MAKE SOMETHING, NOTICE SOMETHING, TRY A NEW FORM
Creative challenges give you a constraint to work inside rather than waiting to feel inspired. These ideas cover drawing, writing, photography, music, craft, food, and playful making.
CHALLENGES TO START WITH
12 creative challenges to get you making
The aim is repetition and experimentation, not producing polished work every time. A simple rule can make it much easier to begin than an open-ended instruction to “be creative.”
14-Day Build a Playlist Challenge
Add carefully chosen tracks to a themed playlist over the course of the challenge.
Start here: Choose a theme and add the first three tracks.
7-Day World Cuisine Challenge
Cook or taste your way through approachable dishes from different cuisines.
Start here: Choose one cuisine and find a beginner-friendly recipe using ingredients you can obtain easily.
14-Day Learn a Dance Routine Challenge
Learn a short routine in small pieces and build toward performing it from start to finish.
Start here: Choose a beginner-friendly routine and learn only the first short section.
Weekend Color Hunt Challenge
Look for a chosen color in everyday surroundings and collect examples.
Start here: Pick one color and find five examples within 15 minutes.
Weekend Creative Prompt Challenge
Respond to a different small creative prompt on each challenge day.
Start here: Choose the prompt that sounds easiest and spend 10 minutes on it.
7-Day Photo Noticing Challenge
Train your eye by taking one intentional photo around a simple prompt.
Start here: Choose today’s prompt and take one photo before you start overthinking it.
Weekend Use What You Have Challenge
Make or do something using materials, supplies, or resources you already own.
Start here: Choose one neglected item or supply and decide how you will use it today.
14-Day Mini Collage Challenge
Build small collages from paper, packaging, photos, or digital images.
Start here: Gather five scraps or images and make one postcard-sized collage.
7-Day Six-Word Story Challenge
Write a complete miniature story in exactly six words each challenge day.
Start here: Write one six-word story about something you saw today.
Weekend Hand Lettering Challenge
Practice one small lettering exercise each challenge day.
Start here: Write one word slowly in three different styles.
7-Day Origami Challenge
Fold a small paper model each challenge day and gradually try harder designs.
Start here: Start with a square sheet of ordinary paper and fold the easiest model.
30-Day Daily Sketch Challenge
Make a small drawing each challenge day without aiming for perfection.
Start here: Choose one object near you and sketch it for 10 minutes.
MAKE IT FIT REAL LIFE
Constraints can make creativity easier
A theme, time limit, material, or daily prompt gives you something to react to. Treat the challenge as practice in making choices rather than a test of whether you are “creative enough.”
NEED A CLOSER MATCH?
Tell us what kind of challenge fits.
The Challenge Generator can combine duration, daily time, company, cost, place, energy, and theme instead of relying on one broad category.