100 Day Project
What is the 100 Day Project?
The 100 Day Project is a self-directed art project that happens online. You make a commitment to 100 days of creating. Anyone can participate and choose their own creative project. The idea is that you work on your project every day for 100 days and share your progress on social media accounts.
I’ve completed six different 100 Day projects since 2019.
100 Day Project #1 (8/1/19-11/14/19)
My first 100 Day Project was in 2019 and I was able to finish it in around 100 days-ish. I wanted to have a more consistent art practice. I followed my curiosity and took notice of preferred themes and techniques. I did some floral and botanical work, but the majority was abstract. I played with painting patterns, too. It helped my confidence in calling myself an artist and gave me a lot of insight into my practice.
This was the first time I sold my artwork.
100 Day Project #2 (4/7/20-9/21/20)
The second time, I joined on the official start date 4/7/20. I thought that working on a 100 Day project would help me prioritize my art practice during the pandemic.
I wanted to keep the freedom to use whatever materials I had, but gave myself a parameter to use at least 4x4 inch paper. I continued to do mostly abstract work. I experimented with mandalas and monoprints. I also made patterns, blind contour sketches, and played in my sketchbook.
I did all of the things.
100 Day Project #3 (1/31/21-9/28/21)
For my third 100 Day Project, I used a set of 100 Pantone Postcards as my substrate. I liked that I could pick a color (randomly or based on my mood), use a variety of art supplies, and see where it took me. I wrote down my intentions: PRACTICE, PROGRESS, EXPLORE, PLAY, CREATE.
A highlight from this project was that a series of postcards from 53/100 through 61/100 was included at the Santa Paula Art Museum’s “Work From Home” Exhibit. The exhibition included artworks created during the pandemic and featured 50 California artists.
100 Day Project #4 (2/15/22-9/25/22)
My fourth 100 Day Project was the first time I explored a theme. I chose rainbows because they bring me joy. Rainbows that seem to appear magically after the rain and ones that appear in art or the way things get arranged in ROYGBIV order.
Whenever asked what my favorite color is, I’ll answer “rainbow”. I even have a small tattoo of one that’s been with me since the late 90s.
100 Day Project #5 (2/22/23-11/27/23)
This one was an exploration of patterns. I started off the project using watercolor, ink, and markers. I also experimented with making patterns digitally.
I hoped to complete the project within the allotted 100 day time frame. While my intentions were good, it ended up taking me about nine months to finish this one. Although I considered stopping this project several times, I’m glad I chose to just move at my snail’s pace.
100 Day Project #6 (2/18/24 - 5/28/24)
It might’ve taken me six tries, but I did it! I showed up for 100 consecutive days to create something on a post-it.
Towards the end of my project, I used prompts from the Botanical Sketchbook Challenge to help me wrap up. You can view them here.
100 Day Project #7 ~ TBD
For the past few years, I’ve tried to convince myself not to do another 100 Day Project. Some of my reasons were valid: “There are other things I want to focus on. Posting and sharing on social media becomes a time suck. It takes so much time.” And yet, at the last minute, I always end up deciding to join the challenge.
Each 100 Day Project has taught me so much about myself and my creative process.
This time, I’m embracing my decision to participate. I don’t know what my project will be yet, but I do know I’ll be doing one. This year’s 100 Day Project begins on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
One thing I’ve learned in recent years is the value of having a small group of creative friends — supporting each other’s efforts and keeping each other accountable. If you’d like to join my accountability group, message me on social or send me an email.