Inktober is a worldwide art challenge that takes place every October, encouraging artists to draw in ink every day of the month. Started in 2009 by illustrator Jake Parker as a way to improve his inking skills and stick to a routine, it has since grown into a creative movement with millions of participants across the globe. 2025 marks the 17th Inktober, continuing the tradition of daily prompts and shared creativity.
Artists can take part in different ways - some stick to traditional pen and ink, others use digital tools with an ink-style look, and many follow either the official prompt list or community-made alternatives. No matter how you join, the goal is simple: build consistency, explore new ideas, and share your drawings online with the hashtag #Inktober to connect with other artists.
For Inktober 2025, you can expect the same daily creative challenge, with 31 different prompts to inspire you. Whether you stick to the official prompts or go your own way, Inktober is all about pushing your creative boundaries, getting into the habit of drawing regularly, and connecting with a huge community of fellow artists.
If you’re thinking about jumping into Inktober this year, don’t worry—it’s really easy to join, even if you’ve never participated before. Here’s how:
Inktober 2025 prompt list is being received positively in the artists communities. Prompts like murky, ragged, skeletal, vacant feel open to interpretation, giving artists more creative freedom. While a few words (mustache, button) are quirky outliers, the mix of concrete, action, and abstract prompts feels like a step up from last year. Many in the community are cautiously optimistic, hoping this list will inspire more varied and engaging drawings.
For artists of all skill levels, Inktober can be a great way to get back into the habit of drawing or to push yourself creatively. It’s perfect if you’ve been feeling stuck or uninspired because it gives you a clear structure to follow, without the pressure of having to create something huge. Plus, it’s just fun!
The challenge also comes with a built-in community. Posting your work with the official hashtags means you’ll be part of a supportive group of artists, all working towards the same goal. You’ll see how others interpret the prompts, and maybe even make a few connections along the way.
It’s super fun, you’ll get hooked in no time! And in case you want more options to choose from, check out Inktober alternatives in October art challenges, we have compiled a long list to keep your pencil busy!
We know that joining Inktober, or any other monthly art challenge for that matter, can be intense. It’s a big change to your regular art routine. Here are some tips to help you prepare in advance and make Inktober a super smooth journey:
If you’re looking for a way to break out of a creative slump, Inktober 2025 is a perfect opportunity. It’s designed to challenge you, inspire you, and most importantly, get you drawing consistently. Whether you’re aiming to finish all 31 drawings or just a few, the key is to enjoy the process and see where it takes you. So grab your pen (or tablet), check out the prompt list, and get ready to take on this year’s Inktober!
The official prompt list is usually released in late August or early September each year. This gives artists a few weeks to plan ahead, brainstorm ideas, or even sketch rough outlines before October begins.
Nope! While the challenge encourages daily drawings, life happens. If you can’t draw every single day, that’s okay. Just participate as much as you can.
Absolutely! While Inktober started as a challenge using traditional ink, many artists now use digital inking tools. The important thing is to practice inking techniques, whether that’s on paper or on a screen.
Don’t worry about it! The whole point is to have fun and improve your drawing skills, not to stress over missing a day. Just pick up where you left off, or catch up if you want to.