Free Video Tutorial: Shape Drawing Challenge #1
Turn one simple shape into your own cartoon characters. You need paper, a pencil and markers; it takes about 15 minutes and works for ages 4 and up.
- Shape drawing challenge
- Ages 4+
- Grades Pre–K-5
- All levels
- About 15 min with the video
You’ll need
- Paper
- Pencil
- Markers or crayons
You’ll practice
- Seeing shapes in everyday things
- Using imagination
- Turning one shape into a character
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.
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!
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!
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
Draw it, then write about it
Pick one of your shape characters and write about its day. What happened first, next and last?
Print a draw-and-write sheet: a box for the drawing and lines for the story. Primary lines (K–2) · Regular lines (grades 2–5)
Want to make it a whole story? Try the comic story starter or fold a mini-book in Story Studio.
Questions about this shape drawing activity
What age is this shape drawing challenge 1 shape drawing activity for?
Ages 4 and up (about grades Pre-K to 5). There is no wrong answer, so it works for every age.
How long does it take?
About 15 minutes, including time to pause the video. Kids who add their own details or a background often keep going longer.
What supplies do you need?
Paper; pencil; markers or crayons.
What size does it print?
Nothing needs printing: draw along on any paper, Letter or A4.
What if my child can’t think of anything to draw?
Turn the page around and look at the shape from another side, or ask “What could this be if it had eyes?” The drawing prompt generator has more ideas.
For teachers: grade, timing and standards
Grades Pre–K-5, about 15 minutes. Shape drawing challenge, all levels level. The video does the teaching: press play and let students draw along.
National Core Arts Standards (visual arts)
- VA:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas: students invent characters from a single shape.
- VA:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work: students add details to finish their idea.
See every lesson by standard, plus the math in grid drawing, on the arts standards map.
Copies: print as many as your class needs. More in the teacher resources and our no-prep sub plans.
Get the free Christmas Drawing Pack
10 printable Christmas pages to draw, trace, color and decorate, sent with your welcome email. After that, Kevin’s newsletter brings new free pages and book news.
Take the idea into a book
Want more characters to draw, trace or color? Explore these related books and see which approach fits your next creative session.
Shape Drawing Challenge
By Kevin Coulston
Explore this book →
How to Draw: Food Monsters
By Kevin Coulston
Explore this book →
Trace Then Color: Cartoon Food Monsters
By Kevin Coulston
Explore this book →Another idea to try
Drawing tipsCreate Your Own Cartoon Character with the Shape Drawing Challenge
Why Shape Drawing Challenge Is the Perfect Way to Help You Create Your Own Cartoon Character If you're searching for a fun, imaginative art activity…
Free activitiesVideo Drawing Tutorial: Shape Drawing Challenge #2
Draw with Shapes – Turning Simple Shapes Into Amazing Characters If you’ve ever wondered how to spark a child’s creativity with just a simple shape…
Free activitiesVideo Drawing Tutorial: Shape Drawing Challenge #6
Shape Drawing Challenge #6 — Turning a Bean Shape Into a Duck, a Whale, and an Alien If your kids enjoy creative drawing activities and love watching…