Back to School Design Challenge
If you’re like me, maybe you had a habit of honing your craft and designing a little bit every day for yourself, but somewhere along the way you became overwhelmed by life and client work or started navigating burnout.
Years ago, when I first began my freelance journey, I heard about the 100 Day Project from Michael Bierut and Design Observer, and even completed one for myself. The growth from start to finish was incredible. I started a second 100 Day Project, but as my schedule became full with client work it was pushed to the back burner and I didn’t complete it.
Fast forward to, my guess would be 2018, Olivia Herrick Design introduced the Holly Jolly Design challenge during the holiday season with shorter, more manageable prompts. After taking her course a few years later, her Daily Design Practice made making my own work more practical and digestible so I began my own practice at the start of each work day.
However, like any habit, you can get lazy or apathetic or — like me — just need some rest for a time. After taking this summer off, I’m ready to dive back in as others head back to school. And that’s why this August, I’m jumpstarting my Daily Design Practice with Back to School Design Challenge and I’m inviting YOU!
What is a Daily Design Practice you might ask? It begins by setting a timer for 20 - 30 minutes, opening Adobe Illustrator or your design program of choice, and getting to work by following each day’s prompt. I believe constrained amounts of time exercise your creative muscles.
Sign up to get the week’s prompts sent to your inbox each Monday morning for three weeks beginning Monday, August 1:
I’ll send a preview email so that you get all the prompts at once and then one at the beginning each week with the daily prompts. Remember, the goal is to warm up before you create to get your brain and muscles working. Any portfolio-worthy work you gain is a bonus!
And if you’re not a graphic designer, no problem! Feel free to snap pictures or paint or embroider along. Truly, make it your own and do what works for you.
Don’t forget to use the hashtag #KPDesignChallenge and post to the ‘gram so we can see what you’re working on! 🎉🎉