Jesstober Week 1: Fruit Jam, Strawberries & Apples 🍓🍎
Hello lovelies! I'm so excited to share the first week of Jesstober with you – a flexible drawing challenge I created for October that's all about sparking joy without the pressure!
As a quick refresher, Jesstober gives you three prompts per week with total creative freedom. You can:
- Pick one prompt that speaks to you
- Merge all three into one illustration
- Create three separate drawings throughout the week
- Interpret them however you like!
The goal? Keep it fun, flexible, and stress-free. No guilt if you miss a day – just jump back in whenever inspiration strikes!
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Week 1 Prompts: Fruit Jam, Strawberry & Apple
For the first week of October, I challenged myself (and you!) with three deliciously fruity prompts. Here's how I brought them to life:
1. Fruit Jam
I illustrated a cosy collection of jam jars with gingham lids and adorable labels – including a little bear in a party hat! There's something so nostalgic and comforting about homemade jam jars lined up together. The pink grid background and sparkly details give it that signature Jessthechen warmth.
2. Strawberry (feat. Apple & Lemon!)
This one's extra special because it was inspired by a big life moment – Jonnie and I recently adopted a rescue greyhound and we are in LOVE! 🐕💚 Her name is Soup, and I've just been sharing candid photos and videos in my Instagram Stories!
I drew three greyhounds dressed in the most adorable fruit costumes: a strawberry, a green apple, and a lemon. They're wearing matching knitted jumpers and scarves, and honestly, they look ready for the cosiest autumn walk ever. The one in the middle even has glasses! This piece is a celebration of our new family member and all the joy rescue pups bring into our lives.
3. Apple
For the apple prompt, I went full whimsy mode and reflected back on one of my favourite children TV shows called Richary Scarry's Busy Town. The cartoon that played a significant part in my whimsy, and what better way to celebrate that than drawing Lowly Worm!
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Join the Jesstober Community!
I've been absolutely thrilled to see so many of you already participating! The creativity in the #jesstober25 hashtag on Instagram is incredible – from watercolours to digital art, everyone's bringing their own unique style to the prompts.
Whether you're a seasoned artist or just doodling for fun, Jesstober is for you. There's no right or wrong way to do it. The beauty of this challenge is that it fits into your life and your creative rhythm.
How to Participate
- Check out the weekly prompts (I'll be sharing them on Instagram!)
- Create your interpretation in whatever medium you love
- Share your work with #jesstober25
- Tag @jessthechen so I can see and celebrate your creativity!
I can't wait to see how you interpret the prompts and what stories your art tells. Let's make this October a month of creativity, community, and a whole lot of happy little drawings!
Follow along for more Jesstober prompts, behind-the-scenes peeks at my creative process, and all the cosy autumn vibes. 🍂✨
Happy creating!
Jess x