“What should I draw?” This question plagues many artists. It often arises when an artist lacks inspiration or is tired of drawing the same things. Also, the question is quite common for artists who do not like to stick to a certain niche. Furthermore, this question may emerge if artists are indecisive and cannot decide what to draw. Indecisive artists can randomly pick a prompt from this article to draw.

Drawing a blank on what to create? Worry no more. Below is a huge list of prompts, projects, and challenges that will have artists happily drawing in no time.

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Prompts You Should Draw

Below are both some easy and advanced ideas for drawing prompts. One idea is to combine some prompts together to create an interesting drawing. Another idea is to use a prompt as a starting point, and then think of something specific in its category. Undecided which prompt to draw? With eyes shut, randomly point at the screen, and then, draw that prompt.

Animal Drawing Prompts

Draw animals of any kind. The choices are endless. For example, create some cute ones or scary ones. Additionally, another option is to draw backyard animals or exotic ones from far away. Thirdly, an idea is to combine animals together to create a new species. Finally, some other ideas include…

• zoo animals
• insects
• aquatic, flying, or land animals
• pets
• monsters, beasts
• trolls, giants, centaurs, unicorns, dryads
• famous animals
• uncommon/little-known animals

People Drawing Prompts

Draw people of any sort. For instance, practice drawing realistic people or draw them cartoony. Another idea is to create original characters with unique personalities. Moreover, ask people if they would like you to draw them. Additionally, surprise someone with a portrait as a gift. Furthermore, some other things to draw involving people are…

• anatomy
• portrait commissions
• celebrities
• friends
• family
• chibis
• cartoon characters
• book characters
• historical figures
• poses
• strangers in front of you

Background Drawing Prompts

Create all kinds of backgrounds. For example, design a never invented environment or draw a background based on real life. Another option is pick a fun climate or type of weather to draw. Additionally, try out different styles of drawing backgrounds, such as painting or sketching in pencil. Some more background ideas to draw are…

• landscapes
• houses, castles
• bridges, towers
• cities, villages, towns
• skies, oceans, deserts, mountains
• props, furniture, decor
• 1, 2, 3, etc. point perspective

Drawing Prompts About You

Draw some things about yourself. For instance, make a “meet the artist” drawing to introduce yourself on social media. Additionally, draw some clothes you would like to wear. Moreover, create a picture that reflects your personality. Furthermore, other prompts involving you are drawing your…

• favorite things
• most-liked characters
• favorite sports, hobbies
• current view
• photos
• diary
• self-portraits
• memories

Other Drawing Prompts

Draw any other things that inspire you. An example is to take ideas from the past or the future. Also, look around the room or out the window for inspiration. In addition, think of some high tech or ancient objects to draw. Finally, some more things to draw are…

• still lives
• foods/drinks
• holidays
• boats, cars, bikes, spaceships, trains, planes
• zentangles, doodles
• master studies
• quotes, bible verses
• hyper realism
• screencaps

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Drawing Projects

Ready to start a drawing project with a purpose behind it? View the list of ideas below. Work on these projects alone or with another artist. Also, complete these projects as quickly or slowly as desired. Furthermore, in order to complete a longer project, set aside time weekly or daily.

Development or Story Projects

Work on developing or creating a story. Come up with a story idea and start drawing it all out. Here are some story-oriented projects to try…

• children’s books
• comic strips
• graphic novels
• how to make webcomics
• storyboards
• concept art
• character designs
• world-building
• game art designs
• 2d animations
• maps

Projects Involving Making Products or Gifts

One idea is to draw products that you can sell online. Alternatively, another idea is to make gifts for friends and family. Also, some fun drawing projects are to design toys or decor for your home. In addition, a great drawing project is to decorate a pre-made product with your amazing art to show off your skills. Another drawing project is to customize a notebook by drawing on the cover. Finally, some other things you can draw to sell and gift are…

• wall decor
• coloring pages
• product designs
• posters
• stickers
• enamel pins
• wallpapers, screensavers
• cellphone cases
• sketchbook covers
• pillow cases
• t-shirts
• paper dolls
• greeting cards

Other Drawing Projects

Get involved with a monthly local drawing group or start one up. Similarly, another drawing project is to join a drawing group online and participate in its drawing prompts. Other drawing projects include…

• sign up for art classes in person
• join online drawing schools
• purchase a monthly art box subscription

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Drawing Challenges

Need a fun art challenge or a more disciplinary one? Below are some of both. For some of the lesser known challenges, just type them into Google for the rules. Be sure to post your work online with the hashtag for your chosen challenge. Let me know what you create; I’m @gabriellabalagna on most social media platforms.

Organized Drawing Challenges

Here are some popular drawing challenges. Several of them happen on specific annual dates, but really they can be tried out at any time of the year. These challenges require anywhere from a day to several months of drawing in order to complete.

• Inktober (by Jake Parker)
• Mermay (by Tom Bancroft)
• 24 Hour Comic Day (by ComicsPRO)
• 100 Days of Making Comics

Social Media Challenges

These are some drawing challenges that are popular on social media platforms such as DeviantArt, Instagram, and YouTube. Try out these laid back and fun-focused drawing challenges.

• Draw This in Your Style
• Toon Me
• Three Marker Challenge
• Witchsona
• Pokemon Trainer Persona
• Style Challenge
• Six Fanarts Challenge
• Draw with Your Non-Dominant Hand
• Draw This Again

Other Challenges

Here are some more drawing challenges you can try out.

• Draw 100 Things (by Jake Parker)
• Sketchbook Slam (by Holly Brown)
• 100 Heads (by Ahmed Aldoori)
• Faebruary
• make something from a scribble
• try new mediums
• fill entire sketchbooks
• enter art contests offering a prize

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Art Block & Not Knowing What to Draw

Read the whole prompt list, but still wondering, “what should I draw?” Don’t fret, it happens to the best of us. Just sit down and decide to start drawing. Alternatively, take a break from drawing if desired. Do what’s best for you. Learn why you don’t need to draw everyday.

Looking to improve your art, rather than just draw something random? Read this post for some tips on how to improve your art.

Need a break from drawing, but still want some art inspiration? Check out my comic.