Have you ever seen a word that looks the same – or makes sense – even when you turn it upside down? perhaps you’ve words like this in the brilliant book, The Spectacular Space Loop! That’s called an ambigram, and in this activity you’ll learn how to draw your very own.
An ambigram? What’s that?
An ambigram is a word or design that can be read in more than one way — often when it’s turned upside down or flipped around. It could be a word that reads the same when you turn the page upside down, or a word that changes into a different word when you rotate it.
Ambigrams are a brilliant mix of art, design and clever thinking — and they’re much easier to make than you might expect!
Here’s an example of an ambigram from The Spectacular Space loop…
Can you read this word both ways? Clue: the first word is the name of an imaginary planet…
Why learning how to draw an ambigram is a great idea…
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll discover how to:
✏️ Plan letters so they work from two directions
🔄 Rotate your design and spot what needs changing
🧠 Think carefully about shapes, symmetry and spacing
🎨 Turn words into playful, eye-catching artwork
You don’t need any special skills — just a pencil, some paper, and a willingness to experiment.
Why ambigrams are so much fun
Ambigrams encourage children to:
Slow down and focus, which can feel calm and satisfying
Look at letters in new ways, building visual awareness
Experiment without fear of mistakes, because trying things out is part of the process
Combine creativity with problem-solving, just like designers and illustrators do
They’re perfect for quiet afternoons, creative challenges, or linking art with maths and literacy.
Who is this activity for?
This activity works well for:
Curious kids who love drawing and puzzles
Creative learners aged from around 7 (and younger children can join in with some help).
Families looking for a fun, screen-free activity
Classrooms, home learning and rainy-day creativity
Ready to learn how to draw an ambigram?
Click here to download, print and follow a step-by-step guide and see if you can create an ambigram that works both ways. Don’t forget to turn your page upside down as you go — that’s where the magic happens!
Happy drawing and happy flipping!
