Not every heart drawing needs to be whole, and this tutorial shows how to draw a broken heart with a jagged crack splitting it down the middle. The two halves separate slightly, with a zigzag line running from top to bottom creating that shattered look. Learning to draw a broken heart involves the same basic heart shape but with an added element of drama through the crack pattern. This symbol expresses emotions that a regular heart shape cannot.
Splitting a Heart in Two
Just 8 steps take you from the initial heart outline to the finished broken design. The crack runs vertically with sharp angles, and the two halves pull apart enough to show the gap between them.
Final Result: Heart Split Apart
Here’s the completed broken heart illustration
Compare this with other heart variations in the collection. The simple heart tutorial shows the basic whole shape, while the two overlapping hearts guide demonstrates hearts together rather than apart. The heart with arrow tutorial shows a different kind of pierced heart, and the kawaii heart guide adds character to the shape. All these heart drawings will be gathered in a Valentine’s Day drawing collection on this site.
Working Through Steps
Each step uses colors to show progress:
- Grey displays earlier sketch work
- Red marks additions for the current step
- Black shows completed lines
Start with the full heart shape, then plan where the crack will run. The zigzag line should have sharp, angular turns rather than smooth curves. Once you draw a broken heart crack, separate the two halves slightly so the gap becomes visible. Each half needs its own complete outline where the crack runs. Sketch lightly in pencil first, ink when satisfied, then erase. Color both halves in deep red tones, using slightly different shades on each side to emphasize the separation.
How to Draw a Broken Heart: Step-by-Step
Share Your Broken Heart!
That finishes this cracked heart tutorial. Did the zigzag pattern give your heart enough dramatic split? Leave a comment with questions or thoughts on how the steps worked for you. If your drawing is posted online somewhere, share the link so others can see your artwork and give feedback.
Looking for the opposite mood? Try the heart with wings tutorial for something more uplifting, or check out the heart balloon bunch guide for a cheerful design.