Learn About the 100-Day Project to See if it is Something You'd Like to Do

The 100-Day Project starts soon. As a former teacher, when I first heard about it, I saw pictures in my head of primary-grade students carrying in their 100-day project on the hundredth day of school. Students would often glue 100 objects to a piece of paper or cardboard to display in the classroom. However, the 100-Day Project now means something different to me!

What is the 100-Day Project?

The 100-Day Project is a journey of artistic exploration and personal growth. Born from the idea that creative habits can be cultivated through daily practice, the project invites individuals to commit to creating something every day for 100 consecutive days. Spanning various mediums such as art, writing, and other forms of expression, participants embark on a transformative adventure beyond the finished product, fostering discipline, resilience, and a profound connection to their creative selves. Whether it's a daily sketch, a written reflection, or any other form of artistic expression, the 100-Day Project empowers individuals to push boundaries, embrace vulnerability, and witness the evolution of their creativity throughout this inspiring challenge.

Michael Bierut started the first 100-Day Project in 2007 with his graphic design students at Yale University in 2007. In 2014, he brought the project to Instagram. Since then, the 100-Day Project has gained global popularity.

When Does the 100-Day Project Start?

In 2024, the official challenge starts on February 18th. This fluctuates a little from year to year.

What are the Rules for the 100-Day Project?

The rules are intentionally flexible because the project is about you and your goals. The objective is to get people's creative juices flowing for one hundred consecutive days. Whether it's painting, writing, or any other form of expression, the beauty of the 100-Day Project lies in the freedom it provides for creative exploration and growth.

4 Tips to Help You Successfully Participate in the 100-Day Project

Embarking on the 100-Day Project can be a rewarding but challenging endeavor. Here are four tips to make the project more manageable and enjoyable:

Choose Your Project

Choose a creative project that is right for you. Select a project that aligns with your interests, skills, and the time you can realistically dedicate each day. This ensures that the project remains engaging and achievable throughout the 100 days. Are you an artist, a musician, a writer, an actor, or something else? Do you aspire to be one of these thing? Decide what you want to do to help you grow.

Make it Doable

Pick something to which you can devote 10 to 15 minutes daily. If you choose something that requires more time, you might be tempted to quit.

If you have a large project, break it down into smaller parts.

Create a daily schedule or routine with a designated time for your project if possible. Consistency is key, and having a set time each day helps integrate the project into your life, making it more likely that you'll stick to the commitment.

Embrace Imperfection

Understand that not every day will result in a masterpiece, and that's perfectly okay. Embrace the process, and view each day as an opportunity to learn and grow. This mindset alleviates the pressure of perfection and encourages creativity without fearing failure.

Connect with Others

Tell friends and family what you are doing. Maybe get some of them to join you on your 100-day journey. This is a great way to share your excitement and to hold each other accountable.

Join the online Instagram community. Use the hashtag #the100dayproject. Create your unique hashtag, too. Mine might be #lalondestudios100dayproject. Share your progress, seek inspiration from others, and support fellow participants. Being part of a community can provide motivation, accountability, and a sense of camaraderie throughout the journey.

Wildflowers of the Southwest

My 100-Day Project Journey Last Year

Last year was the first year that I participated in the 100-Day Project. I wanted to learn more about wildflowers, draw them with ink, and finish them with watercolor.

We have many trails nearby, and I collected photos of wildflowers during warmer weather. I started with the photos. One day, I researched the flower. The next day, I drew it with a pencil and then went over it with a micron pen. On day three, I used watercolors and added more details with a pen. I traveled to see my daughter in Phoenix, where I took photos of wildflowers. I also went to Florida and photographed flowers. When the project was over, I had a nice selection of watercolors that I turned into cards.

Wildflowers of the Southeast

What Will My Challenge Look Like This Year?

I still don't know! I do know that I want to participate because I am a goal-driven person. Another reason is that I learned a lot last year, and my skills improved.

My thoughts now go around and around. Here are some of them. 100 days of cairns (both watercolor and acrylic), 100 days of drawing tree bark ( the texture is something that has always grabbed my attention), 100 days of rocks (texture, printing, maybe cairns could fit in there too).

Are You Inspired to Join the 100-Day Project?

If you are, please let me know in the comment section! I'd love to hear what you are going to do.

Beautiful Art for Life Well Lived,

Sarah