Art Challenges
I love an art challenge! And October is the month for them! Yes, I know it is still August, but September is just days away, and many creators are posting their challenge prompts already. So, here are some of my favourites…
All photos lead to the artist’s website, and all @links lead to their Instagram account where challenges are posted.
Drawtober
I think the first art challenge I ever stumbled across was created by Timothy von Rueden, otherwise known as @vonnart. Created as an alternative to Inktober, allowing for a wider range of drawing materials than only pen and ink, Vonn’s challenge is always fun. 2024’s challenge is not posted yet, but I know it is close to ready!
Drawlloween Club
Mab Graves’ @mabgraves work is full of slightly creepy children and weird creatures, and I love seeing how she completes her Drawllowe’en challenge. She encourages the community side of the challenge brilliantly, so join her club (the challenge prompts are already on her Instagram) and post your work!
Undying Tales
The Undying Tales @undyingtales is a challenge list created by Stephanie Law. She hopes to draw attention to the creatures in this world that are threatened with extinction, and the money she raises selling her art from this challenge goes to support the environment. Her website prompt list (which she uploaded the 2024 list to whilst I was writing this post!) includes information about the creatures included on her list. Plus, her work is beautiful!
Inktober
The original Inktober @inktober prompts list was created by Jake Parker back in 2009 when he wanted to improve his drawing skills and encourage a habit of drawing daily. Now it is followed by millions, and has its own Instagram and website. Now there is not only a month of prompts for October, but a full year version with one prompt every week.
There are loads of other drawing challenges that pop up in October, so try looking for Creeptober, Catober, Spooktober for more lists. Also, if you are reading this in May, try MerMay as an underwater version for the opposite end of the year.
Happy drawing!