Inktober Prompt Lists Overview
From classic to quirky: 8 Inktober prompts to challenge your creativity!
Every time September or October rolls around, I automatically start browsing through the Inktober prompt lists on Instagram.
And yes, while there is the official list, I still enjoy exploring other renditions of the Inktober prompts because it’s just more fun.
And let me tell you— there are many creative ones out there! It has become a bit of a ritual to share my favorite finds on my social media —partly to help others get inspired (or invested), but mostly to help me narrow down my own choices too.
It’s not always easy to find the one that fits my vibe or style. But when I do, cue fanfare, inspiration hits, and I start planning out sketches, draw a couple, and…
I give up.
Tis the sad reality.
It takes sheer grit to commit to a drawing challenge. I’ve attempted Inktober many times and still have yet to succeed.
So maybe, I shouldn’t get overly excited, but stay calm, like this first prompt below:
Prompt #1
Just reading the prompt alone brings a sense of tranquility. I can already picture a cozy cottage library tucked away in the middle of a forest, with autumn leaves and acorns rustling about. A character sits in a big armchair, lazily sifting through envelopes and sipping tea, when a sudden knock interrupts the peaceful scene. They open the door — and standing there is a bear, an enchanted one, gruffly demanding to check out a book.
Inktober Tip: You can always take all the prompts and weave them together into one big illustration or comic. I’ve actually done it before on a different monthly art challenge.
Prompt #2, #3, #4
The upcoming lists below are what I call the “popular” ones you can expect every year. It’s the usual witches, pumpkins, ghosts, and other classic October themes that really get you into the spirit of the season. It’s interesting to see what fresh ideas artists come up with each year.
And as usual, I’m always excited to see the Witchtober prompts.
Prompt #5, #6, #7
Here are some prompts I found that is a little out of the norm — definitely not your usual October themes, but still gives you that magical feeling to inspire you to draw something.
Now, these are more like creative topics to challenge you during the Inktober month. I chose the ones that aligned with my style, the prompts that might evoke more storytelling.
Prompt #8
This one is not really part of the Inktober challenge fam (unless one uses it for October month). But I thought I’d mention it anyways, because I love this concept.
Isn’t this a clever idea? This is my type of shopping list.
It’s a prompt you can use all year long. There’s also that sense of satisfaction when you get to cross something off the list. I was hoping to see more checklist-style prompts for Inktober… but so far I saw none. Perhaps next year?
Inktober Tip: Imagine the “30 days” more like a checklist. It’ll look less daunting that way, and you won’t feel pressured to draw every single one.
Other Noteworthy Prompts
The Tiny Tober List by lilleboegekaer, for those who like to draw simple drawings (like icons) instead of illustrations.
Birdtober by aholmesartstudio, can’t leave out my love for birds! The community is quite big on this one.
Mailtober 2024 hosted by lizziesletters_, for those who prefer doing journal spreads.
Booktober by annagearhart, another cozy prompt list but for book-lovers.
Questober by boule_2poils, I just like the sound of this one, but it’s in French (perhaps it’s a sign for me to take up French).
What do you think of these Inktober prompts? Anything that piqued your interest?
As I mentioned earlier, I’m guilty of never completing the Inktober challenges. But don’t let the fear of commitment hold you back from giving it a shot! It’s an amazing way to stretch your creativity and explore your own style.
Last Inktober Tip: If you truly wish to finish an Inktober challenge, plan your sketches or draw ahead.
More Inktober drawings and story here:
I am pretty committed to participating in Inktober this year as much as possible... But I really dislike this year's official prompt list. I might just do my own thing instead. It's tough to decide what the best course of action is. Everything is so fractionated now. When Inktober was at its best was when everyone was participating in the same thing.
A list I like to follow is Drawtober made by the amazing Vonnart