An introduction to the 100 day project, some tips on setting yourself up for success, ideas for creative 100 day projects, plus my 100 day project for 2024!
I've never completed the 100 day project and I think this might actually be the year to invest in it. It's funny because things are super unusually busy and stressful right now with a million deadlines etc so that could seem like a bad time to try it. But actually I think that this is exactly the kind of time when I need the focused creative practice the most. I haven't decided what I'll do for mine though. Probably collage - maybe on handmade cards.
Oh yes. Sometimes a short burst of focused creativity is just what we need in stressful times. And I love the idea you have — collaged cards can easily be completed in a short time frame, especially if you do some prep in terms of having collage papers, focus elements, etc prepped ahead of time.
I've attempted, but have never completed the 100 day project. I'm considering it, again. While, I would live to have it art journal based, I can't think of a theme for such an endeavor.
So, I am leaning towards crochet. Maybe do a granny square a day, but I might try new styles, shapes, or designs this time.
The crotchet based ideas sound lovely. With art journaling, you could also simply let your project be around 100 days of art journaling — just show up, every day, for 100 days for a certain minimum amount of time. Or if you have a lot of art courses, you could also structure your 100 day project around finishing a course or two. Just a couple of ideas, in case they spark something for you! ;-)
I've not ever done a 100 day project, though I often do my own smaller versions by repeating or developing a series. I really like how you explain it and give ideas to make it less daunting. Well done!
I love to see other creatives doing the 100 day project. I'm going to attempt it this year as well. I haven't been successful in the past, but I think that's because I was trying to do too much. I'm doing 100 days of mark making in my sketchbooks, but focusing on the process side of it. I'll have a few mark making tools and mediums available to just grab and go with the flexibility to change them out as I loose interest (which I know I will).
Keeping it small is key, really. Your project sounds very interesting! All the best with it…and tag me if you share some snippets from your projects here :-)
I've done monthly challenges but never 100 days, though I have lots of ideas for it! I think at the current stage of my life I would need to make the output really small, or make the action about practice. I've decided on the latter for this year in a loose way, starting a 100 day tracker but not forcing it to be every single day. We'll see if it works. Looking forward to seeing your 3 things project!
I love this concept. I am not sure how I feel about going the distance with a 100 day project right now, but it gives me something to think about and hatch a plan for. I'm so glad @Winston shared this post!
That’s part of the fun of a project like this! Hatching a plan. Seeing how well it works, or doesn’t. And tweaking or changing course as needed. You learn so much about yourself and your likes through something like this.
I have done a 100 day photographic project, way back in 2014. I would love to do it again for the simple reason of setting up a daily practice of something I want to improve upon. Similar to your “Three Things” (brilliant). I love love love your outline for setting up a daily practice with all the bits of advice. Excellent. I want to improve upon my writing, in particular my confidence to write publicly (like here). That includes writing that is imperfect!! And I don’t mean stream-of-consciousness writing which definitely has its uses. I want to practice writing about something - writing about a brilliant poem, a brilliant photograph, the plight of humans caught in a war zone, the practice of working in my darkroom… etc etc. I hope this is doable. Fingers crossed.
I’m so glad you found the outline & tips helpful, Andi. I love your project, and the specificity of what you want to write about. I hope you share your writing here; I’ll be sure to pop over and take a look, or you can tag me when/if you do?
Rad post! I’m in! I have had the inspiration for some time now to create these small wood carvings of quotes and sayings which uplift the thinking, inspire the soul. Will be posting on my Substack Miracle Soup. Good stuff Shinjini, love your writing
This sounds like a fantastic process! I’ll pop over to your Substack to take a look. My husband is a woodworker too, and I spent many a winter evening last year carving spoons!
I did the 100 day project last year and surprised myself when I finished the entire 100 days. It was a commitment that I didn't feel up to this year. I'm inspired by your newsletter and decided to give it a go this year. I have a homemade art journal that someone gifted me. It's about 100 pages making it perfect for the challenge and the Journey In Place course I am taking with Janisse Ray from the Tackless Wild newsletter. I am going to fill it with connections I feel with my place. Plant prints, maps, stories, poems, photos...the possibilities are endless. In the end it will be a love story to the place I call home.
This sounds like a fabulous idea, Terri! A love story, and a love letter to the place you call home! So many possibilities with what you can do. Will you be sharing somewhere? I’d love to see if you do!
I've never completed the 100 day project and I think this might actually be the year to invest in it. It's funny because things are super unusually busy and stressful right now with a million deadlines etc so that could seem like a bad time to try it. But actually I think that this is exactly the kind of time when I need the focused creative practice the most. I haven't decided what I'll do for mine though. Probably collage - maybe on handmade cards.
Oh yes. Sometimes a short burst of focused creativity is just what we need in stressful times. And I love the idea you have — collaged cards can easily be completed in a short time frame, especially if you do some prep in terms of having collage papers, focus elements, etc prepped ahead of time.
I've attempted, but have never completed the 100 day project. I'm considering it, again. While, I would live to have it art journal based, I can't think of a theme for such an endeavor.
So, I am leaning towards crochet. Maybe do a granny square a day, but I might try new styles, shapes, or designs this time.
The crotchet based ideas sound lovely. With art journaling, you could also simply let your project be around 100 days of art journaling — just show up, every day, for 100 days for a certain minimum amount of time. Or if you have a lot of art courses, you could also structure your 100 day project around finishing a course or two. Just a couple of ideas, in case they spark something for you! ;-)
Thank you! Those are great art journal ideas. I do a some unfinished classes I could do.
There are just so many options to doing 100 days. I'll give you're ideas some thought. :)
Oh yes, it can be challenging to narrow down on an idea. See what feels most interesting to you at this time in your life and give it a go!
I want to try this. I am keen on setting up a daily writing practice and this can be a great runway into that. Thanks!
Oh, absolutely! I’d love to hear how it goes for you.
The significance of the 100 Day Project in fostering creativity and discipline cannot be under stated. Thank you for this wonderful reminder.
True that! It’s a great way to develop a consistent creative practice.
I've not ever done a 100 day project, though I often do my own smaller versions by repeating or developing a series. I really like how you explain it and give ideas to make it less daunting. Well done!
How interesting! Do you structure your shorter versions in a similar manner?
Well written❤️each time I try the 100day project,I gain a new insight❤️🔥looking forward to it
And I love seeing how you show up for your projects! Looking forward to cheering you on on this year’s project too!
Thank you❤️🔥🙏
I love to see other creatives doing the 100 day project. I'm going to attempt it this year as well. I haven't been successful in the past, but I think that's because I was trying to do too much. I'm doing 100 days of mark making in my sketchbooks, but focusing on the process side of it. I'll have a few mark making tools and mediums available to just grab and go with the flexibility to change them out as I loose interest (which I know I will).
Keeping it small is key, really. Your project sounds very interesting! All the best with it…and tag me if you share some snippets from your projects here :-)
I've done monthly challenges but never 100 days, though I have lots of ideas for it! I think at the current stage of my life I would need to make the output really small, or make the action about practice. I've decided on the latter for this year in a loose way, starting a 100 day tracker but not forcing it to be every single day. We'll see if it works. Looking forward to seeing your 3 things project!
100 days or practising something is a great idea! And yes to giving yourself permission to take longer than 100 days to complete the 100 day project!
I love this concept. I am not sure how I feel about going the distance with a 100 day project right now, but it gives me something to think about and hatch a plan for. I'm so glad @Winston shared this post!
That’s part of the fun of a project like this! Hatching a plan. Seeing how well it works, or doesn’t. And tweaking or changing course as needed. You learn so much about yourself and your likes through something like this.
I'm happy right now to be getting some writing done on a regular basis!
That’s super!!
I have done a 100 day photographic project, way back in 2014. I would love to do it again for the simple reason of setting up a daily practice of something I want to improve upon. Similar to your “Three Things” (brilliant). I love love love your outline for setting up a daily practice with all the bits of advice. Excellent. I want to improve upon my writing, in particular my confidence to write publicly (like here). That includes writing that is imperfect!! And I don’t mean stream-of-consciousness writing which definitely has its uses. I want to practice writing about something - writing about a brilliant poem, a brilliant photograph, the plight of humans caught in a war zone, the practice of working in my darkroom… etc etc. I hope this is doable. Fingers crossed.
I’m so glad you found the outline & tips helpful, Andi. I love your project, and the specificity of what you want to write about. I hope you share your writing here; I’ll be sure to pop over and take a look, or you can tag me when/if you do?
Rad post! I’m in! I have had the inspiration for some time now to create these small wood carvings of quotes and sayings which uplift the thinking, inspire the soul. Will be posting on my Substack Miracle Soup. Good stuff Shinjini, love your writing
This sounds like a fantastic process! I’ll pop over to your Substack to take a look. My husband is a woodworker too, and I spent many a winter evening last year carving spoons!
cool, I'm starting a few days later than the 18th, need to get things in order
I did the 100 day project last year and surprised myself when I finished the entire 100 days. It was a commitment that I didn't feel up to this year. I'm inspired by your newsletter and decided to give it a go this year. I have a homemade art journal that someone gifted me. It's about 100 pages making it perfect for the challenge and the Journey In Place course I am taking with Janisse Ray from the Tackless Wild newsletter. I am going to fill it with connections I feel with my place. Plant prints, maps, stories, poems, photos...the possibilities are endless. In the end it will be a love story to the place I call home.
This sounds like a fabulous idea, Terri! A love story, and a love letter to the place you call home! So many possibilities with what you can do. Will you be sharing somewhere? I’d love to see if you do!
I have not decided if I will share but will let you know if I do.