Are you looking for a creative project that will keep you creating consistently so you form an art practice?
The 100 Day Project might be perfect for you because in this challenge you create for 100 days straight, focusing on something you want to focus on or just being totally random. It’s up to you!
People from all over the world participate in The 100 Day Project (#the100dayproject on Instagram) either painting, drawing, making collage, etc and they either focus on a specific subject like trees for 100 days or just being creative in whatever way that means to them for 100 days. The open ended flexibility is what draws many to this challenge.
This was the first daily practice project I had taken seriously in awhile.
Here’s what I shared in April 2016:
Right now I'm on Day 10 (follow @fluximagery on Instagram) and while the project is fun, it is definitely challenging and that is one of the reasons why I signed up.
Here are some things that have helped me along the way with being consistent and enjoying the journey.
Be Prepared
Being as prepared as possible is a HUGE help. I am making 4”x4” watercolor originals daily and they are for sale. IE. Day 1 is $1, Day 2 is $2, etc. When I first wanted to start this, I was going to make 5”x5” illustrations but then I quickly realized I would be burning through a lot of watercolor paper quickly.
So I went with hot press watercolor blocks. Instead of measuring out the 4 inch sections on each sheet from scratch, I cut a 4”x8” template out of sturdy UPS mailer packaging.
This is such a timesaving template and helps me get straight to the painting when I’m limited on time.
Set a Time
During the week my lunch break is the best time to get my painting completed and it's been working for me. Once you figure out what time works for you, stick with it. I found this incredible timer that lights up and vibrates so it helps with staying focused without driving me crazy in the meantime, love it!
Be realistic, set a time block in your calendar if you must and commit to that time. Last week was my first weekend of the challenge so I got it done in the first half of the day because once we leave the house as a family, you never know when you will get back home.
The natural light is gone and the day is pretty much a wash for the challenge. Commit to a time that works, do it, check it off and you'll feel great!
Set Parameters
I am not the best example of this but set some parameters for your project. Choose the same supplies to use over and over, the same size of art pieces, etc.
It's nice to not have too many variables to make individual decisions about daily and it will help with turning your work into a finished product later if you go that route. Mine is turning into 100 days of watercolors so far.
Be Kind
Be kind to yourself, for me I committed to showing every painting on Instagram and other social media for 100 days. This is not easy, I am not 100 percent happy with each painting but I need to keep the negative self-talk in check.
This is the same for you, you can be your worst critic. There are times when I post something that I think is cringe-worthy and it gets the best response from others.
You never know, if you bring a smile to one person, that’s an awesome by product of making work for you. Also remember that this is a learning challenge and no matter what, you learned something from it.
Connect with Others
Reach out to others who are working on the same challenge you are. There is strength in numbers and they can encourage you when you see them sticking with it and vice versa.
It can be easier to stay accountable when you make the effort to connect to this community that is trying to do the same thing you are!
Updated thoughts on The 100 Day Challenge - 3/9/2022
Now that I have pivoted into being a full-time creative and artist (yay!!!), I don’t commit to challenges like this one anymore. I would find that with this challenge in particular I would just make to make; like ticking off to dos and that wasn’t serving me.
My priorities have shifted to creating meaningful pieces and completing projects because I don’t have the block of making a creative practice as much anymore. This challenge tended to make me competitive and I would feel down about what others were producing because I was comparing myself to others my only competition is me.
So looking back I would say to give yourself permission to start and stop whenever you want. If you only get to Day 2 and are feeling unnecessary pressure to continue, listen to your gut and stop if you want. Is your focus getting paint on paper for 100 days or is it in tapping into your creativity for 100 days; no matter what that looks like. IE. researching, doodling, making marks, etc.
Check in with yourself often and have fun on your creative journey! That is the best part after all, the journey.
xo,
Erika
I hope these tips help you with your 100 Day Project or any other challenge you decide to start.
What tips have you learned that help you with art challenges?
P.S. If you aren’t quite ready for a creative challenge but want to be creative and need help with success with your daily practice and goals, this daily routine printable is for you! You can organize your day, list your goals, make notes, track your habits and sketch daily. Get yours now!