What is Inktober?

Inktober is an annual art challenge that takes place every October, encouraging artists to create one ink drawing each day for the whole month. Started by illustrator Jake Parker back in 2009, the challenge was designed to help him get better at inking and stick to a regular drawing schedule. Since then, it’s grown into a worldwide event with artists of all levels taking part. The idea is simple: draw something in ink, post it online with the hashtag #Inktober, and repeat!

For Inktober 2024, 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.

How to join Inktober?

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:

1. Check the Prompt List: Each year, the Inktober team puts out an official list of prompts (yes, it has a dedicated website!), one for each day in October. It’s a great way to avoid overthinking and just get started. These prompts are totally open to interpretation, so you can take them in any direction you like!
2. Draw the Ink: The challenge is centered on using ink—whether that’s with pens, markers, or even digital inking tools. If you’re new to this, don’t stress about making something perfect. The goal is to practice, improve, and enjoy the process. Pencil underdrawings are totally fine, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even throw in a bit of color!
3. Share Your Work: Once your drawing is done, post it online with the hashtags #Inktober and #Inktober[year] (for example. #Inktober2024). That way, you’re joining thousands of others who are sharing their work, and you might even make some new art friends along the way.

Why participate in Inktober?

For artists of all skill levels, Inktober 2024 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 once you do, check out more October art challenges, we have compiled a long list to keep your pencil busy!

Tips for a successful Inktober

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:

• Don’t Overthink It: You don’t have to create a masterpiece every day. Inktober is more about consistency than perfection, so just have fun with it!
• Use the Prompts as a Guide: The prompts are there to spark your creativity, but you don’t have to stick to them if they don’t inspire you. Feel free to mix it up or come up with your own ideas or let an art prompt generator surprise you.
• Prepare Ahead of Time: Having your materials—whether it's ink pens, paper, or a tablet—ready to go will make the whole experience smoother. A little planning before October can go a long way in helping you keep up.

Ready for Inktober 2024?

If you’re looking for a way to break out of a creative slump, Inktober 2024 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!

Inktober FAQ

Do I have to post every day?

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.

Can I use digital tools for Inktober?

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.

What happens if I miss a day during Inktober?

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.