How to Join a Hashtag Challenge
You just listened to Mini Ep. 35 with Debbie Miller and you’re ready to join a hashtag challenge...but how do you find one that’s right for you?
In this article, Debbie and I walk you through what you need to join a hashtag challenge and how to find some that may be a good fit.
Step 1: Join Instagram
To do a hashtag challenge you’ll need an Instagram account. Hashtag challenges are through Instagram. And if you’re not interested in joining Instagram, that’s absolutely fine...there are a ton of other great ways to stay inspired to practice painting.
Step 2: Decide What Type of Challenge You are Looking For
There are a few types of challenges that happen online. They may vary on how long you participate. They also vary on how focused the theme is.
For example:
#30midsummer is run by Debbie and Brian Miller and goes for 5 weeks in June. They choose weekly themes and daily prompts as guides (and even offer reference photos!) and you paint along with your interpretation of the theme for 30 days.
Alternatively, often in September there will be a #30PaintingsIn30Days challenge. There is no theme. You just commit to sharing a painting every single day for the 30 days of September.
Notice that both of these are a month long. Many challenges are.
However, something like the #100daychallenge generally starts at the beginning of the year and goes 100 days. Each artist decides what they will do for their 100 day challenge and then work through their project alongside other participants. (Even though what everyone is painting is different.)
Other challenges are ongoing and you can join when you feel like it.
Debbie’s Note: My response to the prompt from Day 23 of the #28februaryflowers2021 #hashtagchallenge led by @amanda_evanston (Starts with R).
Step 3: Find a Challenge
Finding a challenge can be tricky. This is because it’s not like a class where there is always one starting. It may take a bit of time to get a lay of the land and find when and where they are happening.
Just being on Instagram is the best way to find them as artists will often announce new ones a few weeks before they begin.
Also just notice if you see any themes popping up in your feed and then check the artist’s hashtags to see if they mention a challenge.
If you find one a few days after it starts, no problem! Join late!
Also don’t hesitate to start your own by yourself. You could challenge yourself to paint 30 flowers in 30 days and start that today! You are creating your own personal hashtag challenge.
Step 4: Have Patience
Remember, it may take a few tries to find a challenge in the first place and then also one that is a good fit for you. But keep an eye out and keep a list so that the next time one rolls around, you can participate.
If you’re ready to join a #hashtag challenge, check out our Ultimate Hashtag Challenge list here.