Last year I wanted to host a drawing challenge on Instagram, only I didn’t start thinking about it until after Thanksgiving which left me with only days to pull something together. “Next year“, I told myself. Well wouldn’t you know it? I actually held to my plan to host a drawing challenge this December, ADHD be damned!

I’ve come up with 12 festive prompts that should stir up some holiday inspiration from December 1-23, 2022. I’ll post the full prompt list on my Instagram later this month, but my email newsletter will get the list early to get a head start. Plus they’re getting holiday themed color palettes to take even more pressure off! I provide the prompts and the colors, you just sit back with a cup of cocoa and enjoy the drawing process.

The basics:

• What: A Christmas drawing challenge! I release a list of prompts which you’ll interpret and illustrated however you wish. Does “Holiday Spirits” mean Christmas ghosts or festive cocktails to you?
• When: The challenge begins December 1st, but keep an eye to my Instagram this month to see the prompt list. You can sign up here to receive the prompt list early and get a head start on gathering inspiration! The challenge goes through December 23rd so that you can spend Christmas focused on enjoying your time away from social media.
• How: Use whatever drawing tools you prefer; you can use the same medium throughout the entire challenge or switch it up depending on the prompt! (I’ll most likely be using Procreate on my iPad Pro, but there’s a chance I’ll switch over to painting for a few prompts.) Whether your artwork is digital or analog, just upload it to Instagram and tag me (@thealiciabruce) or use the hashtag #drawtheholiyays so I can see what you’ve created! I’ll share some each day to my Instagram, so make sure your account is set to public if you’d like the chance to be shared.
• Who: Literally anyone! You don’t have to be an artist to participate! You’ll just need an Instagram account to share your work. Really, really don’t put too much pressure on yourself to make “good” art. It’s meant to be fun and open to all levels, so whether you’re making a living as an artist or you don’t even own colored pencils (yet), you’re encouraged to participate.  (And yes, let your children get involved! I LOVE to see parents and kids participating in these challenges together.)

The questions:

• Does it cost anything to participate? Not a dime.
• What if my Instagram is private? Can I still participate? Of course! Your friends and family will be able to enjoy your artwork even if the rest of us can’t.
• Do I have to sign up to be a part of the challenge? Not at all! Signing up will get you the prompt list early as well as a batch of color swatches so you don’t have to fret over finding the best color palettes. I may also slip a few more bonuses in there, so it never hurts to sign up for the email list. That said, you can simply follow along on Instagram!
• Why are there only 12 prompts? In my experience taking part in other drawing challenges, I find it overwhelming when there’s a new prompt each day. I’m more likely to participate in challenges that have a day or two between prompts so that I can take my time with a piece. Especially during the month of December when there’s already so much going on.
• Do I have to draw all 12 prompts or can I pick and choose? You can draw all 12 or you can do just one! There are no rules besides using a prompt and creating art. That’s it!
• Does it have to be a digital drawing? Can I create something else? I encourage you to interpret the prompt however you wish, and that includes using whatever medium and style you like. Create a comic strip, a painting, an animation, a pattern, or a simple doodle!
• Are there winners? Prizes? There are no winners in the Draw the Holi-yays drawing challenge. The challenge part refers to you challenging yourself to create a drawing, sketch, painting, pattern, comic, whatever based on the provided prompts. That said, I am working on random weekly prizes, so stay tuned!

Be sure to sign up here if you want to see the prompt list early and get a bonus or two in your inbox later this month!

Psst: If you’d like to share a graphic on Instagram to get your friends involved, grab one of these and share away! Don’t forget to tag @thealiciabruce and start using that hashtag #drawtheholiyays! See you in December!