September brings a fresh round of art challenges, each with its own style and community. Some focus on daily sketching, others lean into specific themes or traditional mediums, but all of them encourage artists to keep drawing.
For some, these challenges are a way to stay consistent; for others, they’re a chance to experiment with new ideas or simply enjoy creating alongside a wider community. However you approach them, September’s prompts and challenges are a great way to stay inspired.
Sketchtember is a low-pressure September art challenge focused on consistency. The idea is simple: create one sketch a day, whether digital or traditional. Unlike other challenges, the emphasis isn’t on polished pieces but on the habit of daily practice—loose, quick sketches are more than enough.
There’s no single organizer or official prompt list, making it a community-driven event. You’ll see a variety of approaches shared across social platforms, but the core rule is universal: sketch something every day. If you ever feel stuck for ideas, try our Drawing Prompt Generator to spark inspiration
Official source: Community-driven (search Instagram, Twitter, or art forums)
Hashtags: #Sketchtember, #Sketchtember2025
Drawing prompt examples:
To make Sketchtember easier, we’ve pulled together 30 prompt ideas you can follow day by day:
Launched by artist Faith Schaffer around 2019, Swordtember challenges artists to design a new fantastical sword each day of September. The official prompt list provides unique daily themes (such as moon, cursed relic, wings, forest spirit), sparking endless possibilities for weapon designs that range from whimsical to terrifying.
Swordtember has grown into one of the most beloved September challenges, inspiring entire feeds filled with glowing blades, mythical weapons, and ornate sword concepts.
Official source: Faith Schaffer’s Instagram/Twitter (shares the official prompt list each year)
Hashtags: #swordtember
Drawing prompt examples (2025 list highlights):
Hosted annually by @__garfi on Instagram, Cattember is the purrrrfect September challenge for feline fans. Each day, artists receive a simple, open-ended word as a prompt—and the twist is to interpret it through cats.
The prompts are intentionally broad, leaving room for playful and creative takes: some artists go realistic, others lean into fantasy or humorous designs. It’s a lighthearted challenge that celebrates cats in every possible form while encouraging daily drawing.
To make it even more exciting, active participants also have a chance to win small prizes.
Official source: Instagram (@__garfi)
Hashtags: #Cattember, #Cattember2025
Drawing prompt examples (2025 list highlights):
Run by the Doodlewash community, this challenge invites artists worldwide to create one traditional artwork every day in September. Digital art isn’t part of the event—participants are encouraged to use watercolor, ink, colored pencils, crayons, or a mix of traditional media.
Each month, Doodlewash provides an official (yet optional) prompt list on their website, making it easy to follow along or adapt prompts to your style. It’s a friendly, welcoming challenge—perfect for those who enjoy daily art with a lighter, more painterly vibe.
Official source: Doodlewash website
Hashtags: #doodlewashSeptember2025
Drawing prompt examples (2025 list highlights):
Each challenge has its own approach. Sketchtember leaves things wide open with its simple “draw every day” guideline, while Swordtember, Cattember, and Doodlewash provide official prompt lists or themes to follow. However you take part, the goal is the same: to keep drawing and enjoy the process.
You don’t have to complete every prompt to get something out of these events—joining in for even a few days can bring fresh ideas and a sense of connection with other artists.
So if you've been looking for a reason to sit down and draw this month, September’s challenges are a simple place to start. Pick the one that feels right for you and see where the prompts take you.