Free Video Tutorial: Shape Drawing Challenge #1 | Turn 1 Shape into 3 Different Characters

by | Mar 25, 2025 | How to Draw Books for Kids, Video Tutorials

Embrace Your Imagination with the Shape Drawing Challenge!

Are you ready to boost your imagination and take your drawing skills to the next level? My Shape Drawing Challenge book is all about unlocking creativity by transforming simple shapes into countless unique drawings. To celebrate this exciting drawing activity, I’m offering a FREE video tutorial: Shape Drawing Challenge #1! In this video, I take a single shape and turn it into three completely different drawings, just like the exercises in my book.

This method helps artists of all ages develop their creativity by thinking outside the box. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started or a seasoned doodler wanting a fresh challenge, this video is a perfect introduction to the fun and engaging world of shape-based drawing. And if you love the concept, you’ll definitely want to check out my Shape Drawing Challenge book, packed with hundreds of drawing opportunities!


What is the Shape Drawing Challenge?

The Shape Drawing Challenge is an activity book designed to spark creativity in kids, teens, and even adults. It provides 16 different simple shapes, appearing multiple times throughout the book, and challenges you to turn them into up to 480 unique drawings. It’s all about taking something basic and making it your own!

Each shape includes six hand-drawn example ideas to help inspire your creativity. Whether you turn a simple curve into a smiling whale or a basic square into a futuristic robot, the possibilities are endless!

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank page unsure of what to draw, this book eliminates that frustration by giving you a starting point for your imagination.

Get The Book!


Join Me for a Live Shape Drawing Challenge Event!

I’m thrilled to bring the Shape Drawing Challenge to life at Verde Valley Comic Expo on March 29, 2025! If you’re in the Cottonwood, AZ area, stop by the Cottonwood Recreation Center to join in on the fun. I’ll be hosting a live drawing event at 11 AM, where I’ll demonstrate shape-based drawing techniques while participants create alongside me.

The event is run by the Cottonwood Public Library, and entry costs just $5, or $3 with a donation of two non-perishable food items. Plus, kids 10 and under get in free! Proceeds from the event support the Cottonwood Bookmarks, Friends of the Library to help fund their Summer Reading Programs. So, not only is this a great way to get creative, but you’ll also be supporting a fantastic cause!

Verde Valley Comic Expo Website


Why Shape Drawing is a Game-Changer for Artists

The Shape Drawing Challenge method is an excellent tool for boosting artistic skills. Here’s why it works:

Develops Creative Thinking – Learning to see shapes as something more helps artists think in new ways and stretch their imagination.

Breaks Artist’s Block – Sometimes, coming up with ideas is the hardest part. By starting with a shape, you eliminate the blank-page struggle.

Great for All Skill Levels – Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been drawing for years, this challenge keeps your skills sharp and your ideas fresh.

Encourages Experimentation – There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to complete the challenge. The goal is to have fun and explore different possibilities!

Perfect for Kids & Adults – Whether used in classrooms, homeschool settings, or just as a fun hobby, the Shape Drawing Challenge is entertaining for all ages.


Get Started with a Free Shape Drawing Video!

Not sure where to begin? That’s why I’m offering a FREE video tutorial as an introduction to the Shape Drawing Challenge! In the video above, I take one shape and turn it into three different drawings—giving you a taste of how much fun this activity can be.

Whether you’re following along with the book or just testing out the concept for the first time, this video will inspire you to see basic shapes in a whole new way. Grab a pencil and some paper, hit play, and let’s start drawing!


Get Your Copy of Shape Drawing Challenge Today!

If you love this activity and want hundreds of creative prompts at your fingertips, grab a copy of the Shape Drawing Challenge book today! Available now, this 106-page book provides a nearly limitless well of inspiration for anyone who loves to draw.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more drawing challenges, tips, and fun tutorials. And if you’re attending the Verde Valley Comic Expo, be sure to stop by my table to check out all of my books in person!

View My YouTube Channel


Let’s Get Creative!

The Shape Drawing Challenge is more than just a book—it’s an invitation to explore, imagine, and create. Whether through my free video, the live event, or the book itself, I hope this unique drawing method helps you think outside the box and unlock your artistic potential. So, what will you create from a simple shape? Let’s find out together!

Learn More

Upcoming Events:

Verde Valley Comic Expo
Shape Drawing Challenge
With Kevin Coulston
March, 29th 2025 11:00am
+ Exhibit Hall All Day
Cottonwood Recreation Center
150 S. 6th St
Cottonwood, AZ 86326

Phoenix Fan Fusion
Shape Drawing Challenge
With Kevin Coulston
June, 7th 2025 12:00pm
+ Exhibit Hall All Weekend
Phoenix Convention Center
Phoenix, AZ

Meet The Author & Artist

Kevin Coulston is an accomplished cartoonist, animator, and writer. He is the author and illustrator of over 70 (and still counting) children’s drawing books available here on FirstArtBooks.com. Kevin has also authored numerous kid-friendly comic book series, including “Dylan McVillain: A Super Villain with the Best Intentions” and “The Adventures of a 4th Grade Space Captain,” along with the Children’s Picture Book series “Alexis and the T-Rexes.”

Over a decade and a half since his initial published work, Kevin is now dedicating himself to inspiring the next generation of illustrators with his “How To Draw,” “Trace Then Color,” and “Draw by Grid” series of art books.

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What Our Customers Are Saying

“The author really does a great job demonstrating how easy (and rewarding!) it can be to draw seemingly ordinary things you (and your little ones!) may feel too intimidated to try drawing without the step-by-step guide! Putting already-known shapes together and making something new and original is a fantastic way to learn! And recognizing that you can add your own twists and personality to your drawings makes all the difference. I think it’s a fun, original approach to building confidence for a lifelong hobby. I have the ebook copy, and can only imagine how great a physical copy would be!”

– Daenarah [Amazon Review]

“There are several of these fun books by this author. My kids and I have had a lot of fun with these. It’s a great activity to do as a family and see how they all turn out. Almost like a sip and paint but more of a juice box and draw.”

Allison B. [Amazon Review]

My kids can’t wait to start drawing these monsters in their illustrations! The many different moods of the monsters appeal to their different personalities. We love the many options, styles, and opportunities to expand upon the characters. Recommended for all ages!

– Kasey [Amazon Review]

“Kevin has put out many books on drawing and animation, and has such a great feel for HOW to explain the process. His art is so expressive and kid-friendly, but his real strength is in his ability to really explain and show how it’s done, making it accessible to kids and adults. I’m a firm believer that not everyone who “can do” can teach, but Kevin does both beautifully! Pick this up and watch kids have a blast making robots of all sorts, while learning great fundamental art skills at the same time!”

Tom R. [Amazon Review]

“My 5yo LOVES this book! The drawings are cute and the instructions are easy to follow along with. She gets a kick out of drawing muffin monsters and ketchup monsters and it actually keeps her pretty focused for long periods of time.”

– Monica [Amazon Review]

“This is a fantastic book for kids who love art, cartoons, comic books, or just having fun! There are a lot of characters to choose from, and really easy step-by-step instructions to follow. You child will have a blast drawing these fun, silly characters! And just in time for Easter baskets!”

– Bestmomever [Amazon Review]

“This is a very good book for kids that want to learn to draw, my sons love it and Kevin does a great job of making drawing fun and not intimidating. Highly recommended for the long summer hours!”

David D. [Amazon Review]

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