Cool challenges that grow your portfolio along the way

An art portfolio grows only with time and that is of course hard work. Here's a great tip for you on how to grow your portfolio faster and attract attention at the same time. With these four challenges you can expand your portfolio in the four categories illustration, pattern design, type and print and have fun at the same time. There are often art directors on the platforms mentioned and maybe one of them will discover you as the next design talent?

“Illustration Challenges are a great way to build your portfolio, have fun and meet a like-minded community.” - Marie

For Foodies & Map Lovers: They draw 

I discovered the They draw platform by chance on the web. I love the way recipes are illustrated here in the most diverse styles. There is a lot to discover and you also get a bit hungry when you look at them. Under Play Along there is the call to illustrate maps, gardens or reciptes. Choose, what you like best, upload and enjoy the free exposure.

For Pattern Designers: Spoonflower Challenge

The Spoonflower Challenges run monthly and always have an overriding theme to which you can be artistically active. Here you can find the link to the challenges. Afterwards the whole community can vote which design is the best. Don't be discouraged if you don't be on the leaderboard at the beginning, the community is quite big and there are some really great talents. Practice makes perfect.

For typography fans: 36 Days of Type

Some great artists have already participated in the 36 Days of Type and you can too. The project runs as the name says 36 days and deals with type and letters. Check out the project here.  It is recommended to draw letters, for example on the iPad in Procreate. Because the project is so well known, you can build a massive reach with your art if you submit your artwork.

For Black & White Fans: Inktober

Inktober is limited to October. Every year there is a prompt list, so you can let the creative juices flow. By limiting it to black and white, you can learn a lot in a short time and also have a great exchange with other artists. The hashtag Inktober is known and loved worldwide. Here you can find the link to the account on Instagram. 

For stationary lovers: Minted Challenge

Minted is a stationery platform where artists can publish their art on cards and much more. There is not only one challenge, but a whole challenge calendar. The whole thing is super professional and the community votes afterwards which design wins. If you win, you can sell your designs on the platform, here you can find the link to the challenges. 

Personally, I have only participated in the Spoonflower Challenges so far, but my design has already landed in the top 30. Overall, the Challenge has been a lot of fun and I plan to participate in another one soon. Maybe with They draw? I have some recipe ideas or map ideas that I would like to visualize.

Do you have any experience with challenges? Are you planning to start a challenge this year? Let me know in the comments....

Yours, Marie