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Moments of creativity in The January Challenge over the years! 

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The January Challenge 2026 - the final last from 64 Million Artists has come to a close. We have LOVED the last 12 years of creativity - seeing and sharing so many wonderful moments of creativity with everyone who has taken part. Share your story of creativity with us here! 

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The January Challenge 2026 - the final last from 64 Million Artists has come to a close. We have LOVED the last 12 years of creativity - seeing and sharing so many wonderful moments of creativity with everyone who has taken part. Share your story of creativity with us here! 

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Share your story or a moment through photos, drawings, voice notes and more. Click on the plus sign in the bottom right hand side of the page to upload your chosen media.

We know that moments of creativity create ripple effects in the world. We'd love to hear about yours. Take a moment to reflect, and then share a story about how creativity has made a change for you in your life. Big, small, and anything and everything in between. It is ALL welcome.

Use this Padlet page to explore and read other people's stories too! You might choose to write or talk about The January Challenge - or any of the (64 Million) ways creativity shows up in the world.

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At 64 Million Artists, a creative culture is at the core of our day to day working life. The biggest takeaway for me has been having the regular carved time and space for creative practice and reflection - leading to more playful and exploratory ways of thinking and connecting to myself and others. Practicing everyday creativity has changed the way I choose to live my life day to day, with more intention and gratitude! - Yashoda

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Collective Hope

As part of the final January Challenge I put together a Whatsapp group of family and friends. This was our entry for the 'Chain of Hope' prompt. It was the most uplifting experience all taking part together. Some did all the days, some did none, most did somewhere in between. But it deepened my connection with people and brought me a lot of joy in cold and mizzly January. Especially this chain of warm candles...

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From very early on in my childhood I knew two things to be true - I am good a music and I am bad at drawing. One of the catalysts that made me believe I had to apply for to be part of the team at 64 was watching a Tedx talk Jo did where she shared why we need a creative revolution. There is a moment in this where she talks about those early moments in our lives and how they become our defining narratives. For me it was art - I was terrible in art class at school. I found every assignment excruciating and therefore my defining narrative here was that I can't draw. But all this did was limit my capacity to dream and see myself as something new and capable - someone who can draw. So last year, I decided to try and break that narrative. I bought a book and started learning to draw. Now this is still very much a work in progress, but if you had told me in 2024 that I would actively seek out learning how to draw, I would have laughed! What I now know is that engaging in this challenge put me in discomfort, but also helped me to be open to new possibilities and new narratives. And it's not about the end output, though I do feel that I can confidently draw spheres galore, but about the journey of doing the practice.

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Drawing of two overlapping spheres, with shadows to the bottom left and the light source to the top right.

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The January Challenge is always a wonderful reminder that creativity is FUN and PLAYFUL.

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Working with the Pioneers, a group of young people with lived experience of disability, creativity has always been a key way of working together and making a change. Anyone can be creative, working to their strengths and communication preferences to share their thoughts, experiences and vision for the future.

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Thank you for all the joy, creativity and connection you've so generously given us through the January Challenge, you wonderful people! This video still is from a joyous afternoon dressed as a cat/dancing with a friend at the edge of the beautiful Swinsty Reservoir in North Yorkshire, being my most creative and playful self while making a music video for a song called 'I Wish I Had A Cat Called Barbara' which I released into the wild this month. Being able to create something and then share it with others and make them smile is one of my absolute favourite parts of being creative! If you like cats and have found January difficult, I hope this might make you smile too: https://youtu.be/pX6JZLqGeIA?si=YY3QnV_-JUc3dLSy

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Day 1 was a challenge to do four portraits demonstrating different sides of me. I took it quite literally and did a photo collage of parts of my body - very raw, no make up, in everyday situations because for me this challenge was about just being me - the possibilities, beyond the roles, being grounded and knowing that I'm enough.

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Diolch (thank you) 64 million artists. We loved being part of this year's challenge and sharing the important place poetry has in Welsh language culture. Eirian www.learnwelsh.cymru xx

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Diolch (thank you) 64 million artists. We loved being part of this year's challenge and sharing the important place poetry has in Welsh language culture. Eirian www.learnwelsh.cymru xx

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The creative pause, and the connections forged...

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The creative pause, and the connections forged...

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Every challenge I've done has given me some time in my day to step away from my usual tasks, and think differently. I found my own way to mould the prompts into what I felt able to do, and I've loved being part of a group where I could share my responses and enjoy everyone else's. Thank you so much 64ma!

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Art for you which I created has immensely helped me to recover from an awful car accident I was involved in April last year. I am able to do live art sessions on TikTok now which I am very grateful for in January 2026 and beyond.

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Creativity for sense of self, and connection

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Creativity for sense of self, and connection

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Going to a life drawing class a few years ago was transformative - the tutor emphasised that the point wasn't to make something 'good', it was to be present and experiment. Creativity hadn't felt 'for me', and now I'm able to express myself differently - have loved the January Challenge the last 3 or 4 years, I'm usually someone who does it in 2 minutes, like being surprised by what comes out of my brain/body/pen. Second image is a January Challenge quick 'self-portrait' challenge from last year, which I love! Thank you wonderful 64MA team x Kate

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It was January 2021 and I had retired from work the year before, and I had moved house just a few months earlier, but it didn't feel like home at all yet. And then there was Covid and a many-week-long lockdown...

I was inside my house, slowly going mad with nothing to do all day. I had looked forward to showing all my friends the house - no one was allowed to visit.

No one to talk to all day, having no colleagues anymore to have online meetings with. And none of my day fillers were allowed (go to the cinema, do my laps at the pool, have lunch in town). I was near breaking point.

Then my friend Ciska suggested I join this group. "But I can't draw, let alone paint, I can only write", I said. I protested loudly and was very sceptical."Try it for a week," she said, "and if you still hate it, you can leave the group".

So, six years later, I am so grateful for her for having "made" me join this group. I have learned so much about myself. That drawing and painting are basically about observing things closely, and that one does improve all the time.

I look closer now, do things I never did, and with all the friendly and encouraging comments here both my confidence and ability grew.

Amazed about the results, after that first January I decided to make a photo book of all the pictures I had posted here.

I stayed on for the weekly challenge, and next year's January. Repeat... there are now 9 books.

I am currently adding things to photo book 10, to be printed in a few weeks.

Thanks so much to Ciska for dragging me here kicking and screaming, to 64 Million Artists for all the beautiful, varied prompts, and to myself for not giving up. Well done, girl!

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I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of this challenge once again.

Having been told at an early age that I had 2 left feet, that I could join the choir only if I mimed, that art was not my strong point and I should not choose it as a subject in school I thought for years that creativity was not for me but then with retirement my life changed.

I discovered lots of classes to keep the old folk off the streets and joined anything that took my fancy. Crucially I learned how to play again.

Impact arts ran a 6 month course. I joined. My stuff joined an exhibition in the community space in Kelvingrove ART Gallery and I later SOLD work in the HAC in Irvine.

I joined a ballet class for over 50s and loved it. I was part of an intergenerational performance with Barrowland Ballet in the Tramway and at Beacon Arts.

My confidence soared.

I auditioned in a workshop run by Candoco, got the part and TOURED with them in the Uk and in Paris.

I joined Tricky Hat's 'Flames' and performed with them in Glasgow several times and also in Wick.

I made wonderful new friends and discovered that by pleasing myself I did have something to offer.

Nobody has asked me to sing yet though... There is still time. 😁

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I have been participating in the January challenge for a few years now. This year I dipped in and out and this was so good for me. I loved all the pieces I created because I didn't put pressure on myself to do them all. I really loved the variety. One day I am creating art on a page and the other day I am dancing! Thanks @64millionartists 

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I have been participating in the January challenge for a few years now. This year I dipped in and out and this was so good for me. I loved all the pieces I created because I didn't put pressure on myself to do them all. I really loved the variety. One day I am creating art on a page and the other day I am dancing! Thanks @64millionartists 

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Creativity, as Evidence

It didn’t save me.

Do you remember thinking it would?

Not the big gestures.

Not the grants, the readings, the polite applause.

I mean the smaller things.

The sentence that let me stay.

The notebook that didn’t ask questions.

Creativity came like weather.

Uninvited.

Persistent.

It said: keep your hands busy.

It said: listen closer.

It said: don’t explain this yet.

I used it to survive rooms.

To leave conversations without leaving my body.

To tell the truth sideways.

I never called it healing.

I called it making.

Some days it was just breath with a job.

Some days it was the only witness who didn’t interrupt.

You want change?

Fine.

It changed who I answer to.

It changed how long I stay.

It changed what I no longer apologise for.

That’s the story.

You can have it.

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A few of the inspirational moments unleashed by the 31 Creative Prompts in the January Challenge, empowering, motivating and inspiring me as I prepare to stage my International Women's Day immersive event and continue querying my debut magical romantasy novel.

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Today is Day 31 of 64 Million Artists’ January Challenge. I’m thrilled to have completed all 31 daily challenges, as invited to do so, in my own way – taking each prompt and running, dancing and playing with it.  I’m eternally grateful for 64 Million Artists helping to unleash my creativity in so many art forms.  Thank you also for empowering me to express my stories, emotions and feelings through art.

I have had what some refer to as a 'portfolio business' with irons in many fires for many years When I'm asked what I do, I always say I'm a 'Creative Catalyst for Change' empowering women to be the change we want to see in our world. What a fabulous synchronicity that I complete 31 days of challenges on a day where we reflect on using Creativity for Change.

These days, I'm largely retired as a coach/actor/performer/trainer/writer and now laser-focused on my writing. After co-authoring two non-fiction books, I'm currently querying my first women's fiction romantasy novel with agents and publishers (it's complete at 85,000 words)*.

Throughout the 25+ years since I became a solopreneur, I've created or been part of projects that empower, motivate and inspire women (and some men!) to create the physical and spiritual reality we wish to inhabit.

I'm bringng my decades of experience to Redbridge Drama Centre on 9 March 2026 as part of the International Womens Week festival.

Elder Faerie Queen Wiselda (created by me and who features in many of my creative projects) is delivering an immersive interactive experience as she delivers her 'keynote speech' and more. She invites us to come away surprised, empowered and motivated to 'Give to Gain' (#IWD2026) with visions and ideas on how to be a creative catalyst for change in our local and global communities.

I've loved being part of the January Challenges for several years. Thank you for unlocking our Creativity for Change.

With all good wishes for the future

Stephanie Barrows

(*A wild older woman joins a Tuscan legacy retreat, rekindles a long-lost romance and, with like-minded women, creates magic by harnessing the power of dancing to the beat of our heartfelt dreams).

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I have taken part in at least a few of your suggestions every year since you started- it has given January a new meaning- and even if I can't do one every day, I'ver stopped to think- so thank you!

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I have taken part in at least a few of your suggestions every year since you started- it has given January a new meaning- and even if I can't do one every day, I'ver stopped to think- so thank you!

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This year has been more complicated- broke my wrist at the end of December- but I've saved the emails so I can do them in a month or so ...64 million artists will live on in our household! Thank you so much for all your creative thoughts- will never forget the influence you've had on so many...

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The residents at Hazelgrove Court Care Home say  Creativity has changed the through knitting. The knitting Nana's over the past few years have knit, blankets for orphaned rhinos in South Africa, jumpers for penguins in Australia affected by oil slicks and most recently enrichment toys for monkeys in South Africa. Which has led to us been in the local papers and even on the local news . This just goes to show that you still have purpose even when living in a care home

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The residents at Hazelgrove Court Care Home say  Creativity has changed the through knitting. The knitting Nana's over the past few years have knit, blankets for orphaned rhinos in South Africa, jumpers for penguins in Australia affected by oil slicks and most recently enrichment toys for monkeys in South Africa. Which has led to us been in the local papers and even on the local news . This just goes to show that you still have purpose even when living in a care home

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I have really enjoyed 😉 ☺️ being creative and coming up with ideas 💡 of how to express myself. Also sharing it with the group. Being seen with no judgement or inner critic.

I did this painting yesterday, ' Picking Mangoes 🥭, something I use to do a lot when I was younger with my cousins. It was the happiest, playful, fun time of my life.

Thank u all so much

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Day 31: Creativity for Change

31st January 2026

Dear 64 Million Artists friends

What a journey this has been! I now accept that I am creative and can get through January.

⭐️I remind myself all the time that the creative part of me is important.

⭐️I wear a plain silver ring, the first thing I made in a jewellery making class. A daily reminder and prompt

⭐️After re-learning to knit a number of years ago I now always have something in the needles and am doing my first 'chart knit'.

⭐️I bought a new sewing machine and have made curtains, bags, skirts - more to come!

⭐️Twelve years ago my partner bought me a camera. Photography has been a revelation and thanks to a great teacher and a supportive Camera Club I have been thrilled by some of the photos I've taken. I now use my pictures to make cards.

⭐️I loved writing stories at school but hated poetry. Because of the January Challenge I've embraced poems at last! And I now know what a Haiku is!

⭐️I've made things with beads, buttons, old clock parts, glitter (environmentally friendly of course) and yarn.

⭐️I weave, make jewellery, bake, garden, doodle.

⭐️I have been properly challenged and have challenged myself. Maybe the January Challenge is ending but a new creative phoenix will rise from its ashes.

So THANK YOU my 64MA friends!

It's been a blast and it is no exaggeration to say that I am changed because of all of you.

Karen x

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I have found that including a little bit of creativity in my day changes how i cope with the routine tasks of the day. I feel more playful and calm.

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Day 31

'Creativity for Change'

I have come to the end of the challenge for this month and I have really enjoyed it. I haven't done all of the prompts but that's ok. I feel that the ones I did, have had a positive influence on me and have reignited my creative side again. Thank you @64millionartists

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The January challenge was a bit of a lifeline for me when I became very poorly with Long Covid. Creativity was a way of connecting with others and processing what I was going through too. I'm so grateful for friends made and also the chance to rebuild gradually. January became a month to look forward to rather than dread and making space creativity is now a non negotiable. A chance to process the tough stuff from a distance and to spread joy too. Win win right?!

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Day 31 - a wonderful month full of creativity, summed up in an abstract way with a series of haiku and a penguin painting.

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Day 31 - a wonderful month full of creativity, summed up in an abstract way with a series of haiku and a penguin painting.

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Blizzards of feelings

Appear within a dreamscape

Instinctually

Instinctually

Creativity changes

Broken reflections

Broken reflections

Invite better connections

Hope resonates strength

Hope resonates strength

Empowering feathers for flight

Patience in waiting

Patience in waiting

Crafting narratives of peace

Blizzards of feelings

.

Creativity

The greatest tool ever seen

To process what's been

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Doing the creative challenges this month has reminded me of the power of small creative acts. When I've made time for them, they've opened me to play, reflection and connection. Each one has been a joy, even when it's not be easy because I've felt a ton of resistance. It's reminded me about how creativity has been the fuel for feeling more alive in my own life, and others around me in work and outside it. From creating a new name for myself to writing through childhood trauma, creativity has saved me and helped me reinvent myself time and again, and I've seen the same for people I've coached and collaborated with in work too. Over the years, I've come to know creativity as the life force with gives us hope, moves us through hard emotion, connects us to our soulful selves, and make sense of an increasingly complex world. It's also fun and playful, and we need the joy that comes from it more than ever. The deep empowerment that I've felt from being creative, realising I have the power to make, create, imagine and act on what I envision has been one of the greatest gifts, and the January Challenge (and 64s seeking emails) has been such a light and fun way to remember that again and again. I'll miss it, and hope that the ripple effects of it existing in the world will be that we all remember to keep recieving and giving the gift of creative time to ourselves and together. Thank you 64 💜

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What is creating for me?

It’s making sense of the world. It’s reflecting on my life and the people in it. It’s thinking about my emotions and what makes me feel them. It’s appreciating what I have but recognising what I’m working for.

It’s quietening the noise in my head

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I do seem to have posted late most days, and now it’s Day 31. Is it really the end for this wonderful community? There are some who I know in other worlds: Karen Willey Victor Swing and of course my sis Louise Barnden. And over the years I feel like somehow, in some wonderfully tangential kinda way I’ve got to know others: Catherine Lounsbach Inge Kuijt Tilly Bain Dominique Robathan Roro De P Sarah Miller Anthony Croft Caroline H Ridley-Duff Annette French and so many more.

I first joined in 2020, and how little did we suspect what was just around the corner. As we went into lockdown, my Dad slipped away, and the tools of creativity I’d acquired most certainly helped me carve space for grief. And over the years I dipped in and out. My Mum slipped away too. Plus a beloved friend and 2 moggies. And yet still the joy and reflection of this group did their bit to let my imagination work some of it out.

I’ve learned to craft a haiku, to collage, to assemble, to film, to snap. Most of all I’ve found a calling of sorts: making radio. And I’m certain this group helped unlock that. Just gotta write that novel now.

On the group I added some early posts from way back when and a couple of highlights along the way, and a Blakeian snap from Friday.

Adding a link to my radio show here now! January’s show was a celebration of my Cosmos of Bowie. 💖

🙏🙏🙏 64 Million Artists and to all of you. I’ll keep creating.

🤓🤡💥❤️‍🔥💥🤡🤓

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Fantastic Voyage. Monthly, Friday 10pm-12am. Eclectic, Dance, Post Punk, Pop, Queer. #totallywiredradio