2026 Creative Character Calendar Guide #shapetosoul
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like 2026!
If you are reading this, you are one of the "Inner Circle" who received the 2026 Creative Character Calendar! 🎉
This isn't just a way to keep track of the days; it’s a portal into the world of character design. This compact, limited-edition calendar is a functional product test for the Character Design Workbook (which you might have previously seen referred to as the "Character Design Kit") that I am currently developing. The calendar is designed to teach you how to deconstruct symmetrical shapes into unique characters—a process I call #shapetosoul.
By the time you reach December, you’ll be seeing the magic hidden in everyday objects and shapes all around you!
What is the Calendar For?
The goal is to help you discover hidden characters within symmetry. This skill sparks joy and stretches your imagination, training your brain to see stories where others just see shapes. This process will reveal the magic hidden in everyday objects, and soon you won't be able to stop seeing characters everywhere in your daily life!
Watch the Magic Happen
Below is a quick look at how a simple symmetrical shape from your calendar (March 2026) transforms into a character!
To help you stay inspired throughout the year, I will be posting a new process video for each month's shape right here on this page! Check back at the start of every month to see the character I discovered inside your current shape. For your convenience, use the QR code displayed at the bottom of every month’s page, it will bring you back to this article.
- Shape of January 2026
- Next one will be available in February
How to Use Your Calendar
Out of hundreds of collected objects and shapes, I’ve curated the twelve best symmetrical forms for you to play with. To help you master the art of character creation, I’ve simplified the method from the upcoming Character Design Workbook into three easy steps:
Step 1: The Shape
Let the shape speak to you. Don't be afraid to turn the calendar upside down or sideways! Look at it from different angles until something "clicks." This could be anything from a face or an animal to a full body pose. Keep an eye on what I call the Line Language—are we looking at sharp lines and edges or soft round curves? You want to mimic the line language so that your character has the same vibe and feels cohesive.
Step 2: Deconstruction
This is where you recognise the proportions and decide where you'll be adding the features. You can choose to follow the character I have created for the month using the steps below, or you can use the shape to create your own unique character—or even as many as you like!
If you see a full body pose, break the shape down into a torso, legs, arms, and head. If you see a face, where does the hairline start? Focus on what stands out on your character first—a hat, a long neck, or a distinctive nose—and the rest of the features will follow to fill in the gaps.
Step 3: Details
Once the shape is broken down, it is a lot simpler to know where the rest goes. This is the moment where you complete the features of the character. You can go further and add hair texture, facial lines, shadows, and any remaining features to complete the character and move from a silhouette to a soul.
Useful Materials
Directly on the Page: You can draw directly on the calendar with a pencil, pen, or permanent marker. Because of the compact size, a fine-liner works brilliantly for smaller details.
The "Trace & Repeat" Method (recommended): If you want to try the shape more than once with different characters or angles, you should instead grab a blank page and retrace the shape onto it.
Share Your Feedback!
As I continue to transition from the "Kit" phase to the final Character Design Workbook, your experience is incredibly valuable. If you want to share your characters, your experience, or any feedback on the calendar, please email me at taniarosasdesigns@gmail.com or via the contact form. I would love to hear what worked for you and what you’d love to see in the final product!
Looking for Even More Inspiration?
Check out the Creative Character Series where I show you the characters I have created and the ones my community sees in various shapes. While that series explores all kinds of forms, it will give you a great feel for the process and help you see the world through a more creative lens.
Have fun, stay creative, and I can't wait to see what you create in 2026!
