Love, Life, & Beyond

Every October, artists worldwide take up their pens to participate in Inktober, a month-long challenge to get you to draw daily based on a set of prompts. Created by Jake Parker in 2009, Inktober has since grown into a global phenomenon, allowing artists to push their creativity and discipline. 

I first participated in Inktober 2021. I had no plan, which is visible in the lack of cohesiveness throughout the month’s drawings. For the Inktober 2022 challenge, I was better prepared with a theme and a dedicated journal. I was quite proud of myself that year. Then, in 2023, I was so engrossed in daily routines that I just forgot about it. But I am back again for the Inktober 2024 challenge. Here are my 31 days of drawings. How did I do?

What is Inktober?

Inktober is a drawing challenge where participants commit to creating one ink drawing each day for the month of October, using a list of daily prompts provided by the challenge organisers. The aim is to practise drawing, improve creativity, and develop consistent artistic habits. While ink is the traditional medium, many artists also use digital tools or mix ink with other mediums.

The challenge doesn’t have strict rules—ultimately, it’s about pushing yourself creatively and having fun. You can follow the official prompt list, create your own, or combine both. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a beginner, Inktober is an excellent opportunity to improve your skills and be part of a global art community.

Why Join the Inktober Challenge?

There are many reasons to participate in Inktober, whether you’re an artist or simply looking for a creative outlet. The most obvious benefit is the chance to improve your drawing skills. The consistency of creating daily drawings pushes you out of your comfort zone and helps you learn new techniques.

For those struggling to be consistent, it also encourages daily practice, opens up your creative chakras, and helps you grow creatively. 

Inktober connects you with artists worldwide. Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr see a flurry of daily Inktober posts, allowing you to share your work, receive feedback, and gain inspiration from others.

Getting Started with Inktober 2024

Taking part in Inktober can seem daunting, especially if you’re new to the challenge. However, with a little planning and the right mindset, it’s completely manageable. Here are some things that helped me stay the course.

Understand the Official Prompts

The official Inktober prompt list is released in late September, and it’s up to you to interpret the words. Each prompt is just a starting point, giving you the freedom to create whatever the word inspires. Some artists take the prompts literally, while others choose abstract or conceptual approaches. Some words immediately create a picture in my head, while others take time to form. It helps to have a rough idea of what you imagine each word as before even starting a sketch.

Lilorosh, for example, had a theme this year to include a fox in their prompts. Rui Duque has hilariously creative creatures. Last year, I only wanted black & white sketches, but this year I wanted to try simple outlines with some colour pencils. Find a common ground for your ideas so your challenge is harmonious.

Gather Your Materials

For a traditional Inktober experience, you’ll need basic inking supplies. Here are some Art Supplies I Love. Pens, pencils, ink, paint, or whatever medium you are comfortable with works best. I like to have a dedicated journal for the challenge. My first year, I was all over the place and found it more difficult to focus as a result.

If you’re participating using digital tools, apps like Procreate or Adobe Fresco offer brushes that mimic ink. 

Set a Realistic Schedule

Life gets busy, and committing to drawing every day can be a challenge. The key to success is setting realistic goals. If I know that I am travelling or going to be super busy some days, I draw ahead of time. It also helps if you scale down your illustrations for the challenge. Not every piece has to be a masterpiece; quick sketches that fit the prompt are perfectly acceptable. The idea is to focus on increasing your consistency and imagination.

While the goal is to create one drawing per day, don’t stress if you miss a day. Life happens, and it’s okay to catch up later or even skip a prompt if needed. The purpose of the challenge is to develop a habit, not to beat yourself up if you fall behind.

Inktober also has year-long challenges, where there’s a prompt for every week in the year. You can also make up your own list of prompts and schedule to better fit your lifestyle.

Use the Hashtag #Inktober2024

Social media is a great way to track your progress and stay motivated. Use the official hashtag to share your work, interact with other artists, and get feedback. You’ll also gain inspiration from seeing how others interpret the same prompts.

Inktober 2024 is an excellent opportunity to grow as an artist and be part of a supportive global community. Whether you follow every prompt or create your own, the challenge will push you creatively, help you develop discipline, and inspire you to keep making art. Just remember, the most important part of Inktober is to have fun and enjoy the creative process. So, grab your pens, dive into the prompts, and get ready to bring your ideas to life!