Leap Year Photo Challenge

 

Vickie Willis, who is 1/2 of the 365 Buddha's project, has created The Leap Year Photo Challenge for 2016 with her friend Debbi and they want you to participate!

She's explains, "I've written prompts for the entire year, and they're a little weird. Lots of photo challenge prompts seem to read like scavenger hunts, so I tried to make this one a little more evocative by including quotes or Japanese words that people can Google. There are no "wrong" photos, of course. Each prompt is just meant as a jumping off point to take/make a photo."

The first 4 month's of prompts are already available so you can print them out and carry them with you!

Follow along on their blog or on Facebook. And if you take the challenge be sure to share the results! 

365 Jours en Mind Maps

Magalie in Versailles, France is creating 365 jours en mind maps. She explains, "I decided to create 365 mind maps to talk about the 'little things' which happened to me every day and to highlight the positivity of my life. It helps me to be grateful of what I have."...

Why did I decide to do this project? The idea of a project 365 was given to me by the magazine Flow and I’ve never heard about this before. It was at the beginning of 2015 and, at this time, I knew I couldn’t keep up a project like this. But I was really tempted… I spent a lot of time the last two years for work and, beyond becoming a very stressed person, I was frustrated to put aside my creativity.

I started this project in September, one week after beginning a new job. New start, new goals. Why mind maps? I’m an academic librarian in Paris and I discover mind mapping last year when I was preparing a training about active learning for PhD students. This way of thinking is amazing and I found it perfect for a daily project!

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected my life? I wrote two assessments (the first after one month, the second after one hundred days) to show how this project leaves a mark on my life. I find myself at the same time more rigorous and less stressed.

But the biggest change is that I’m a lot more positive, mind mapping acting on me as a way of meditation every day. It allows me to put things into perspective and, at the end, I always prefer to write something positive down. Even when the times are frightening as there were in November in Paris. And I love mind mapping so much that I asked for a training about “visual mapping techniques” for Christmas!

See all of Magalie's mind maps HERE. 

Six of One, Half-dozen of the Other...

Foust in Richmond, Virginia is three years into drawing daily cartoons on Facebook in Six of One, Half-dozen of the Other...

Why did you decide to do this project? At first, I was challenged by my husband to see how long I could keep coming up with ideas for cartoons. Once I got started, it was fun to continue challenging myself.

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life?  For one thing, a publisher who was familiar with my Six of One Facebook page gave me a book deal.

I also think the act of coming up with a cartoon every day is a great form of mental and creative exercise—good for the mind, the same way physical exercise is good for the body. It’s also helped me in my other creative work ( I am also a writer and printmaker). I used to go with whatever I thought of first, but now I tend to look for multiple ways to approach my ideas.

See all of Foust's cartoons HERE.

Regenerative Design A Day

Khalana Gocken in Longmont, Colorado is creating a Regenerative Design A Day...

She explains, "Regenerative landscapes heal nature. They build soil, habitat and human engagement. I am using a map of my property to draft a conceptual regenerative landscape design every day. There are some guidelines laid out on the blog page for the project.

1. Irrigation can be discontinued after the first few years of establishment, except for supplemental irrigation during periods of drought.
2. Hardscape materials must be sourced within 150 miles of the site.
3. Maintenance must be minimal after the first few years of establishment.
4. Space must provide habitat for native pollinators.

Why did you decide to do this project? I wanted to take this on for a few reasons. 1. I wanted to reignite my passion for regenerative landscapes. 2. There is a misconception that regenerative landscapes are wild and unkempt. I wanted to show that they can be anything you make them. 3. I am transitioning to design-only work, so this seemed like a great way to make people aware and interested.

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life? Even this early into it I have learned a ton from this project. As a business owner I was having a hard time jumping into my "design brain" because I was so bogged down by other more executive tasks all the time. I really feel like this has changed my brain. I can jump in and out of "design brain" quite seamlessly now. It's been great.


 See all of Khalana's designs HERE.

My Creative Year

Angie Safford in Toledo, Ohio is creating My Creative Year.

Why did you decide to do this project? I wanted to do this project for a couple of reasons, I have a tendency to start things and not finish them, I'm hoping this gives me a chance to start something and finish it. I'm a huge procrastinator I'm hoping this helps that too and I wanted to find my creativity again in my life.

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life? I look forward to the projects everyday and the discipline it gives me. I get a lot of people at work asking me about it. It takes me out of my comfort zone and helps me with my shyness.

See all of Angie's projects HERE.

365 Days of Art

Martin AKA Jig5aw in London, UK created 365 Days of Art. 

Why did you decide to do this project? Art and photography have always been two of my main interests, but with a growing family and ever challenging work commitments I found myself spending less and less time on these activities which I love. The decision to start a 365 days or art project with a new piece of art produced each day was potentially a drunken one, but now that I am 316 days into the project it was one of my better decisions whilst under the influence of alcohol. 

 

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life? The regularity of producing a new idea each day has forced me into testing really how much I love art and the processes that come with it and I’ve been pleasantly surprised. Some family holidays, serious hangovers, technology issues two young children and unplanned work scenarios have all tested me to the limit, but somewhat surprisingly I have managed to stick to it. I wouldn’t say the project has affected my life other than through the generation of 316 days worth of materials and clutter in our home, but it feels like it has enhanced it. I have built up a pretty impressive ability to survive on a limited amount of sleep, but as the days have passed I have learnt to be more focused and efficient in my art creation so the hours I spend in bed are increasing when the kids allow it!

See all of Martin's days HERE. 

Afros 365

Unicia R. Buster in Richmond, Virginia is making Afros365!

She explains, "I am creating an Afro (one of my favorite natural hairstyles worn mostly by African-American people) everyday for a year. I started the day after my birthday (July 26). I came across Skull-A-Day by Noah Scalin by chance while out for my birthday. I was immediately inspired. My goal is to create 365 Afros using different materials or discovering different ways of using familiar materials for each day."

Why did you decide to do this project?  My creativity comes in spurts and usually show up in various art forms. For a month, all I want to do is dance. Then the next month, nothing. And then the following month, I want to sew. It's never anything consistent within a year and my inspiration or motivation comes strong for the first few days and then falls off for weeks. After buying Skull-A-Day, I was inspired not only to create but to stick with it. Having the blog motivates me because I know people are watching - even though they are small in number - and I don't want to disappoint. It holds me accountable. Creating each day takes a bit of pressure off, ironically, because I'm forced to just focus on the moment - not some tedious, way-down-the-road-from-finishing project that easily deters me from completion. I'm also forced to post whatever I come up with, some things being wonderful and some not so wonderful. That has definitely boosted my confidence in my work, especially when people give feedback.

How has doing a daily project affected your life? It has forced me to think outside the box. I work as an art specialist at VCU Health and doing arts and crafts is a part of my job. I visit with patients and their visitors twice a week to do a project. The project has to be something that takes less than 30 minutes to complete, utilizes a minimum amount of materials and results in a pleasant experience (whether they trash it or not). Patients often feel out of control of their situation and this gives them something to have some self-empowerment. Patients, unfortunately, also often are a bit groggy or even grumpy due to their medication and/or situation - understandably so. So, my projects have to be easy to complete but still pleasing to the eye. After being here for 4 years, it's easy to get into a rut and run out of new and fresh ideas. This project has given me that boost. Since starting this project, I've been able to apply some of the creativity to projects with patients. Even projects that seem only appropriate for childhood, turn out to be fun and exciting for patients of all ages (like working with construction paper or painting rocks).

It also has increased quality time with my son. He and I are almost opposites in terms of interests. He loves playing outdoors, soccer, bike riding, playing video games - your typical boy stuff. I on the other hand only enjoy art - dance, drawing, sewing, etc. However with this project, he, on some days, gets more excited about what kind of Afro I'm going to do today than I do. It has surprised me. And some of the techniques I've tried, he's wanted to try as well (like melting crayons).

I can say that this project has brought us a little closer together.

And lastly, this project has taught me that with the proper motivation, I can stick with something for longer than 30 days. I've surprised myself. I thought after a month, I would be unmotivated and kind of forget about it (as I've done with my four other blogs). There have been days, I wasn't able to post (I don't have the internet at home), but I am determined to catch up on the posts even if I have to borrow someone else's computer to do so. One of my other blogs is about doing the Konmari Method (named after Marie Kondo who wrote "The Japanese Art of Tidying Up"). During this process, I have discovered all kinds of materials that I would've never thought of had it not been for this project. Everything I touch, literally, I think "how can I make this into an Afro."

After this project is done, I plan to create a beautiful portfolio of long-term works that I actually complete applying the same motivation and principles.

See all of Unica's afros HERE.

@KellyNoggins Skull Project

C.S. Kennedy in New York City is creating the @KellyNoggins Skull Project, 365 skulls created with Post-it notes and a pen...

Why did you decide to do this project? Some days I have a lot of time to develop and create, while other days I have very little. It's interesting to see how allowance of time directly influences the quality of work.

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life? I love looking for inspiration for the project in everything I do. It helps me see world through a new lens, and because of the subject matter - reminds me of the fragility/value of life.

Follow C.S.'s progress HERE. 

365 Bikes

Brian Gibbs  in Lydney, UK is making 365 Bikes!

Why do this project? I took part in your workshop in New York and enjoyed the experience so much. I wondered how I might be able to make use of my re-discovered creativity to improve my work and home life. I discussed the workshop with friends and showed them my 30 horses that I’d created in 30 minutes – they encouraged me with great feedback, which inspired me further. I made the decision to start the project when I realized that I might be able to inspire some engineer colleagues to be more innovative and free-thinking if I showed them what I was doing and it’s worked – some of my colleagues have launched ‘Idea of the Week’ – suggestions for new products that we share amongst ourselves and even with potential customers.

 

How has the project affected my life? First, the amount of interest, encouragement and genuine enthusiasm I’ve experienced in feedback from others has been truly amazing and invigorating. Friends & colleagues who I’ve told about the project have given me new ideas, prompted me when my bike is an hour or 2 late, and been keen to tell others about my project…this is a new experience for me and is immensely rewarding.

I’ve discovered the delights of Instagram and have a growing band of followers, many of whom give me daily encouragement and feedback.

The project has improved my confidence. It still amazes me that people are so interested in my distinctly average art, but they really are and it’s thrilling to have so much support. One or 2 people have even offered to buy pictures from me!

Word of my project has spread amongst colleagues and I’ve been asked about it numerous times. Each time, when I tell them about the workshop, your own story of 365 skulls, and why I’m doing this project, the reaction is brilliant and I usually get another follower (although some are scared of Instagram).

The best thing is that I’ve inspired others to start their own projects. On day 5, I made ‘People Bike’ with 85 colleagues and several of them started their own projects the same day. I’ve even had friends, family and kids creating bikes.

The whole experience has been uplifting and massively rewarding – and it’s only Day 24!

Follow Brian's progress on Instagram at @365Bikes.

Duck In Yellow

Katie Rustin in Richmond, Virginia is refashioning a thrift store dresses in her daily DIY project Duck In Yellow...

Why did you decide to do this project? My project is based on Marissa Lynch's New Dress a Day challenge. I love sewing and like her, had lost my job and wanted to try something new. I've always love fashion and recycling and wanted to see if the two could be combined.

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life? This project has absolutely changed my life. There are days when trying to come up with something new is next to impossible and yet, I push through and have discovered some amazing finds. Yesterday, for example, my friend asked if I wanted to go to dinner in an hour. I had an hour to find a piece of clothing to remake, decide what I wanted to do with it and then remake it. Everyone at the table couldn't believe that I had made my shirt and let alone, made it in an hour. I've discovered unbelievable joy and happiness from being able to be creative ever yday and getting to share with others my remakes. I love hearing that others have been inspired and that they are going to dust off their sewing machines and give sewing another try.

See all of Katie's dresses HERE.

Make and Let Go

Sarah Westeren in Columbia, South Carolina is releasing her work into the wild daily in Make and Let Go...

She explains, "For some time, I have wanted to start releasing my tatted butterflies (tatting is a form of knotted lace made with a shuttle or needle) into the wild in order to spread unexpected cheer. I spent the first month or so making butterflies, so that I would not run out faster than I could make them. Over the next year I will release at least 365, leaving them behind for friends or strangers to find. Each butterfly can be worn as a pin or necklace, and comes attached to a sheet that describes what tatting is, that the butterfly is a piece of free artwork to keep or give away as desired, and a link to my blog should the lucky finder wish to tell me what they decided to do with the butterfly (contact is entirely optional - I will be happy with mystery, as well)."

Why did you decide to do this project? So many people I love are in crisis - pain, illness, stress, loneliness. Sometimes all it takes is one smile, one moment of cheer, to help make someone's day better. I consider my butterflies a tiny gift with no strings attached (pun intended!). It's a way for me to say, "You are a unique and irreplaceable being, and deserve happiness and joy."

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life? I enjoy having a reason to pick up my tatting every day! After only a week, I already find myself examining my surroundings with a different eye, looking for a grey area (or a beautiful one) where I could sneakily place a butterfly. My photography skills are mediocre, and I hope to see those improve through the year as well. The blog will feature photos of the releases to start, and hopefully expand to some book reviews and projects for readers.

Follow Sarah's progress HERE. 

Sonny Pictures

Sonja Schoemaker in Almere, The Netherlands is shooting photos of things that are pink every day in her project Sonny Pictures...

Why did you decide to do this project? I decided to start the 365 pink project in the time I had lost my job. I wanted to learn more about photography and my Nikon camera and to keep myself in to a daily creative motivation.

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life? My project is today 159 days old. I haven't missed a day of shooting a pink picture and I already learned a lot of things like tenacity and proud. I have started to look different at things. Documenting my daily (pink) pictures is like a diary for me. It keeps me positive and motivated. For me it is a lot more than just shoot a photo a day.

To help myself at non-inspirated pink days I got by with a little help from my Matryoshka dolls. They are already my dearest friends.

See all of Sonja's pictures HERE. 

EyeTry365

Grace Renovo in The Netherlands is attempting to do something creative daily in EyeTry365...

She explains, "My main theme for the project will be eyes - since they are something which fascinate me, but my creative attempts will not always feature eyes as there are lots of mediums I would like to try my hand with."

Why did you decide to do this project? This year I'm on a quest to express. I feel as though I've been stifled for a long time and I'm using creativity to try and channel my expression and become more self-aware and forfilled.

Recently I came across the book 365: A Daily Creativity Journal and this helped fuel my quest of expression and become more disciplined in my creative practice.



How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life? This project is only a few days old and so I cannot comment too much about it's affect on my life. However, I've discovered a new enthusiasm for creativity and over the past couple of days seen my surroundings differently - since I'm always on the look out for ways to make an eye with whatever happens to be within eyesight!

It will be interesting to see if I manage to keep it up - since I have a string of unfinished projects and ideas behind me. e.g. my last website.

See all of Grace's tries HERE.

What's On My Table Today

Ana Belchí in Valencia, Spain is sharing a picture of her work daily in her project What's on my table today.

She explains, "The only self-imposed rule is to take a photo every day, no matter the time; or if the work is finished; or if I'm in the studio, at home or on the road lecturing. At the end of the year I will ride a video with them all. And we can see how my work change over time or if I work in a different way depending on the season. Or if my own style evolved over short or long period."

Why did you decide to do this project? This is something that commits yourself to work every day. When you work as a freelancer in a creative job is really easy to procrastinate and lie yourself saying things like "Oh I'm in creative storm now and I can't sit in front of my table to work'". I have a Picasso quote "Inspiration exists must it has to find you working" all the time in my mind so take a picture every day helps a lot to avoid laziness.

On the other hand it is something that allow you to understand the way you work. If your process is organized or anarchic. Or if you focus on one project from the beginning to the end. At the end it could help to analyze the way you work.

Besides My job is also teach is something I propose to my student to help them to improve their creativity. Some of them have joined to the project also.

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life? The project is now in its third part, and I can feel that something has changed in my way of working.

I feel excited to decide what time is most important in my day or what is most representative.

I notice that I'm [prone] to procrastinate, so this is improving my desire to be sitting in my workbench. I take long work days and I have to programs some alarms on my mobile to remember that I have to eat or pick my son from the school. So I'm meeting again with my inner passion.

My creativity has grown also, and I have a lot new ideas that born while I'm working

I also realize that some of my students are more confident with their work.

I appreciate the feedback I have from the social network. I realize from the very first step if a new collection works or not. Before doing this I worked in a full collection and show when it was completely finished. Now I can dismiss or modify and idea depending of the feedback I get.

At the beginning of the project I was always focused on the final video. That was the goal, but now this feeling has change I don't care about the final "product" I'm enjoying the road.

See all of Ana's work HERE.