The Ginger Chicken Design January 2021 Drawing Challenge
A whirlwind month overflowing with paper, pens and watercolours.
Towards the end of December I was told that I would be furloughed for the first two weeks of January. This got me thinking, how best could I use my time? Up to this point I had created my own line of stationery, drawn a series of commissions for family and friends and dreamed of running my own creative business full time.
To try and kick start my creative ability I decided to come up with my own design challenge. I had seen many people posting halloween drawing challenges but they were drawing prompts for subjects that just don’t interest me. And with that the Ginger Chicken Design Company January 2021 Drawing Challenge was born.
I created a list of thirty one drawing prompts that I intended to try and complete during the month of January. I created my own Ginger Chicken Design graphic to showcase my design challenge prompts, I bought some medium surface cartridge paper and some fine liner pens of varying thickness. I was now ready for my next adventure.
The Ginger Chicken Design Company January 2021 Drawing Challenge Prompt List
Day one I chose to draw my own home. My biggest achievement so far in life was when I bought my own home all by myself nearly two years ago. Choosing this subject seemed like a good start for the next big step in my future.
I sat down to draw, I struggled, the vision I had in my head did not easily translate on to the paper. I created different versions of the artwork, I added water colour, I changed my paper type. I eventually felt ready to leave the artwork as it was and post it to my instagram page for my followers to see.
I was absolutely blown away by the reaction to my first attempt. This immediately proved to me that no matter what I thought of a piece of artwork I should put it out there for the world to see. Whether a piece was half finished in my eyes or simply not good enough I decided I would post it. This was after all a process designed to inspire and push me to work hard for my dream so that one day I could make it a reality.
Over the next two weeks I drew everyday, I posted progress pictures to my instagram story and tried to post a completed drawing each day. I enjoyed my time at home spending my day in my spare room, I have named the space my ‘studio’. I think this name sounds very important and creative which makes me happy. I tried various techniques of drawing, my drawing style slowly evolved as did my photography skills. Each day I learnt more about how I liked to photograph my artwork and how daylight really affects the colour quality in the photo. As my mood changed so did my drawing style. I found simple outline drawings of buildings gave me a great sense of calm and contentment. Artwork where I added a mass of detail demanded a great deal of focus and energy. After completing this type of drawing I felt drained of energy but filled with a great sense of achievement.
A highlight of the process for me was when other artists tagged me in their own drawings on instagram. Drawings they had completed prompted by my Ginger Chicken Design Drawing Challenge graphic that I had posted at the start of the process. This gave me such a great sense of community and made me so happy! I think it’s an incredible moment when an artist wants to share their artwork with you. That person has put their heart and soul into something and they are happy to show that to you. It’s such a privilege to be gifted a view of someone’s artwork.
At the end of the third week of January I was called back into work. I tried to continue to draw everyday but as my day job is mentally all consuming this was difficult. I had also picked up some commissions from friends which I prioritised.
Just looking at all these photos put together I can clearly see the evolution of my style, both in presenting my art but also the way I capture my subject.
At the end of the month I had not finished all of the Ginger Chicken Design January Drawing Challenge prompts. I have not let this get me down. I drew more in those twenty one days than I have ever done in my life. I also now have a number of drawings that prove to me that my dream of one day running my own business could happen. I just need to put that same energy and determination into my dream.
I now understand more about my drawing style, my preferred medium, subject matter and working environment. I now know what I am capable of, it appears that I can do whatever I put my mind to.
Is this going to be an annual challenge I set myself? We will have to wait and see!