Hello Creatives!

On June 2nd 2023 I started my 30-days art challenge #30daysofditsy For 30 days straight (the entire month of June), I’ll be creating video content showing one ditsy pattern every day and I’ll be publishing it as reels, TikToks, YouTube shorts and Pinterest idea pins. After 1 month, I’ll be sharing my findings via my Substack and my YouTube channel.

How did it affect my social media platforms and my reach? Was I able to commit to this 30-day challenge? Was my creativity increased? What obstacles did I face?

By committing to creating one artwork (an illustration, a pattern, a logo etc.) every day for a month, you'll be forced to think outside the box and come up with new ideas. Plus, by sharing your illustrations on social media or with friends, you'll be able to connect with others who share your passion for art. So why not take the plunge and try a 30-day art challenge? You might just be surprised about what you're capable of creating.

What is a 30-Day Art Challenge?

A 30-day art challenge involves creating one piece of artwork every day for 30 days, such as an illustration, a sketch, a pattern, a graphic design project - whatever you wish. This challenge can be based on a specific theme or prompt. For instance the theme that I’m tackling in June 2023 is ditsy patterns #30daysofditsy . It is a great opportunity to push yourself out of your comfort zone and explore new styles, techniques, and subjects.

One thing I know for sure - you will have a chance to build a portfolio of your work, which can be used to showcase your talent and attract potential clients or collaborators. The 30-Day Illustration Challenge is also an excellent way to connect with other artists and receive feedback and support from the community.

Tips to Make the Most Out of Your 30-Day Art Challenge

The 30-day challenge can also be a daunting task. I mean, how many challenges of this sort have you completed so far? It’s always on my list but I tend to get a bit overwhelmed at the thought of creating something every day for an extended period of time.

To make the most out of your challenge, it's important to set realistic goals and stick to them.

One tip is to plan ahead and create a schedule for each day's artwork. This will help you stay on track and avoid falling behind. Make sure that you have a time slot for every day - morning, midday, evening (when the kid is asleep) - whatever works for you.

Another tip is to experiment with different styles and techniques. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. The repeat pattern from the photo above is something I have never drawn before - a ditsy landscape repeat! I created it while sitting in a Berlin cafe, and since I knew I have to create something for the day, I went for it and I experimented with my style.

It's also important to take breaks and give yourself time to recharge. Don't push yourself too hard and remember to have fun with the challenge. It’s absolutely ok to stop or to postpone it - I mean, life happens, and perhaps you won’t finish all 30 days, but perhaps even just 14 days will give you so much fresh content for both your social media and your website portfolio? And another thing to consider it to create every second or every third day. I am relatively fast when creating my repeat patterns, thanks to my automated pattern templates, so for me the 30-days goal was quite realistic! Let’s see by the end of June how it went ;)

Lastly, share your work with others and seek feedback. People on your social media, such as Instagram followers, can really cheer for you or even join you in this challenge!