Announcing December and January's Design Challenge Themes

Spoonflower’s Weekly Design Challenges encourage creativity by inviting our community to submit designs around a theme and vote on favorites to win weekly prizes. See what design challenges are coming up and which designers were crowned grand-champion in past challenges here.

Be sure to visit the blog to learn more about Spoonflower’s Design Challenge rules and moderation process.

Comeback Species | Entries due by November 30, 2021

Earlier this year, the U.S. officially declared 23 new animal species extinct (we’ll miss you, Ivory-billed Woodpecker!). But did you know that there are many species that have made remarkable comebacks with the help of conservation efforts?

This challenge is a celebration of those species, because everybody loves a comeback. From the giant panda, to the gray wolf, northern brown kiwi, and many more, get your field guide out and draw inspiration from one of your favorite “comeback species” from anywhere in the world.

Entries will be previewed on a 21” x 18” fat quarter. Submissions close November 30 at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Voting begins December 2. Winners will be announced December 9. See official rules.

Submit a New Design

Palm Springs Mid-Century Wallpaper | Entries due by December 8, 2021

Pack your bags, we’re taking a trip to Palm Springs, California! With foundations derived from mid-century modern design elements, this trending, chic Palm Springs aesthetic focuses on clean, bold lines, along with a touch of glamour and a dash of fun.

Think of mid-century modern architecture and home decor you may find in the oasis of Palm Springs as you create your design: splashes of bright colors on a white base, low maintenance succulents and other plants, sunlit windows and swimming pools— all surrounded by a Californian city desert environment.

Entries will be previewed on a roll of Spoonflower wallpaper. Submissions close at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Voting begins December 9. Winners will be announced December 16.  See official rules.

Submit a New Design

Trompe l’oeil | Entries due by December 14, 2021

French for “trick of the eye”, trompe l’oeil is an optical illusion that uses artistic technique to make something appear three-dimensional that isn’t.

Imagine a person emerging from a picture frame, or a huge dragon painted on the side of a building that appears to be bursting through the bricks. Design with the home decor shopper in mind, as voting renders will be previewed on a square pillow for this challenge.

Entries will be previewed on a home decor pillow. Submissions close December 14 at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Voting begins December 16. Winners will be announced January 6. See official rules.

Submit a New Design

Adventure Ditsy Prints | Entries due by January 4, 2022

Throughout the month of January, you can join Spoonflower and ElloLovely in our Doodle-a-Day Challenge on Instagram surrounding the theme “Adventure.” To make up for all the travel opportunities we may have missed out on recently, we are hoping to add a little adventure into some of our design challenges this month!

Imagine a big, vast adventure… but on a teeny-tiny level! Classic ditsy designs include small-scaled florals, leaves and swirls. However, in this challenge we’re looking for ditsy rocket ships, treasure maps, mountain sightings or even backyard discoveries– anything you might find along your ideal excursion.

Entries will be previewed on an 8″ x 8″ swatch. Submissions close January 4 at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Voting begins January 6. Winners will be announced January 15. See official rules.

Submit a New Design

Adventure Block Prints | Entries due by January 11, 2022

If you love bold shapes, simple color schemes and a handcrafted look, then this challenge is for you! This week, we’re throwing back to traditional block prints. These prints are conventionally made with real wooden blocks that have engraved detailing you can transfer to various textiles. It’s like a big stamp!

Whether you take the hand-printed route or something more digital, your design elements should be arranged in a block style. Similar to our Adventure Ditsy Prints design challenge, in this challenge we’re looking for motifs surrounding your favorite travels and adventurous experiences.

Entries will be previewed on a 21” x 18” fat quarter. Submissions close January 11 at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Voting begins January 13. Winners will be announced January 20. See official rules.

Submit a New Design

Lilla Rogers Vintage Canned Goods | Entries due by January 18, 2022

Artistic inspiration can come from anywhere, even your pantry! For this exciting partner challenge with renowned art agent, Lilla Rogers, we’re asking you to find beauty in the ordinary objects we often overlook.

Think about drawing the lettering on the labels, the shine of the tins, the contents of the tins (if it’s tuna fish, perhaps incorporating coral, shells, or boats). Tip: Be sure to change up the brand and wording on the label to avoid any copyright issues. You can make up your own brands! You might do a whole image of vintage cans, or you might choose to focus on the ingredients themselves. Get creative!

In addition to our usual Spoonflower prizes, the grand prize (chosen by Lilla Rogers) will receive a free spot in the Make Art That Sells Creating Collections for Home Décor course, worth $550. 2nd prize will receive a free spot on the Make Art That Sells Character Bootcamp course, worth $170. Third prize will receive a free place on Make Art That Sells Drawing Faces course, worth $80.

Entries will be previewed on a 21” x 18” fat quarter. Submissions close January 18 at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Voting begins January 20. Winners will be announced January 27. See official rules.

Submit a New Design

Grand Prize

One Grand Prize Winner each week will receive $200 in Spoondollars. The winner will also receive additional exposure in our email newsletters and social media mentions. The Grand Prize Winner of the Vintage Canned Goods Design Challenge, chosen by Lilla Rogers, will receive a free spot in the Make Art That Sells Creating Collections for Home Décor course, worth $550.

Second Place

The 2nd place winner will receive $100 in Spoondollars. The 2nd place winner of the Vintage Canned Goods Design Challenge will receive a free spot in the Make Art That Sells Character Bootcamp course, worth $170.

Third Place

The 3rd place winner will receive $50 in Spoondollars. The 3rd place winner of the Vintage Canned Goods Design Challenge will receive a free spot in the Make Art That Sells Drawing Faces course, worth $80.

The rest of the top 10

4th through 10th place winners will receive a $20 Spoondollar credit.

All of the top 50

Each of the top 50 entries, determined as set forth above, not receiving one of the foregoing prizes will be automatically proofed for sale in the Spoonflower Marketplace (approximately a $5 value) (the “Runner Up Prize”) if winners are verified sellers.