a great photo opportunity.
Jenny from Where is Jenny
Who would win in a fight between a camel and an anteater and why?
In a fight between a camel and an anteater the camel would win hands down. That is, unless the referee was a llama. Everybody knows that llamas have a thing for anteaters. It’s a known fact. I read it in a world fact book once. I don’t know why because anteaters have those fugly long nose mouth thingys. Hello? Aesthetics?… not pretty.
Baker from Man vs. Debt
How would knowing how to draw a camel change your life?
I’ve never actually told anyone, but drawing a camel is what made my wife and I decide to sell everything we own, pay off our debt, and travel the world with our daughter. For us, it was the first and most important step in turning around our life. Absolutely mind-blowing process.
Why is it that camels are so seductive?
The humps – obviously.
Who would win in a fight between a camel and an anteater and why?
This has to be the dumbest question I’ve ever been asked in my life. Of course, the anteater camel would win. Not close.
Start drawing camels TODAY.
Update: the How to Draw Camels ebook has been moved to my new site at howtodrawcamels.com. Click here to download the book!
You probably also have a few friends that need to get their lives back on track. Please share this post with them. Or print out the ebook and staple it together (this would be a great Christmas gift). Feel free to tell me how much this book has changed your own life in the comments below.
Phil – in the 3 months or so we have been following travel blogs, this might be the funniest post we have read! Made our day, and bloody right we have downloaded it…. drawing camels was one of the things we wanted to make sure we got done before leaving on our RTW next spring (right before the Japanese Encephalitis shots), and you have indeed made that possible.
You are a life changer my friend…a life changer!
Skott and Shawna
Thanks guys!!! I’m glad you have your priorities straight. Send me a pic of your camel and $1 will go towards Partners in Health! Happy camel drawing! B well, Phll
Dearest Phil,
While browsing through your How to Draw Camels eBook, I noticed my cat taking an unusual interest to the computer screen. I knew instantly that the camel’s seductive qualities must even be felt by the feline. Clearly, inspired by your new book, Ace (the cat) picked up the pen and went work following your comprehensive, step-by-step instructions on how to draw and capture that magnificent figure of the camel. He practically leaped off the couch when I mentioned the oil pastels I keep in my desk! You should have seen the excitement. He was acting just like a kitten again! Just another example of the power of the camel. A beautiful thing. I’ve emailed you the pictures. I hope you enjoy.
Always,
Marissa
(and Ace)
Marissa, You have no idea how happy those pictures made me!!!!
This is hilarious! I just drew a camel in my cube… thanks for making my work day go by faster!
Awesome!! Send it to me!!!
Bring on the camels!!!!!!!!!!
If you make a student friendly version of this book (without references to drinking and bars), I promise to share it with my students and have them draw camels so we can send them to you.
haha OK, I will send you the PG version
Oh – and I’m pretty sure you should have gotten permission to post those pictures of our kids up on the internet.
Really? Even if their names are not there?
I LOVE camels!! And now that I’ll be able to draw one I’ll be able to have one wherever I am! I can’t believe how much I must owe you for this! I agree with Ayngelina – they are seductive b/c of their walk…with their head held high and sauntering along like they don’t give a shit! Love it! Thanks, and Cheers!!
Gillian after you draw one, send me the pic!! $1 will go to PIH on your behalf! I totally agree with you and Ayngelina about the walk btw.
Why are camels so seductive? It’s the eyelashes. Gives them bedroom eyes. That’s all I’m saying.
THE EYELASHES!!! Bedroom eyes indeed! I’m surprised no one mentioned it earlier!
Hilarious! I just drew a camel and I feel so enlightened. I don’t think there is anything left for me to accomplish in this world. Thank you for the entertainment this morning. I can’t wait to show Craig just how clever I am
Caz, YES!!! Send me a pic of the camel and I will donate $1 on your behalf to Partners in Health! B well, Phil
Drawing a Camel can get me a mate? i love that. i also love what you are doing with the donations. it is a great way to raise awareness
Thanks Zablon, send me your camel pic after your draw one and I’ll donate $1 in your honor!
I had a pet camel once. He took into the desert to sleep with the Bedouins. The friendship ended the minute he spit at me! Thanks for the laugh 🙂
Nancie, he was probably just showing his affection!! I think you should forgive him.
…currently drawing camels in a cafĂ© in Buenos Aires. The world is changing for the better.
Keith, you have no idea how happy this makes me. Send it my way, when you’re finished.
Who is the boy under Jalin? Is that Donnell?
Darius? I think…
Darius Giles? No way.
This is without doubt the coolest thing I’ve seen all month. Without A DOUBT.
Haha, awesome. Thanks Craig 🙂
Cute drawings! But I have one question here, does camel only have one hump? I actually tried to search for images of camels in Google and looks like they vary.
Yeah, the 2.0 version of the ebook will include multiple humps. Thanks for the comment COle!!
Phil,
This is the most inspirational ebook I’ve seen in a long time. I felt this big…..void in my life of late, and I now realize it was solely a result of not knowing how to draw camels. Thanks to you and this book of win, I now know how to move forward with my life. I pledge to dedicate the rest of it to camelids everywhere.
-Jodi
Jodi, I understand the void. I had it too. I’m glad you mentioned camelids, because I’m planning a follow-up with Vicunas. B well, Phil
Dear Phill ,
I was browsing lots of blog as of late for travel accommodation and all , yet , right now I am so hyped and refreshed after reading this , I’ll be trying to draw a camel right after this comment , thank you.
Jason, awesome – send me your camel when you finish and $1 will go to PIH on your behalf. Thanks for the comment! B well, Phil
Ahahahaa this post is hysterical! I love it! Just forwarded it to a friend who is off to work in Abu Dhabi – he will have a lot of opportunity to practice his camel drawing skills!
Barry, thanks for your comment!! And thanks for sharing it!!!!! B well, Phil
Mr. P:
You have a very very merry Christmas surprise from Mr. O!
Waiting for you in QNS.
Love,
Baby
Queens? You moved? Or there are camels there?
This was so funny that I just had to draw the camel! I just posted it to your facebook. :o)
Redhead Riter, thanks for the comment! I saw your camel and I love how detailed you made it!! Thanks for participating! B well, Phil
Hello Phil:
Through an act of divine guidance (or Stumbleupon), “How to Draw Camels E-Book” appeared on my laptop and my life will never be the same. You Sir, are obviously a genius of rare talent and much too modest to admit it. Let me explain what has happened here recently.
In my daily meditations while pondering the nature of camels it was revealed to me that they are actually divine, mystic (and stinky) creatures. Similar in status to the revered cows of India, camels grace the earth with their presence. Also, therefore, their droppings and spit. (Which by the way I am told may- if watered properly and left alone- produce lovely exotic flowers).
I asked how knowing how to draw a camel might change my life. The answer from the great beyond was like a quiet thunder. To make a long story short, I am told we exist in a hologram. In this hologram patterns repeat themselves over and over both vertically and horizontally. So as we expand our consciousness we simply find patterns we already know repeating themselves. The nucleus of this pattern seems to be the hump shape of camels. To illustrate the power of the hump, you might picture.. let’s say.. Kim Kardashian in a tiny bikini riding a camel. In sand dunes. On a mountaintop. You might notice the many humps in this illustration.
When you draw camels you harness the power of humps. If you understand the universal law of attraction in action, you’ll also know why camels are so seductive.
To put this to a test, I was inspired to place a large tattoo of a camel on my left buttock. Its effect was powerful and immediate. The man at the tattoo parlor gave me a wink and invited me back. I was quite shaken by a 300 pound tattooed man named “Tiny” in coveralls acting amorous- but decided it was just a very strange islolated incident. Oh how wrong I was. Stopping for gas at the local convenience store, the lady behind the register claimed I was “that guy on T.V. on that show..You know!” Ok, at home my dog pounced on my left leg and proceeded to do the “Wild Thang”. While trying to pull him off, he bit me! Shaking and locked in the bathroom, I realized that my new and permanent camel tattoo was quite dangerous. Probably rivalling the legend of the “Funky Cold Medina”. After hours of attempting to claw through the bathroom door my poor dog lay curled up in a ball in the hallway, exhausted. I snuck out and found myself in a Mcdonald’s restaurant. (Notice the familiar hump shape again?) Anyway, the shredded left leg of my jeans was still wet and sticky. While they dried out I considered who might win a fight between an anteater and a camel, and why.
Once again my friend, I have uncovered some startling revelations. First, may I say Phil that it is alarming to consider the peaceful dromedary participating in a violent confrontation of any sort. Camels are docile beings. When provoked and as a last resort they will, at most, only threaten you with a lawsuit. Having said that, it seems that anteaters have a fondness for crunchy foods. Since rice crispy treats are rarely found in the wild they will hunt for the closest substitute. Wouldn’t it seem that anteaters should be crunchy on the inside but soft on the outside? Like a Taco Bell chalupa. (Taco Bell- another variation of the hump shape?) Apparently, the camel has a fondness for Taco Bell chalupas but can only find the closest substitute since chalupas are seldom discovered in the field. So it seems the lowly anteater is nothing but a fourthmeal to the majestic camel. Sad but true. Until the anteater is armed and well trained he will always lose battles with his large rival. On a positive note, anteaters do have a small window of opportunity to become exotic flower gardens if conditions are perfect.
Phil, it is an honor to converse with such an enlightened academic and it has certainly been my pleasure to compare notes. Sadly, it’s time to go. The paparazzi have been taking pictures through the glass door of the restaurant and the kid behind the counter wearing one earring is winking at me. It’s going to be difficult to find my way home to my frustrated dog through the growing crowd of groupies. Keep doing good work, my friend!
Dave, even though much of what you wrote here bears no importance to the actual business of drawing camels, I thoroughly enjoyed it and, with your permission of course, I would like to include it in version 2.0 of “How to Draw Camels” due out next spring. Please let me know.
B well, Phil
Phil my friend:
Feel free to use it as you would like, I am honored to be a part of the experience. Muchos Gracias!
Now how about that elephant?
First camelids. Then we can start thinking about other animals.
I’ve been trying to draw camels all my life, with no success. It’s ended relationships, it’s marginalised me in social circles I yearned to belong to, it’s shattered my feelings of self-worth again and again.
I saw other people drawing camels and I thought “why can’t I step up to the plate? What went wrong, Ma? Why me?” The answer was clear – I was accursed. Flawed. Uncammelled.
But then, Phil – then I read your book, and the sense of release was extraordinary. I felt all my pain ascending out of me in a gush of sensation. I also wet myself. (I know this is personal, but frankly when it comes to this kind of revelation, nothing is TMI). Then I passed out.
When I came to (and got cleaned up), I found I could draw camels.
There is nothing I can add to such a powerful, life affirming statement as that.
Thank you.
Mike — I can empathize completely. Thanks for sharing this important (the most?) moment in your life.
This is the best post i’ve ever read!
dj elblag – dj na wesele
Pro tip, guys: keep your hand in. Practice every day. Keep those camel-drawing muscles toned. Yesterday I tried to draw a camel after a couple of weeks of not doing so, and it was striped and had seven legs.
Drawing camels isn’t something you have forevermore. You have to *work* at it.
Phil – we need a workout video.
Pro tip indeed. Thanks for sharing Mike. This should be DAILY practice. Don’t get casual about it. Workout video to come.
Camels are amazing, and the inability to draw any is a serious drawback for anyone…and besides, You Bastard, the camel genius mathematician from Terry Pratchett’s Moving Pictures would approve of the message of your book. Thumbs up!