Creating a calendar page isn’t just about making something pretty—it’s about designing with intention. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through my entire process, from sketch to final color, using the same method I used to design my best-selling calendar. Whether you’re creating one page or prepping a full 12-month collection, this is your place to start.
Watch the Tutorial
If you’re a see it on “paper” person, keep reading below. Otherwise, check out this quick video tutorial in my new iPad Art Break Series on Youtube:
The Steps
1. Design with Strategy in Mind: Before I draw anything, I look at what sells. For me, that’s bold pops of color, clear and playful lettering, and botanical themes that work beautifully as thumbnails. I’m always thinking ahead—what’s going to make someone stop scrolling and click “Add to Cart”?
Use this first page to explore a niche that excites you, for example “Wildflowers from your local area”.
Whatever direction you choose, let your art and your market overlap in meaningful ways.
2. Sketching the Page: Inside Procreate, I block off space for the lettering and sketch around it using inspiration from my Vintage Botanical board. My tip? Don’t overthink format just yet—create a versatile rectangular layout that you can adapt later.
Lettering takes center stage here. I freehand my text with no guides—just exploring fun shapes, loops, and flow. This is your chance to define a calendar-wide style, so let your letters feel loose and real.
3. Ink with Personality: After rough sketching, I go in with my Rough Inking Brush from the Everything Bagel set to bring the page to life. Some flowers and vines overlap the text to create depth and movement. I’m embracing the wobbly lines, because in the age of AI, rough and handmade stands out.
Want to go more detailed? Try adding texture, extra outlines, or fine line work. Want to keep it simple? Stick with bold fills and flat shapes. Either way, let your first page set the tone for your full collection.
4. Color Exploration & Testing: Color can completely shift the feel of your calendar, so I try out a few versions:
- Soft & vintage
- Tropical & vibrant
- Seasonal & cozy
If one palette makes you say, “Yes! This is the vibe,” duplicate the doc and save that style. This will become the foundation for the rest of your calendar collection.
5. Layout & Numbers: Once you’re happy with the art, it’s time to add the calendar grid and numbers. I do all of that inside Affinity Designer, and I share the full process step-by-step inside my Calendar Class, available right now with a free trial to The Studio.
Take the Next Step
Finishing your first calendar page is a big milestone—but it’s only the beginning. When you build a collection with intention, you can create a product that sells year after year.
Join Calendar Bootcamp to get the free printable checklist + design schedule . Ready for more? Start a free trial and watch the full class inside The Studio.
Design & Sell an Illustrated Calendar Class
- Learn how to design a marketable illustrated calendar from concept to finished product.
- Discover how to sell it through Etsy, local events, or print-on-demand—while developing a consistent style and sustainable illustration practice.
