Home GUIDE: Inktober 2023 and Prompts

GUIDE: Inktober 2023 and Prompts

Inktober 2023 and Prompts

Inktober, as its name implies, is an artistic challenge that brings together artists from across the globe for a month full of creativity and boundless imagination.

In this artistic pursuit, participants are tasked with creating a unique ink drawing each day throughout October. Accordingly, this practice serves to enhance their drawing skills and nurture positive artistic habits.

Since its inception, the event’s goals have remained steadfast throughout its 13+ years of existence:

  • Facilitate artists in honing their craft.
  • Foster connections among artists.
  • Cultivate an audience for artists’ work.

Moreover, participation is open to all, with the only requisites being the creation of an ink drawing, its online posting, and tagging with #inktober and #inktober2023.



The Inktober 2023 Prompt

Nonetheless, concocting 31 unique drawing ideas can prove to be quite the challenge. With that, the inktober prompts gives a list of a collection of daily thematic words for the month. 

Now, are you prepared for the prompts? Take a moment to explore each of them when you can.

  • Dream
  • Spiders
  • Path
  • Dodge
  • Map
  • Golden
  • Drip
  • Toad
  • Bounce
  • Fortune
  • Wander
  • Spicey
  • Rise
  • Castle
  • Dagger
  • Angel
  • Demon
  • Saddle
  • Plump
  • Frost
  • Chains
  • Scratchy
  • Celestial
  • Shallow
  • Dangerous
  • Remove
  • Beast
  • Sparkle
  • Massive
  • Rush
  • Fire

Significantly, the prompt list serves as a wellspring of inspiration, offering a variety of creative starting points for artists. However, its utilization is entirely optional. This allows participants the freedom to choose whether or not to incorporate these prompts into their daily creations. 

Inktober FAQs

It’s understandable that not everyone is familiar with the ins and outs of Inktober, so let’s shed some light on the matter by addressing the frequently asked questions. 



Inktober can be a bit mysterious to newcomers, but these FAQs will help demystify the process and guide you on your artistic journey.

Q: What is Inktober? 

A: Inktober is a month-long art challenge initiated by artist Jake Parker, with a focus on skill improvement and nurturing positive drawing habits. 

Q: Is Inktober a challenge or a contest? 

A: Inktober is a challenge, not a contest. It is a framework designed to enhance your drawing skills, foster creativity, and have fun with your art. Furthermore, the goal is personal improvement and inspiration, rather than determining the best artist.



Q: Where do I share my Inktober drawings? 

A: Share your artwork on your own social media accounts with the hashtags #inktober and #inktober2023. This allows others to see your work, and you can explore the creations of fellow participants.

Q: What if I don’t have social media? 

A: If you lack social media accounts, you can still participate. Consider organizing an Inktober event in your community with the help of your local library or art council. Consequently, you may share your drawings with friends and family in person or display them on a public bulletin board with permission.

Q: Does inktober have to be ink? 

A: No, not necessarily. Inktober does not always have to be ink. Also, you can work digitally for Inktober. 

Q: Can I do calligraphy? 

A: Absolutely! If calligraphy, typography, lettering, or other forms of artistic expression are your forte, embrace them for Inktober. Besides, some participants even craft poems or short stories based on the prompts.

Q: Can I sketch before inking? 

A: Yes, sketching before inking is permissible. Yet, as in the aforementioned, it’s not necessary that inktober has to be ink.

Q: Do I have to use the official prompt list?

A: No, the drawing prompts are optional and serve as inspiration. Additionally, you are free to pursue your own ideas. 

Q: Must I follow the prompts in order? 

A: No, you can rearrange the order of the prompts if it enhances your storytelling. However, following the list in order fosters a sense of artistic unity and diversity.

Q: Can I use designs from games, films, or cartoons? 

A: You’re free to draw whatever inspires you for Inktober, but in addition to this, you must respect copyright laws and the wishes of original creators.

Q: What if I see someone doing Inktober incorrectly? 

A: Inktober’s essence revolves around self-improvement and community. Moreover, there’s no right or wrong way to participate. It is encouraged to celebrate artistic diversity and the spirit of creativity while disregarding negativity.

Q: Where can I find this year’s drawing prompts? 

A: Every September 1st, the Inktober prompts are released on the Rules and Prompts page and on the official Inktober Instagram. If you desire early access to the drawing prompts, consider subscribing to the Inktober mailing list.

Inktober magnifies the prospect of immersing artists and art enthusiasts in daily creativity and reigniting artistic flame. With this, may the month-long challenge serve as a guide to your creative spirit in the coming months. 

Now that you’re settled and October is just around the corner, prepare to embark on your Inktober journey!

Sources: (1), (2), (3)


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