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Art Projects for Kids

Stop searching. get no-prep, step-by-step elementary art lessons delivered daily (it’s free).

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Stop the Sunday Search

For teachers who are tired of having their Sundays swallowed up by lesson planning, Art Projects for Kids has a free daily email that serves up easy-to-use art projects your students will love — without ever opening Pinterest.  

Quality lessons ready to use!

I love the step-by-step directions, meaningful and easy to do, fun, meaningful art activities with 90% less planning time, see all >.

The only options most teachers have for how to find art lessons is by spending hours weeding through the millions of ideas that come up on Google and Pinterest. Or to scour Teachers Pay Teachers for expensive supplements to your local curriculum. Or to try to force-fit the overwhelming school art program that requires all kinds of fancy materials (all in your “free” time, right?).

But even after giving up most of Sunday afternoon searching for ideas, all you turn up is one or two puny lesson plans with instructions that are about as easy to follow as IRS Form 13909. You need a faster way to find fun art projects with user-friendly directions that will engage your kids. But… how? Enter: Art Projects for Kids.

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Art projects for kids creator, kathy barbro.

Prep Your Art Lesson Plans, Effortlessly

The Art Projects for Kids step-by-step method of elementary art instruction breaks the often anxiety-inducing subject of art down into a simple, fun process (for students AND teachers) that boosts your students’ confidence and allows them to create with joy.

Each of your kids can set their own pace to create artwork they can be proud of. And you can feel empowered to instill your kids with the delight of creativity (even if you tend to be a left-brained, “in the box” thinker yourself). 

But after 20 years in the classroom as an art teacher, I also know what it’s like to give up every Sunday afternoon (and most evenings) to plan the week’s lessons. You shouldn’t have to give up all your free time to bring your students meaningful art instruction. That’s why at Art Projects for Kids , you’ll find a variety of easy, step-by-step lessons your kids will love all in one place . The result is an instant extra 90 minutes minutes back in your weekend — just by signing up for our emails (and it’s free!).

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Relax, knowing no-prep art lessons are en route to your inbox.

No more feeling guilty for not having the bandwidth to thoughtfully integrate more art projects into your lessons. No more cringing at not coming up with more “creative” ideas and projects to put on your bulletin boards. No more doubting your ability to teach art. No more feeling helpless when your kids are too afraid to create.

Instead, enjoy a classroom brimming with perseverance and playfulness . Wake up looking forward to walking into your classroom armed with your easy lesson plans and even videos you can play for your class. Smile as you watch your creative kids discover that, yes, they CAN have fun doing art. Feel truly prepared (maybe for the first time ever) . Treat yourself to a relaxing Sunday with your feet up. Maybe even reading a book that didn’t come out of the kids section of the library. And know that your (free) email membership to Art Projects for Kids is powering all of this, like your magical teaching fairy godmother. And even when you rest? It won’t. 

Really boosts their drawing confidence!

Nice art work that is kid friendly, find literally any picture your students want to draw, all in one place, view project ideas by grade level.

You Don’t Need as Much Time as You Think to Integrate Art into Your Classroom

You won’t have to spend all day searching Pinterest for ideas. You won’t have to spend hours prepping or studying the art lessons. You won’t need to beg your administration or parents for high-end supplies or purchase expensive curriculum.

All you have to do is say “yes” to the Art Projects for Kids daily email and watch as the 3,152 minutes you’re losing each year to searching for art activities slowly come dripping back into your life. Because what busy teacher doesn’t want another 3,152 minutes per year without doing anything differently at all? Get the Art Projects for Kids daily email, and let us do the heavy lifting for you.

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7 Easy Art Lessons For When You’re in a Pinch

Sometimes lesson planning comes down to the wire. Maybe your students went through a project much faster than expected, or you simply did not have the time to get ahead of things. We’ve all been there. It’s not unheard of to scour the internet and social media for ideas, but sometimes we still come up short. No art teacher is perfect, and we all need a lesson idea in a pinch from time to time! We don’t want these activities to be fluff or busywork. Instead, we want them to help our students build skills and scaffold learning.

The next time you find yourself in need of a last-minute activity or lesson, look no further. The following seven activities are easily adaptable for various grade levels. They also require minimal material prep and use supplies you likely have in your art room.

1. Personal Soda Can Label

We live in a consumer world where new beverages, food, candy, and snacks are constantly introduced to the market. Teachers and students experience product and brand design —often without even realizing it. Looking at the typography and imagery of different products can spark interesting conversations with both elementary and secondary students.

One way for students to explore the idea of consumerism through product design and advertising is by creating a personal beverage label. This will require students to brainstorm a brand and identity for their product by picking the flavor, color, and overall look. Use the handout below  to get your students started planning their designs.

Once students have designed their labels, you can take this activity a step further by attaching the design to an aluminum can. Have students participate in a reflection or critique activity. Ending the activity here might be appropriate for your elementary students, but you could take it a step further for your middle and high schoolers. Have students use their aluminum can with a custom label for observational drawing. Beginning students often struggle with matching the text and typography on traditional soda cans. Using the label they initially created will help them build confidence in their drawing skills. After practicing observational drawing skills, students add shading to create the illusion of form. High school students can also explore more package design and advertising elements.

Suggested materials: Paper, drawing materials, aluminum cans (optional) Suggested grade levels: Elementary, middle school, high school

2. Crushed Soda Can Drawing

Another simple yet effective way to recycle aluminum cans in your classroom is to crush them and use them for observational drawing. When students learn to draw, they eagerly want to draw things as realistically as they can. Students often feel frustrated and disappointed when they aren’t able to draw things perfectly. One way to reduce the pressure of realistic drawing is to begin with an imperfect object. Crushing cans and spray painting them white can serve as a beautiful and cost-effective way to teach basic drawing skills.

Students can draw the cans from life or use a reference photo. If they use a reference photo, you could introduce your students to the traditional grid method or provide them with alternative ways of making a grid.

Cover the cans with white paint so students can focus on the simplified shapes without worrying about labels or text. Strong lighting can also help students to identify values easily. If you don’t have aluminum cans on hand but still want to try this activity, use these images as references .

To adapt this lesson and take it even further for your secondary students, explore new and advanced techniques to create a background with contrast and emphasis. Students research and experiment with a technique they have wanted to try. Provide them with a demonstration and sampling of some ideas to get them started.

Here are some exciting advanced techniques:

• Monoprinting
• Painted Paper Weaving FLEX Lesson (can be found in FLEX Curriculum )
• Paper marbling

Suggested materials: Paper, drawing materials, aluminum cans Suggested grade levels: Upper elementary, middle school, high school

3. Ashley Mary-Inspired Organic Shape Painting

Exploring abstract and non-objective art can be an empowering experience for students. However, sometimes the freedom to create can leave them paralyzed or push them to overwork their pieces. One way to introduce students to proper painting techniques while exploring color, pattern, and shape is to learn about the contemporary artist Ashley Mary . Mary’s playful paintings are reminiscent of the free-form collages of Matisse. Comparing Mary, a contemporary artist, with Matisse, a classical artist, can provide a foundation for inspiration and discussion. To learn more about Ashley Mary, download our complimentary FLEX Curriculum Artist Bio . Find this and many more artist bios in FLEX Curriculum .

Before students begin painting, have them choose a color scheme. Encourage students to work with a limited palette to push them to make more intentional color decisions. Students create shapes and patterns one paint layer at a time. If using watercolor, this can be a wonderful exploration of how transparent and translucent colors mix and layer. The free-form nature of this painting style also fosters intuitive thinking.

Suggested materials: Paper, acrylic or tempera paint, watercolor Suggested grade levels: Elementary, middle school

4. Water Droplet Drawing

If you are looking for a skill-building activity to boost your students’ confidence, this is it! Inspired by art teacher Jennifer Sell , this water droplet drawing activity is the perfect way to introduce students to shading and form at any age level. For best results, use a material that blends easily, like graphite, charcoal, chalk, or oil pastel. Use these videos to help guide your students as they navigate through the activity.

To adapt this for your advanced learners, students create the same drawing with two different media. Compare and contrast the process, medium characteristics, and end results.

Suggested materials: Paper, chalk, graphite, charcoal, or oil pastel Suggested grade levels: Upper elementary, middle school, high school

5. Textured Slump Mold Slab Bowl

Are you in need of a one-day clay activity that requires minimal materials? Creating slump molds is a great way to introduce or review making slabs with students. All you need is clay and a mold, like a bowl, to press the clay inside. This idea also can introduce surface texture on clay. Students roll a slab, add texture, then press into the slump mold. If you plan on doing more clay lessons with your students, this is a quick project for students to practice the glazing process.

Suggested materials: Clay, bowls for molds Suggested grade levels: Elementary, middle school

6. Op Art Drawing

Optical illusions are always exciting for students, and learning how to make them is even better! Some op art designs require more math and complexity, while others are on the simpler side. These op art sphere and cube designs are perfect as an introduction to your younger artists. Check out this video for a step-by-step guide to create them.

If you plan on doing more complex op art activities with your advanced or high school students, these simple drawings will make great bellringer prompts. Connect several spheres and cubes to create more elaborate patterns and compositions. For more op art lesson ideas, check out the Connecting Op Art and Math in FLEX Collection.

For a brief introduction to op art that you can share with your students, check out the FLEX video below:

Suggested materials: Pencil, markers, ruler, paper Suggested grade levels: Elementary, middle school, high school

7. Color Mixing Lines

The process of color mixing never ceases to amaze students, no matter how many times they have experienced it. This activity allows students to observe color mixing and explore creative drawing processes.

To start this project, students use a water-based marker or watercolor paint. If students use markers, create shapes of color right next to or slightly overlapping each other. Prep an eyedropper filled with water or a paintbrush dipped in clean water. Stand the painting up vertically and carefully drop water on the paper. Watch as the water mixes with the color and drips down the page together.

Use the same method with watercolor paint with a wet-on-wet technique by painting the paper with water first. Add color with the paper held vertically.

Once the paint drips are dry, students identify the positive and negative shapes created by the drips. Students can trace the shapes and fill in designated areas with line patterns.

Suggested materials: Water, watercolor, markers, paper Suggested grade levels: Elementary, middle school

Alexander Graham Bell said, “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” With all that art teachers have to do daily, we understand the importance of preparation. However, there are only so many hours in the day, and sometimes we don’t have enough time to get it all done! If you find yourself behind, overwhelmed, or stuck, try one of these activities. They are sure to engage students from start to finish, adaptable for all grade levels, and you can easily tie them into your existing curriculum when you’re in a pinch.

What’s your go-to lesson when you are in a pinch?

How do you prep in advance for a last-minute activity?

Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.

Abby Schukei

Abby Schukei, a middle school art educator and AOEU’s Social Media Manager, is a former AOEU Writer. She focuses on creating meaningful experiences for her students through technology integration, innovation, and creativity.

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• 50+ Creative Art Project Ideas For College Students

By: Author The GenTwenty Team

Posted on Last updated: December 13, 2023

Categories College

Art class in college is a time to expand your palette and try new techniques! Here are well over 50 creative art project ideas.

Embarking on  art projects  is not just a way to fill the time between college lectures and exams; it’s a crucial element of personal and educational growth for  college students . Creativity thrives when minds are given the freedom to explore, and art projects offer a unique avenue for this exploration.

As part of art education, art teachers love making projects as part of their lesson plans, whether for college or high school students. It’s a fun way for art students to show what they have learned and express themselves.

Engaging in various  creative projects , whether a passion project or a calling, can enhance an individual’s ability to think laterally, solve problems imaginatively, and express complex ideas visually. These artistic endeavors are not limited to the tangible benefits of improved  artistic skills  but extend to bolstering academic performance and personal well-being.

As the canvas of college life stretches out, students are encouraged to paint their paths with broad strokes, dabbling in a medley of  art ideas  from traditional  painting techniques  to digital expressions in  graphic design . Every student has the opportunity to craft a unique  art portfolio , develop a rich tapestry of skills, and weave their narrative through  creative expression .

In this blog post, we will cover a plethora creative art project ideas for college students to try. Make note of what speaks to you!

50 Creative Art Project Ideas For College Students

Here are 50 creative art project ideas suitable for college-level students:

• Create a self-portrait using abstract shapes, colors, and textures to represent different aspects of your personality. Use white paper and oil pastels or acrylic paint or do something more creative and use only materials from the natural world on black paper. The options are endless.
• Gather random objects and create a sculpture by assembling them in a unique and interesting way.
• Create a collage using photographs, combining and layering images to tell a visual story.
• Utilize 3D printing technology to produce a sculpture or object that explores form and structure.
• Design an installation that engages viewers and encourages them to interact with the artwork.
• Experiment with digital painting using software like Adobe Photoshop or Procreate. Create a virtual bulletin board for a collaborative art project.
• Transform old books into works of art by cutting, folding, and adding your own illustrations.
• Build a sculpture that incorporates movement or responds to external stimuli.
• Create a stop-motion animation using objects, drawings, or clay figures.
• Combine traditional artwork with augmented reality elements using AR apps.
• Construct an art installation using recycled materials to highlight sustainability.
• Experiment with body painting and use the human form as a canvas for photography.
• Design a mosaic using tiles, glass, or other materials to create a visually stunning piece. Take a field trip to local spots and gather materials.
• Explore alternative printmaking techniques like monoprinting, cyanotype, or linocut.
• Use projection mapping to transform the surfaces of objects or buildings with dynamic visuals.
• Create a large-scale installation using ceramic pieces to explore form and texture.
• Craft a sculpture using natural materials like branches, leaves, and stones.
• Experiment with creating a sculpture by making a cast of a part of the human body.
• Keep an art journal documenting your creative process, thoughts, and visual ideas.
• Design an artwork using typography as the primary visual element.
• Develop a virtual reality art experience that immerses viewers in a digital environment. This is a creative way to blend technology and art.
• Create an art installation that involves auditory elements and explores the relationship between sound and visual art.
• Build a detailed miniature world inside a box or container.
• Create poetry by selecting and rearranging words from existing texts, newspapers, or books.
• Stage a live art performance, incorporating elements of theater, dance, or music.
• Experiment with graffiti art techniques, either on canvas or an approved outdoor space.
• Use wire to create intricate sculptures that play with form and negative space.
• Develop a series of fashion illustrations that showcase your unique style.
• Explore the art of glassblowing to create intricate glass sculptures or vessels.
• Combine various materials like fabric, paper, and found objects to create a mixed media collage.
• Experiment with long-exposure photography and light sources to create dynamic and abstract images.
• Create an installation using textiles and fabric to explore texture, color, and form.
• Develop a project that focuses on conveying a conceptual idea through various mediums.
• Take your sketchbook to the streets and create drawings or paintings of urban scenes.
• Collect sounds from your environment and compose a piece of music or an audio installation.
• Create a performance art piece and document it through video. Video project require another set of skills as well but video is highly profitable skill in today’s world.
• Build a shadow box that tells a story or explores a theme using three-dimensional objects.
• Develop a series of landscape paintings exploring different techniques and styles.
• Use augmented reality apps to enhance street art and create interactive experiences.
• Use your body’s movement to create drawings or paintings, capturing the essence of motion.
• Create maps that illustrate personal experiences, emotions, or imaginary worlds.
• Produce an experimental short film that incorporates unconventional storytelling techniques.
• Experiment with fabric dyeing techniques, such as tie-dye or shibori, and create printed patterns.
• Weld or manipulate metal to create sculptures that explore form, balance, and structure. You could even make cookie cutters and then make cookies from what you’ve created for your college art project.
• Design and illustrate your own book, exploring both the narrative and visual aspects.
• Develop a photography series that explores a specific concept or theme.
• Create temporary art installations in natural settings using materials found on-site.
• Design and print your own textiles, exploring pattern and color.
• Create artworks that explore personal or societal views on body image and self-perception.
• Develop an art project with therapeutic goals , addressing personal or social issues through creative expression.

These art project ideas are diverse and can be adapted based on your interests, preferred mediums, and artistic style. Feel free to combine or modify these ideas to create unique and meaningful art projects for your college-level coursework.

Unlocking Your Creativity

College serves as an expansive canvas for young artists, offering an environment brimming with new experiences, diverse perspectives, and stimulating challenges that are tailor-made to fuel the creative fires.

It is in this unique academic setting that  college students  can harness their life experiences and academic learning as sources of inspiration to funnel into their art.

To tap into this wellspring of creativity, students are encouraged to maintain an open mind, engage in campus activities outside their comfort zone, and utilize their coursework as a muse for their artistic endeavors. Trying new mediums and techniques, such as  digital art ,  sculpture , or  printmaking , not only broadens their artistic repertoire, but also cultivates adaptability and innovation in their creative expression.

Embracing the variety of art supplies and  art workshops  available on campus can further expand their horizons and augment their artistic skills, pushing the boundaries of their usual creative processes. By immersing themselves in college’s vast pool of opportunities, students open the doors to discovering fresh  art ideas  and new ways of  creative expression , setting the stage for a rich and vibrant artistic path.

Budget-Friendly Art Ideas

Embarking on creative endeavors in college need not drain your finances. A thrifty approach to art can involve  recycled materials , such as repurposed cardboard, discarded magazines, and reclaimed fabrics, to not only save on costs but also add unique textures to your projects.

Scouring  thrift stores and yard sales  can unearth affordable art supplies and unexpected materials. Additionally, many art stores offer  student discounts , allowing you to access quality resources without the hefty price tag. Be on the lookout for community  art swaps or exchanges  where you can trade materials with peers.

Embracing a DIY ethos can also inspire you to create your own supplies, for instance, mixing your own paint colors or crafting sketchbooks from recycled paper. The university’s art department may have resources like  free workshops  or a reuse center, offering an economical gateway to expand your artistic repertoire.

Here Are Some Art Projects for Beginners:

• DIY Canvas Painting:  Experiment with simple paint techniques like sponging or finger painting to create abstract designs on canvas. This is a relaxing way to start with painting while learning color theory and composition.
• Papier-Mâché Sculpture:  Create sculptures using recycled newspaper and glue. It’s an accessible project for beginners and helps understand three-dimensional forms.
• Basic Printmaking:  Use everyday objects such as leaves or cut potatoes to practice printmaking. This teaches pattern-making and the basics of ink application.
• Recycled Art:  Reuse materials to build an eco-friendly art piece. It’s a great way to learn about sustainability in art and can involve anything from plastic bottles to old clothing.
• Photography Project:  Start with a smartphone or a basic camera and capture themes like ‘A Day in the Life’ or ‘Urban Landscapes’. It helps beginners understand framing and lighting.
• Sketching and Drawing:  Begin with pencil sketches focusing on still life or outdoor scenes to hone observation and hand-eye coordination.
• Basic Digital Art:  Utilize free digital drawing tools to create artwork on a computer or tablet. It’s an important skill set for modern art practices and encourages understanding of digital mediums.
• Mural Painting:  Collaborate on a group mural project utilizing simple shapes and colors to contribute to a larger piece. This helps with planning and executing larger scale works.

Here are Examples of More Advanced Art Project Challenges:

• Large-Scale Mural Painting:  Tackle the grandeur of public art by engaging in a mural project that requires planning, collaboration, and a mastery of painting techniques.
• Interactive Sculpture:  Challenge both technical and conceptual skills by creating sculptures that require viewer participation or integrate mechanical elements.
• Advanced Printmaking Series:  Delve into the complexities of printmaking with a series of related prints that explore advanced techniques such as intaglio or lithography.
• Complex Mixed Media Installations:  Push the envelope with an installation that combines various media and engages with the exhibition space in immersive ways.
• Conceptual Photography Project:  Develop a photography project with a strong thematic focus, requiring in-depth research and a sophisticated approach to visual storytelling.

Another Idea: Collaborative Pieces and Group Projects

Working together on a collaborative art piece  can significantly enhance the experience of creating and learning for college students. Such projects not only merge diverse perspectives and artistic skills but also foster a spirit of community and cooperation.

For instance, a  mural painting  involving multiple student artists can transform a bland campus wall into a vibrant tapestry of collective expression. Similarly,  sculpture installations  made from recycled materials encourage students to discuss environmental themes and develop problem-solving skills as a team.

Another inspiring group project could be the creation of a large-scale  mixed media piece , where each participant contributes a segment that reflects personal narratives or cultural backgrounds, ultimately weaving a story that is bigger than its parts.

By participating in such endeavors, students learn the vital role of teamwork and shared creativity in accomplishing artistic visions and projects.

Displaying Your Artwork

Once you’ve poured your heart into a piece, finding the right platform to share it can be just as rewarding. An excellent starting point is a  digital portfolio , where you can curate and display your work professionally. Websites like Behance or your personal site can serve as a great showcase for potential employers or art schools.

Students should also take advantage of  college exhibitions , which not only provide a legitimate space for your artwork but also offer a chance to receive feedback and network. Additionally, social media platforms have become indispensable for artists today, offering a broad audience and engagement opportunities.

Don’t overlook local coffee shops, libraries, or community centers either; they often have space dedicated to local artists. Remember, the act of presenting your art to the public is crucial – it’s a bold statement of your creativity and a significant step in your artistic journey.

Digital Art and Tech Integration

The intersection of art and technology opens up a new realm of possibilities for college students eager to expand their creative toolkit. Digital art tools and software, such as Adobe Photoshop for photo manipulation, Illustrator for vector graphics, and Procreate for digital painting on tablets, provide students with the means to push the boundaries of traditional art forms.

Blender can be used for 3D modeling and animation, while Unity offers an introduction to the world of game design and art. Encouraging the integration of technology in art not only enhances the creative process but also prepares student artists for a digital-centric professional landscape.

By blending traditional painting techniques with graphic design, or incorporating digital elements into sculpture and printmaking, students can create mixed media masterpieces that are unique and innovative. Embracing the digital dimension in art projects allows for endless experimentation and growth in both artistic skills and technological proficiency.

Reflections Through the Canvas

Art projects during college not only serve as a form of creative expression but also play a significant role in personal and professional growth. As you embark on various art endeavors, taking the time to reflect on your artistic journey can be incredibly rewarding.

Documenting your progress through journals, blogs, or visual portfolios allows you to witness your evolution as an artist. This practice isn’t just about preserving memories; it’s a proactive approach to developing your artistic skills and creating a body of work that can be instrumental in your portfolio development.

Such a portfolio can open doors to future opportunities and serve as a testament to your dedication and talent. So, continue to push boundaries, experiment with new techniques, and most importantly, keep creating. Remember, every piece you create is a step towards mastering your craft and cementing your unique artistic voice.

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10 Art Sub Lessons that only need a Pencil

No teacher wants to be off school.  You know your students make more progress when you are there and no-one takes care of your materials and room like you do.  In reality, I like to lock everything away and leave work that only needs a pencil.  Having said that, with art being trimmed and trimmed from the curriculum in recent years, every second counts and I still want my students to make progress.  Hopefully, these 10 art sub lessons will help to reduce your workload and be prepared. The art worksheets below all:

• Come with a lesson plan.
• Link to commonly taught themes
• Are tried and tested.
• Teach valuable skills.
• Only need a pencil.
• Are only $3 or £3
• (Or are much, much less when you subscribe ).

Click on the image to purchase the resource.

Converse Grid Drawing

Encourage beautiful drawing with this converse grid drawing. Ideal as part of any drawing module or this would make an excellent homework or cover lesson to improve drawing skills. There are two versions of this grid drawing.  One where the grid lines are already in place, and one where your students draw the lines using the little marks on the edge as a guide.

The Circle Game

A great art cover or sub lesson.  Students think creatively and turn the circles into different drawings on this one-page resource.

Copy the Pattern

A popular, one page, cover/sub lessons that required all students to copy the pattern accurately. Includes lesson plan.

Inspiring Hogarth

Your students will be inspired by the characterful faces in Hogarth’s engravings!  This worksheet and lesson plan asks students to create a page of detailed drawings inspired by the faces they can see on the worksheet.  This is an excellent resource to encourage detailed observational work and will link to many portrait projects.

Drawing Dreams

The drawing dreams art lesson below is great for encouraging creative, imaginative drawing. You could also use this lesson to link to Surrealist projects as the Surrealists were sometimes inspired by their dreams.

Drawing Fruit

This drawing fruit worksheet is a must-have for natural forms projects.  High-resolution images work well in colour and when photocopied into black and white.  Use it as a sub lesson or integrate it into fruit or natural forms projects.  The accompanying lesson plan is written as a sub lesson and includes a scripted paragraph for a non-specialist.

It’s all in the Eyes!

We all teach portrait drawing units of work, so it’s good to have a portrait sub/cover lesson in your bank of resources.  This drawing eyes sub lesson is ideal.

Cross Hatching Burger

This one-page resource with lesson plan asks students to practise creating tones/values with cross hatching and then to draw the burger using cross hatching.  This has been created as a sub/cover lesson but could also be used as part of a food project. The instructions suggest using a pen but these could also be completed in pencil.

Draw the Butterfly

Draw the Butterfly sub/cover lesson is a super-useful download and will link to lots of projects you already teach.  Perhaps you already have an insect project or natural forms project? There is a worksheet that suggests pencil and another that suggests coloured pencil.

The Knot Challenge

Students love a challenge and ‘The Knot Challenge’ is certainly that!  The lesson plan comes with a script for non-art-specialists so you can use it as a sub/cover lesson too.

10 art sub lessons is a blog post about sub lessons but you can find many, many more art sub lessons on The Arty Teacher website.

Check out the Zentangle Resouces on The Arty Teacher!

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The Arty Teacher

Sarah Crowther is The Arty Teacher. She is a high school art teacher in the North West of England. She strives to share her enthusiasm for art by providing art teachers around the globe with high-quality resources and by sharing her expertise through this blog.

13 responses to “10 Art Sub Lessons that only need a Pencil”

Hello, These lessons are amazing. Unfortunately neither any sub of mine nor my students could ever make any of these projects without my direction. They are simply too detailed, involved and require the student to have been studying in a class with students that are attentive and a strong art teacher for years to be able to do these successfully. They are simply not realistic for a sub to do. And you are not alone, I see very FEW sub lessons online that a sub can do with my students. I teach in a school where many of the kids have not had an art class with a regular teacher for years. And the subs are often random people in the school who cover the class. Thank you for the wonderful ideas though. I’ll work them into my curriculum when I am able to teach them. 🙂

Hi Lydia, Thank you for your comment. I’d be interested to know what age group and what sort of school you teach in. It sounds like you are facing a challenge if many of your kids have not had an art class with a regular teacher for years. That would be very unusual here in the UK. Poor kids! I’ve used these sub lessons successfully in high school with mixed ability classes. Please do email me if you can thinks of ways that I can broaden what I offer.

Great ideas

I’m glad you like these ideas Audrie!

Do you have any sub plans that might be a little bit less detailed? I teach 5 year olds to 11 year olds (grades kindergarten to 5th) in the states. Thanks..Cindy

Hi Cindy, I have many more sub lessons here: https://theartyteacher.com/downloads/category/sub-cover-lessons/ I teach 11-18 year olds so they may be too difficult for your younger students. Some will definitely be ok for your oldest students.

Once I purchase a lesson, how does it come? A hard copy in the mail or digital and I print it?

Hi Piper, If you purchase a lesson it’s a digital download and you would need to print it. Sarah

These look so helpful! Thanks

Thank you, that’s good to hear.

Thanks, these are terrific!

Thank you, Janet. I’m glad you find them useful.

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18 Awesome Art Projects for Your Classroom

Making art projects happen in the classroom. Here are 18 awesome art projects for kids that have stunning results. You’ll find ideas to create inspiring art with kindergarten all the way through fifth grade. Plus, you’ll find ways to connect art projects to literature and science standards to bring learning full circle.

Art Projects

1.  Super Easy Dandelion Art Project  – A quick two-step painting project that students could totally handle on their own as a center activity or with little support.

2.  Printed Flowers Collage Art Project  – Here is a printed flowers art project for  first grade . Students will combine what they learn about famous artists like O’Keefe and Warhol to create a collage of flowers in a field.

3.  Cloud Art for Kids  – A Georgia O’Keefe inspired painting of clouds with blues, pinks and purples along with 21 other fantastic clouds for kids resources.

4.  Black Glue Landscapes Art Project  – Create a black glue -outlined landscape art project for third grade, fourth grade and fifth grade students. This project uses paint and black glue to create a very smart looking finished product.

5.  Kandinsky Inspired Project  – A  Kandinsky-inspired art project that is perfect for first graders. Students will use paint, construction paper and string to create a masterpiece that will catch everyone’s eye.

6.  Fun Cityscape Collages Art for Young Kiddos  – Here is a layer by layer tutorial on making cityscape collages using paint, Sharpie markers and newspaper.

7.  Recycled Paper Daisies & Dragonfly Art Project  – Get creative and resourceful with this recycling art project. Here is a tutorial for a simple  recycled paper art project to make with second or third grade.

8.  Colorful Ceramic Clay Coral Reefs Art Project  – Here is how to make clay coral reefs  with your class that are very colorful.

9.  Stunning Planets Space Art: Shading Techniques  – Students pick a planet to illustrate and use chalk to create the colors and shading. With a stunning a bold piece of art like this, what’s not to love?

10.  Japanese Cherry Blossom Art  – Connect art and literature with this spring  Japanese art project.

11.  Easy and Stunning Wildflower Art in 30 Minutes  – Finding the perfect watercolor art project can be just as simple as snagging 3 materials and 30 minutes.

12.  Gorgeous Ceiling Chalk Art Butterflies  – Capture art with gorgeous sidewalk art inspired drawings. Here is a chalk art tutorial on how to create beautiful masterpieces for your school.

13.  How to Draw Graffiti Art Project  – Here is a how to draw graffiti lesson plan that is perfect for open house night, connecting with literature or for learning concepts of art.

14.  Beautifully Easy Spring Monet Art Project  – Create a gorgeous water scene art project inspired by Monet in your classroom.

15.  How to Make Stunning Symmetry Name Art  – Here is the step by step tutorial on how to make symmetry name art with your class.

16.  Sea Creatures Paint Project  – A fantastic art project tutorial to create sea creatures with third graders.

17.  Watercolor Flower Art Project  – Here is a beautiful flower art project for kids using watercolors and oil pastels using simple shapes.

18.  Phases of the Moon Oil Painting  – An oil painting project using crayons, oil paint crayons and water that connects science with art.

What a creative set of projects for all grades! I hope you found these inspiring ideas helpful.

Thanks to all of the talented teachers featured in this collection – your art projects are fantastic an inspiring! Feel free to grab the “ I’m a Featured Teach Junkie ” blog button as your creations are definitely worth the shout out.

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More handy teacher collections.

• 14 Stunning Classroom Decorating Ideas to Make Your Classroom Sparkle
• Range Median Mode: 24 Quick, Free Activities and Resources
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Teach Junkie

Leslie {aka the original Teach Junkie} loves learning new things to make teaching easier and more effective. She enjoys featuring creative classroom fun when she's not designing teacher shirts, making kindergarten lesson plans or planning her family's next trip to Disney World.

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Art Class Curator

Hands-on and Minds-curious Art Learning

Art Printables, Worksheets, and PowerPoints

Inside: A collection of printable art worksheets, PowerPoints, and lesson plans to use in art class. (Most of them are FREE!)

Art class should be about more than just making art! Art lessons should introduce students to a variety of works of art and allow them to explore the process, the history, and their own personal connections to the artworks they encounter.

Keeping a class full of students engaged while looking at art takes practice, confidence, inventive activities , and a variety of approaches. But most of us weren’t taught how to talk about art with kids . That’s why I’ve gathered some of my best printable art worksheets and downloads in one place! Most of these art lesson plans can be used for any grade level and there’s enough variety to keep elementary, middle, and high school students interested and intrigued.

Free Printable Art Worksheets

My favorite go-to art lessons come from the Art Appreciation Worksheet Bundle .

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3! 1. Pick an artwork 2. Print one of the Art Appreciation Worksheets 3. Watch with joy as your students connect with and interpret art

The bundle includes 25 printable art worksheets, but everyone who signs up for Your Weekly Art Break , my email newsletter full of art inspiration, gets six FREE art appreciation worksheets . Fill out the form below to receive your free art worksheets and weekly art inspiration.

Free Worksheets!

Art Appreciation Worksheets

In this free bundle of art worksheets, you receive six ready-to-use art worksheets with looking activities designed to work with almost any work of art.

Below, you’ll find a collection of the Art Class Curator posts that include art printables and downloads. These brains-on art activities will jump-start students’ critical thinking skills and breath new life into their  art projects . All of these art lesson plans are all free unless otherwise marked. Most are printable PDFs, but the ones containing PowerPoints are marked.

Free Elements and Principles Printable Pack

This pack of printables was designed to work in a variety of ways in your classroom when teaching the elements and principles of art. You can print and hang in your classroom as posters/anchor charts or you can cut each element and principle of art in its own individual card to use as a lesson manipulative. Click here to download the Elements and Principles Printable Pack.

Free Resource!

Elements & Principles Printable Pack

The Elements & Principles of Art are the foundation of every artwork, but teaching them can be a bore. Wake your students up and engage them with full color artworks, easy to understand definitions, and thought-provoking higher level thinking questions. This versatile resource can be hung in the classroom or used as an art manipulative.

Art Appreciation Printables

• Free Art Appreciation Printable Worksheet Bundle
• Art Appreciation Worksheet Bundle 25-Pack  
• I am… Dorothea Lange: Exploring Empathy
• Character Analysis Art Activity: Twitter Perspectives
• Haikus about Art
• I See, I Think, I Wonder
• “I Feel” Word Wheel: Learning Emotional Literacy in Art Education

Art Appreciation Activities & Art Appreciation Lessons

• Art Description and Drawing Activity
• Virtual Art Museum Field Trip
• Complete the Picture: An Easy Art Appreciation Game for Kids
• Interpreting the Power of the Kongo Nkisi N’Kondi

Artworks Printables

Artworks Worksheets & Artworks Activities

• Art, Horror, and The Sublime: Symbolism in Pablo Picasso’s Guernica
• Kollwitz & Cassatt: Two Views of Motherhood in Art
• Rosa Rolanda Jigsaw Art Learning Activity

Artworks Lessons

• Elements of Art Examples & Definitions
• Principles of Design Examples & Definitions
• Frida Kahlo’s The Two Fridas  Art Discussion Lesson
• Art Analysis Activity for John Gast’s American Progress
• Art Around the World in 30 Days – China
• Masterpiece Monday: Manifest Destiny Art

Art Criticism Printables

Art criticism worksheets.

• SPARK: 5 Art Criticism Steps for Inspired Art Connections and Conversations
• Art History Student Study Guide Worksheets

Art Criticism Activities

• 82 Questions to Ask About Art
• Photograph Analysis Learning Activities

Art Criticism Lessons

• 4 Steps of Art Criticism Lesson
• What is Art? – Aesthetics Lesson Bundle
• Classical Sculpture Analysis Lesson  
• Decoding Style: How to Teach Students to Read an Artwork  

Puzzles About Art Printables

Teaching students about  art and aesthetics  is a great way to make them think about art in a new way. Aesthetics puzzles ignite exciting, meaningful classroom art discussions  and flex students’ philosophical and critical thinking skills.

• Puzzles About Art: The Chimpanzee Painter
• Puzzles About Art: Call it Driftwood

More Art Printables

You can find more art lesson plans in the Art Class Curator store and on Teachers Pay Teachers . Sign up for  Your Weekly Art Break   to get six free art art worksheets and weekly art inspiration delivered to your inbox!

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*free bundle of art appreciation worksheets*.

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The Coronavirus Crisis

An illustrated guide: 5 easy art projects to try at home.

Sarah Urist Green is on a mission to change the way we think about creativity. "Creativity is overrated," she says flatly. What she means is that you don't have to feel creative in order to make art. You don't have to think of yourself as an artist to make art. You don't need a degree or fancy materials to make art. All you need is to just do it.

(Listen to an interview with Green from NPR Life Kit at the top of the page, or find it here .)

And in her new book, You Are An Artist , she hopes to take the elements of fear and decision-making out of art-making.

You Are an Artist

Buy featured book.

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• Independent Bookstores

"Maybe you don't know what kind of art feels good or right," Green says. "These exercises can help you figure that out."

Green has spent years working with contemporary artists to highlight their processes and work through her PBS video series, The Art Assignment . Together, the artists and curator built a workbook of art projects derived from the artists' approach to art-making. "When you read about the artist's approach, it helps you understand deeper."

Whether you have a background in art or not is not important to Green.

"Making the most of what you have and being creative with materials found anywhere."

Here are five of the projects from the book that you can do today, whether you're 9 or 90, without any expensive materials or experience:

Share your creation with us by sending an email with a photo to [email protected] .

You Are An Artist is coming out April 14 from Penguin Random House. You can preorder it now.

The audio portion of this story was produced by Andee Tagle.

• Life Kit: Life Skills

Art Education Resources, Tips and Tricks and Art Lesson Ideas

50 Free Short Art Activities

I have compiled a list of 50 free short art activities. These are my favorite and most engaging activities I have used over the past 20 years when I just need a short and simple art activity. I use them for the beginning of the school year, the end of the year, just to break things up, or at home for some weekend or summer vacation art activities. Many of these activities require no art materials or mess at all while some require a few simple supplies. You can read the full list below or  CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE LIST AS A PDF.

• Pictionary – have each student write a word and draw from a hat or use a deck of cards from Pictionary Game – divide the class into 2 teams
• Sculptionary – same idea but sculpt using oil based clay or PlayDoh
• Friendship Bracelet – use embroidery floss to create a bracelet for your friend https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehxIXrWQp1g&t=325s
• Blooket, Quizizz, Kahoot! – so many art games and review ready to play
• Dictionary Drawing – take a page from the dictionary and illustrate one or more words from the page, color lightly with colored pencils
• Plein Air Drawing – use a book, clipboards or drawing boards and go outside and draw what you see
• Sidewalk Chalk –  draw a mural students can color, trace each other and make life size portraits or free draw
• Game Day – bring in your board games, cards or have a spoons tourney
• Art Trivia – Top of your head questions they should know. Each correct guess gets a ticket, token or candy
• Origami Crane – how to make an origami crane https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTK9YeR-oLc
• Origami Nesting Dolls – create stacking kittens using a simple origami cup design https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf0SveJCXcs
• Origami Box – create a functional box with 2 pieces of origami paper https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXgRrPUB2Bk
• Origami Transforming Ninja Star – make a star using 8 Post Its or cut square paper – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83xjZSvaV_I
• Op Art – 17 video tutorials, many using just markers, pencil or crayon – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyXa2DtSfY4&list=PLLaEaJH73vhUiJ0niilfitzRDXWz27zEN
• Flexagon – Use markers to create a 4 sided fidget! Template link listed in YouTube description. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OA3XAQMmWFg
• Shrink Art – Use Sharpie markers on Shrink film (check Amazon)
• Memory Book – cut papers in half and staple together to make a book for classmates to sign & write a notes
• Marble Paper – fill a container with shaving cream, add drops of liquid watercolors, lightly swirl with pencil and set paper on top. Remove shaving cream with a ruler.
• Test Markers – fill a paper with marks, lines, shapes & make non-objective work of art. Afterward, sort markers using a color wheel.
• Cleaning Contest – give a reward to students who organize storage room and supplies for next year, clean tables and counters, sinks, & DUST!
• Experimental Art – use leftover supplies to create a work of art
• Movies – The Lego Ninjago Movie, Coraline or My Neighbor Totoro
• Stop Motion Animation – Use Stop Motion Studio App https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxfm8injPiQ&t=472s
• Create a Class Coloring Book copy & charge a small fee for paper https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTqjKhE1psE
• Artist Trading Cards – cut 2.5 X 3.5 tagboard and have students make a mini-masterpiece. Once they are finished, trade with friends in the class.
• Banner – Make a “Back to School” banner for next year
• Post It Note Art Show – make a mini masterpiece on a Post It Note & display next year to welcome back students
• Found Object Drawing – incorporate a found object into your drawing – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_m6DfITEQkg&t=32s
• Roll-a-Picasso Drawing –  or any other “roll-a-drawing” handout you can find
• Pass the Drawing – start a drawing, set a timer, when the timer sounds pass it on, continue until time runs out
• Exquisite Corpse – fold paper into 1/3’s – a different artist draws the head, torso and legs – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPb3GYBOmGI
• Coloring Contest – print out any coloring image and make it an old fashioned coloring contest or a 3 marker challenge – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orF22kYcEF8&t=4s
• Painting with Water – just water, paintbrushes & a sidewalk. Paint as fast as you can before it disappears.
• Shadow Drawing – use objects to create cast shadows and trace them on paper
• Ted Talks – personal favorite Phil Hansen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrZTho_o_is
• Texture Hunt – fill your paper with texture rubbings (bottom of shoes) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SkOnS3rUoY&t=17s
• Paper Airplanes – have a contest to see who’s design will fly the farthest
• Lettering – write your name in 20 unique fonts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u-tnzCzhSY&t=82s
• Design An Alphabet – write the entire alphabet in a new font
• Draw with Letters – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiVpUuwkelw
• Disney+ – Disney Sketchbook or Disney Shorts
• How to Draw – A playlist of step by step drawing tutorials – draw along https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekQaDJ_YpHs&list=PLLaEaJH73vhU7T_Azn1TwSaRl1IJVFxJE
• Oreo Carving – each child creates a bas relief portrait sculpture with an Oreo and some toothpicks for sculpting tools https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp1PFefBgWo
• Nature Installation – Learn about Andy Goldsworthy & create an installation outside using stick, leaves and weeds ​​ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP6-oKDZZhk
• Salt Drawing – Use salt in ketchup bottles to draw on black paper https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47qrq0ebGNw&t=15s
• Found Object Art: Backpack Challenge – Limited to using only items found in your backpack to create a portrait https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSqpmSmJo-8&t=48s
• Chopped Jr. Art Edition – provide “basket ingredients” and give a time limit to create a sculpture https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fgolJ3mLPc&t=50s
• Google Drawings – Use Google Drawings to create digital art https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxQwCy-TBk8
• Toothpick Sculptures – Use toothpicks and Model Magic & work in groups https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqjHxJe7XTQ&t=3s
• Op Art Spinner – Use a penny & tagboard  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGtmetKLs9M

Make it a Challenge

My students can be competitive and enjoy a fun contest now and then. Several of the items from the list of 50 Free Short Art Activities can be used as art challenges. You can be the judge or have the students vote. Often when students are voting we use tickets as the ballot. When I say ticket, I mean a small slip of paper. A gallery walk is done after the activity, toward the end of class. Each student has a ticket and simply places it next to the artwork they think meets the criteria. The student with most tickets is the winner of the challenge. I have also had students write their names on the tickets to keep them accountable and let their peers know who is voting for them. After the tickets have been counted, I put all tickets in a hat and draw a few tickets for additional prizes!

Rewards & Prizes

The prizes for these activities can be free. Your art examples from the year, bragging rights, a paper crown created by you, origami crane, or old art supplies you were going to replace in the fall. Or, you can ask your parents to help out with purchasing rewards for activities like this. I put together an Amazon Wish List and sent a link to my parents. I let them know it was for the end of the activities and prizes. Items included bags of candy, stickers, small snack bags, and boxes of theater candy. I am always pleased at how supportive families can be. If you don’t ask, you will never know.

Click here to download the list of 50 Free Short Art Activities as a pdf.

Enjoy! -Trista

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I have taught every grade from kindergarten to high school. This site features art education articles with art resources and ideas as well as art lesson ideas for all ages. My goal is to allow students to explore a variety of art materials, discover different genres and styles, and most importantly, have FUN!

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Incredible 5th Grade Art Projects -Teacher Approved Fifth Grade Art Lessons

From hilarious to thought-provoking , these 5th grade art projects are sure to inspire your students. From portraits of famous people to intricate landscapes, these fifth grade art projects are sure to impress!

Teachers and parents keep reading to find out about these Incredible 5th Grade Art Projects that are sure to impress!

You might also like :

• Daycare Art Projects
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• Ice Cream Art Project

What are 5th Grade art projects?

5th Grade art projects refer to creative activities and assignments specifically designed for students in the fifth grade.

These projects often involve more advanced art techniques and concepts, allowing students to explore their creativity, refine their skills, and express themselves through various art forms.

From painting and drawing to mixed media and sculpture, 5th Grade art projects offer young artists an opportunity to further develop their artistic abilities and engage in meaningful art experiences.

What are the best 5th grade art projects?

The best 5th grade art projects for the classroom or home are Oil pastel , Op art , 3-D color wheel , Animal drawing art projects , Still life objects , Op art hand projects , Nature drawing art projects , Composition , Music art projects and Seasonal art projects .

Best DIY 5th Grade Art Projects

Get ready to unleash your creativity with the Best DIY 5th Grade Art Projects!

Bursting with vibrant ideas, this delightful guide is perfect for aspiring young artists who are eager to express themselves through art.

1. Eight Easy Oil Pastel Art Projects For 5th Graders

Looking for fun and interesting Oil Pastel 5th Grade Art Projects ? Look no further!

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Paint a portrait of your favorite celebrity using oil pastels.
• Create a series of abstract landscapes using the medium.
• Draw inspirational quotes or famous paintings using oil pastels.
• Create colorful abstractions inspired by nature.
• Draw simple still lifes using vibrant colors and fine lines.
• Add texture and dimension to your artwork with impasto techniques.
• Utilize various mediums to create mixed media pieces incorporating oil pastels prominently.
• Experiment with different techniques and perspectives to create unique pieces of art!

The 5th-grade students will really enjoy the use of oil pastels to create fun, engaging, and easy rainbow tree drawings.

This activity will ensure to engage the students for hours! By teaching them the ideas behind the practical experience by drawing art using oil pastels.

The students will need a white gel pencil, masking tape, an HB pencil, and a 9B pencil to complete this art project .

These oil pastel classroom activities will teach students the art of using colors and sketching. Also chalk pastels are another great 5th grade art project!

• Oil Pastels for Kids: Sakura color pastels are the standard by which all other pastels are measured

2. Introduce Your Students to Op Art

Op Art is a type of art that uses optical illusions to produce strange and beautiful patterns.

5th grade students can create their own Op Art projects by using various mediums, such as paint, paper, or digital media.

Here are some ideas for 5th grade Op Art projects:

• Create a pattern out of colorful ping pong balls using a pin as a guide.
• Create abstract designs with liquid paint on canvas or paper.
• Draw geometric shapes with colored pencils on white paper.
• Use brightly colored paints to create surreal images on canvas or paper.
• Experiment with different digital image editing programs to create unique Op Art effects.

Op Art is an engaging and learning 5th-grade art project that will teach kids engaging artwork by using the efficient principles of art.

Through these projects, the student will learn the basic principles of design, line art, and 3d art projects.

Teachers can help students in these projects in the classroom where they will learn the lessons of using efficient design principles.

• Harris, Jonathan Stephen (Author)

3. Fifth Graders Explore Color Theory With the 3-D Color Wheel

Looking to spice up your 5th-grade art projects? Check out the 3-D Color Wheel! This fun and the creative project can be used for a variety of lessons, including math, science, and history.

Plus, it’s a great way to teach kids about color.

This art project lesson can prove to be perfect in helping students in the classroom by teaching them the relation of intense spectrum colors with each other.

Helps students in the classroom by engaging them to create an art project with a 3d color wheel.

They can add these projects to their collection at home. Continue reading to browse 5th grade art ideas.

• Kolormondo Mini 3-D Colorwheel

4. Fifth Graders Will Love These Animal Drawing Art Projects

This animal drawing 5th-grade art project is a great way to teach your students about perspective and how to create a believable portrait .

The lesson plans include instructions on how to draw the different parts of an animal, as well as tips on how to create realistic fur details.

Students will love creating these animal drawings and learning about perspective while they are at it.

This is a great project for beginner artists or anyone who wants to learn more about how to draw animals realistically.

Art projects at school can help the kids use their imagination and realize it. This classroom project will help students in using proper colors and paint.

• Green, Barry (Author)

What to Draw When Bored?

Drawing 101: Creative Drawing Ideas

86 Fun Things to Draw

5. Fifth Graders Explore Still Life Objects

Still Life Objects is a great 5th-grade art project for teaching about composition and perspective.

The lesson plans below are art standards that can help you create a fantastic still life.

• Start by gathering your supplies.
• You will need some objects to make your still life, paper to draw on, and a ruler or some other straight edge to help you get accurate proportions.
• Once you have all of your supplies, start sketching out the basic shape of your object on the paper.
• Try to keep the proportions as accurate as possible so that the finished product looks natural and realistic.
• Once you have the basic shape of your object down, start filling in the details with paint, markers or colored pencils.
• Be sure to pay close attention to the perspective of your piece and how it affects the overall look of the image.

This visual arts project can help students in using their imagination and observation of real-life objects.

Learn to fill colors , and create art out of them by sketching.

This fifth-grade art project at school will provide the students with creative and engaging classroom fun at school.

6. Op Art Hand Projects

Op Art Hand is a great 5th grade art project to use if you are looking for something fun and different to do with your class.

This project is perfect for both practicing your observational skills and creating visually stunning pieces of art .

There are many different ways that you can complete this project, so it can be tailored to fit the needs of your art classroom.

Simply choose a few Op Art Hand techniques to focus on during the lesson, and let the students loose!

Furthermore, this 5th grade art will teach the kids about the grid method, usage of art lines, creating patterns, design, and movement.

Fifth-grade students can find this project really helpful in building their skills by drawing the Op Art Hand.

This drawing can help students in building imagination , to draw 3d art projects and efficient use of colored pencils.

These projects can also be assigned to the students for homework where they will be taught to create this artwork by watching step tutorials on social media platforms, like YouTube.

This in turn will also help teach the students the positive use of social media.

7. Nature Drawing Art Projects

Nature Drawing is a popular art class for 5th grade students. This nature drawing lesson plan will help you create an pop art project that your students will enjoy.

The lesson plan includes key concepts, step-by-step instructions , and ideas for completing the project.

In this nature drawing lesson plan, you will learn how to:

• Choose a subject to draw from nature.
• Draw basic shapes using simple lines.
• Create realistic textures with watercolor with a paint brush, pencil strokes, or using sharpies.
• Add highlights and shadows to your drawings using light and dark tones.

Children are keen observers of their surroundings. One major part of these surroundings is nature.

Fifth-grade kids can draw sketches of trees, the sky, and oceans in a fun and engaging way.

They can merge their art projects with the art lessons of the teachers by creating an engaging art of nature.

The teachers can use this 5th-grade art to teach the basic art to the kids with this perfect project. 

• Natural Kaleidoscope Kit Toy: These wooden classic kaleidoscope toys, the items inside can be filled and replaced, children can according to their imagination steps, finally…

8. Using Portraits To Teach Children About Composition

Portraits are a great way to teach 5th grade art students about perspective and composition.

By creating a series of portraits , your students will learn how to create a well-balanced image that looks realistic.

Here are some project ideas for 5th grade portraits:

• Have your students sketched or drawn a basic portrait of themselves before painting it. This will help them understand the importance of proportions and perspective.
• Set up a simple posing station with several props like chairs, tables, and hats. Have the students take turns posing while you capture their images with your camera.
• Have the students paint actual portraits using only basic colors and shapes. This will help them develop their skills as painters while also practicing composition.
• Create composite portraits by painting multiple layers on top of each other until you get the desired effect.

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9. Music 5th Grade Art Projects: Teaching Music with Art

Music has always been an important part of our lives. It can provide a sense of joy, peace, and relaxation.

It can also be a powerful tool for communication and expression.

Art is a great way to teach music to children. By using art projects, teachers can create interesting lessons that will teach children about music.

Here are some ideas for music 5th grade art projects:

• Have students make their own sheet music covers. This is a fun project that will help students learn how to create beautiful artwork.
• Have students create CD covers or album covers. This is another great project that will help students learn how to design beautiful artwork and use Photoshop or other software programs.
• Have students make musical instruments out of everyday objects.

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10. Seasonal Art Projects That Will Keep Your Kids Engaged

In the fall , students learn about seasons. They can learn about different colors and shapes that are associated with each one.

In the winter , they can create art projects that depict scenes from nature such as a snowman, a tree, lanterns, or gingerbread houses.

During the springtime , students can make art projects about flowers and trees.

The summer months bring sunshine and fun with projects like making boats out of recycled milk containers or creating paintings from popsicle sticks.

The autumn season is all about harvesting leaves and creating artwork with them.

This is an excellent time to teach children how to use different colors to make beautiful paintings or sculptures.

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How To Set Up A 5th-grade Art Lesson?

Assuming you would like tips for setting up a 5th grade art lesson, here are a few ideas to get you started.

The materials you’ll need.

When it comes to fifth grade elementary art, there are a few key supplies that are needed in order to complete most of the art lessons.

These simple art supplies include:

• A sketchbook or drawing pad
• Colored pencils or markers
• Construction paper

With these supplies, fifth graders will be able to complete a variety of art projects that focus on different elements of art.

Choose an engaging art style.

In a fifth-grade art lesson, students are often asked to work on an art project together. However, each student has their own unique style.

It’s important to consider the different styles of each student and give them the freedom to move around as they work.

This will allow them to create their own unique piece of fifth grade art.

Utilize the elements of art.

When planning your lesson, be sure to incorporate the elements of art: line, shape, form, color, value, texture and space.

Doing so will help create a well-rounded and engaging lesson for your students.

Preparing the space.

Think about the Art Room Setup. The physical setup of your art room can also impact the overall lesson.

For example, if fifth graders are going to be working on a painting project, make sure they have enough space at their individual desks.

The lesson plan.

Teaching fifth-grade art requires careful planning and creativity . The 5th Grade Art Projects should be based on the student’s interests and abilities.

The teacher should also take into account the time available, and the materials needed to make awesome art.

How To Set Up A 5th grade Art Lesson?

When setting up an art lesson for 5th graders, choose a captivating theme or subject. Prepare all required materials and structure the lesson with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Engage students with an interesting introduction, demonstrate the art technique, and guide them as they create.

Conclude by reviewing the lesson and allowing students to reflect on their work. Remember to integrate art with other subjects and encourage creativity.

Instructions

Step 1: choose a theme or subject.

Decide on a theme or subject for the lesson.

This could be based on a technique, an artist, a particular medium, or a concept.

Step 2: Gather Materials

Ensure you have all the necessary materials for the lesson.

This includes art supplies, reference materials, and any other resources.

Step 3: Plan the Lesson Structure

Break down the lesson into introduction, main activity, and conclusion.

Ensure you allocate time for each section.

Step 4: Engage the Students

Start the lesson with an engaging activity or discussion to capture the students' interest.

Step 5: Demonstrate and Guide

Show the students what they'll be doing, and then guide them as they work on their own projects.

Step 6: Review and Reflect

At the end of the lesson, review what the students have learned and allow them to reflect on their work.

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How to plan your 5th grade art projects fall?

You can plan your 5th grade art projects for fall by deciding on what you want your students to learn, choosing themes relevant to fall, determining the types of projects you want to assign, gathering materials, and planning timelines for each project.

How to Set Up your 5th Grade Art Projects for Fall?

Plan engaging fall-themed art projects by first understanding your educational objectives. Gather inspiration from various sources, focusing on the elements of fall.

Decide on the art medium, ensure you have all necessary materials, and create a sample project. Break the project into manageable lessons, incorporating educational elements about art. Once completed, proudly display the students' artwork.

Step 1: Understand Your Objectives

Before you start, understand what you want the students to learn.

Are you focusing on a particular technique, medium, or theme related to fall?

Step 2: Gather Inspiration

Look for fall-themed art projects online, in art books, or even from nature itself.

Think about the colors, textures, and elements of fall.

Step 3: Choose the Medium

Decide on the art medium you want to use. This could be painting, drawing, collage, clay modeling, etc.

Step 4: List Materials Needed

Once you've decided on the project, make a list of all the materials you'll need.

Ensure you have enough supplies for each student.

Step 5: Create a Sample

Before teaching the project, create a sample.

This will give you a clear idea of the process and the end result.

Step 6: Plan the Lessons

Break down the project into manageable lessons.

For instance, one lesson could be sketching, the next could be painting, and so on.

Step 7: Incorporate Learning

While the students are working on their projects, incorporate lessons about the elements of art, the history of the medium, or artists who have worked in that medium.

Step 8: Display the Art

Once the projects are completed, display them in the classroom or school to celebrate the students' achievements.

Planning your 5th grade art projects fall.

Assuming you have a few ideas in mind already, here are some tips on how to plan your 5th grade art projects for fall:

• Choose a project that interests you and that you think will challenge you.
• It’s important to be motivated and excited about your project, otherwise it will be difficult to complete.
• Do some research on your chosen project topic.
• This will help you understand the requirements and what you need to do to complete the project successfully.
• Create a timeline for your project, including when you will work on each task.
• This will help you stay on track and ensure that your project is completed on time .
• Gather all of the materials and supplies you will need for your project.
• This includes things like paint, paper, scissors, etc.
• Once you have everything ready, start working on your project!
• Follow your timeline and put your all into it – remember, this is your chance to shine!

List 5th grade art projects for fall and winter

There are many art projects that fifth graders can do during the winter season. Some project ideas include:

• Making a collage of winter scenes using old magazines or newspapers.
• Drawing a picture of a snowman, sledding, or ice skating.
• Decorating a paper plate to look like a snowflake.
• Making a mobile out of snowflakes or icicles.
• Creating a sculpture out of clay or Play-Doh that represents something wintery, like a snowman, penguin, or polar bear.

Why add graffito or graffiti art to your lesson plan?

Adding graffito or graffiti art to your lesson plan can be a fantastic way to engage and inspire students.

It brings an element of creativity and self-expression into the classroom, allowing students to explore their artistic abilities in a unique and exciting way.

By incorporating graffiti art, you create a fun and interactive learning experience that can help enhance their understanding of various subjects.

Tips for grade 5 art project ideas

There are many different art project ideas that can be used for a grade 5 art project.

Here are some tips to help you choose the right project:

• Think about what type of art you are interested in and what you would like to create.
• Consider the materials you will need and make sure you have them before you start the project.
• Take your time and don’t rush the project. This will help you create a better final product.
• Ask for help from a friend or family member if you need it. They can offer valuable feedback and suggestions.

Engaging Fifth Grade Art Projects with Pastels

In this art lesson designed for 4th and 5th graders, students will explore the vibrant world of pastels.

• They will learn about the different types of pastels, such as soft and oil pastels, and how to effectively blend and layer colors to create depth and richness in their artwork.
• The lesson will include step-by-step instructions on creating various pastel art projects, such as landscapes, portraits, and still-life compositions.
• By the end of the lesson, students will have a collection of impressive pastel artworks, showcasing their improved art skills and creativity.

Exploring the Color Wheel: Primary and Secondary Colors in Art

Through interactive art lessons, students will dive into the color wheel, learning about primary and secondary colors and how they can be used to create fantastic art projects.

• The lesson will begin with a brief introduction to color theory, explaining the relationship between colors and how they interact.
• Students will then engage in hands-on activities, such as color mixing exercises and creating color wheels, to reinforce their understanding of color relationships.
• They will apply their newfound knowledge to create vibrant and harmonious artwork, using a wide range of colors and color schemes.

Unleashing Creativity with Oil Pastels in Mixed Media

In this fun art project for kids, students will experiment with mixed media techniques, using oil pastels to create vibrant and detailed art.

• The lesson will start with a brief introduction to mixed media art, explaining how artists combine different materials and techniques to create unique and expressive artwork.
• Students will explore the versatility of oil pastels by blending them with other mediums such as watercolors, acrylics, and colored pencils.
• They will create mixed media art pieces with textured surfaces, experimenting with layering and adding depth to their artwork.

Andy Warhol and the World of Pop Art

Introduce students to the iconic pop artist Andy Warhol with this art lesson inspired by his work.

• The lesson will begin with an interactive presentation on pop art and its characteristics, focusing on Warhol’s signature style of repeating images and vibrant colors.
• Students will explore the concept of celebrity culture and how Warhol’s art reflected the essence of the 1960s.
• They will create their own pop art projects, inspired by everyday objects and famous personalities, using bold colors and repetitive patterns.

Incorporating Elements of Fun Art in Fifth Grade Projects

In this comprehensive art lesson, students will explore various elements of art, such as value, texture, and line, and apply them to their own art projects.

• The lesson will start with a brief introduction to each element, explaining its importance in creating visually appealing artwork.
• Students will then engage in a series of hands-on activities and art projects that focus on each element individually.
• For example, they will create value scales to understand shading techniques, experiment with different textures using various materials, and explore line variations to add movement and dimension to their artwork.

By the end of the lesson, students will have a deeper understanding of the elements of art and how they contribute to creating meaningful and expressive artwork.

Creating Captivating Op Art Masterpieces

Students will be fascinated by the optical illusion of op art as they create mind-bending designs and patterns.

• The lesson will begin with an introduction to op art, explaining its history and the artists who popularized this unique style.
• Students will learn about the technique of creating optical illusions through patterns, lines, and shapes.
• They will engage in a step-by-step drawing lesson to create their own op art hand, which appears to pop out of the paper.
• The lesson will conclude with a gallery walk, allowing students to appreciate and discuss each other’s captivating op art masterpieces.

Discovering Iconic Pop Art Artists

Take students on a journey through the world of pop art and introduce them to other iconic artists.

• The lesson will start with a brief introduction to pop art and its characteristics, showcasing the works of artists like Roy Lichtenstein and Claes Oldenburg.
• Students will explore how these artists drew inspiration from everyday objects and transformed them into artistic masterpieces.
• They will then engage in hands-on art projects that are inspired by the work of these pop art legends.
• For example, they will create their own comic book-style artworks using Lichtenstein’s signature dotted technique or sculpt everyday objects from cardboard and other recycled materials, following in Oldenburg’s footsteps.

Making Unique Op Art Hand Projects

This fun and easy art lesson will guide students to create optical illusion hand art using the technique of positive and negative space.

• The detailed art will create the illusion of a 3D hand popping out of the paper.
• The lesson will begin with an introduction to the concept of positive and negative space, explaining how artists can use these elements to create intriguing optical illusions.

Expressive Abstract Splatter Paint Art

Let students unleash their creativity with this fun art lesson inspired by Jackson Pollock’s abstract splatter paint technique.

• They will enjoy the freedom of expression as they create unique and vibrant abstract artwork.
• The lesson will start with a brief introduction to abstract art and its characteristics, focusing on Pollock’s influential role in the movement.

Fun and Inspired Warhol Pop Art Projects

Introduce students to the world of Warhol’s pop art with this engaging art lesson. The lesson will start with an interactive presentation on Warhol’s life and his contributions to the pop art movement.

Students will explore how Warhol’s art celebrated popular culture and mass production, with a special focus on his famous Campbell’s soup can series and colorful celebrity portraits.

They will then create their own pop art masterpieces, drawing inspiration from Warhol’s signature style.

Understanding Japanese Notan Art

This art project for kids will teach students about Japanese notan art and the concept of positive and negative space.

The lesson will start with an introduction to notan art, explaining its historical significance and its connection to Japanese culture and aesthetics.

Students will explore how artists use contrasting light and dark elements to create balanced and harmonious compositions.

Colorful Chalk Pastels Fall Leaf Art

In this easy project, students will use chalk pastels to create stunning fall leaf art. The lesson will start with a brief introduction to chalk pastels, explaining their unique characteristics and the technique of blending colors.

Students will engage in a step-by-step drawing lesson to create vibrant fall leaves, using warm and cool colors to represent the changing season.

The lesson will conclude with an art video that showcases different approaches to chalk pastel fall leaf art, offering inspiration for students to further explore their creativity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover the answers to all your 5th Grade Art Project questions! Learn about materials needed for class, awesome project ideas and how to get them designed.

Get ready to make something amazing!

What are some simple 5-grade art projects?

Some simple 5-grade art projects could include still life drawings of fruit, landscapes using different mediums such as watercolors or oil pastels, and portraits.

Students could also experiment with mixed media projects by combining different materials such as paper, fabric, and paint.

Who should design art projects for 5th grade?

Art projects for 5th grade should be designed by a qualified art teacher. The teacher should be familiar with the developmental level of fifth graders.

Also be able to create projects that are both challenging and age-appropriate. The projects should also be aligned with the fifth grade curriculum so that they can help students learn and remember important concepts.

How to do 5th grade art projects for spring?

You will need the following materials: construction paper, crayons, markers, scissors, and glue. First, decide on a project theme. Next, gather your materials and create a project outline. Lastly, follow your outline to complete your project.

What are some art and craft projects?

Some project ideas include making cards, scrapbooks, ornaments, and wall hangings. With a little creativity, almost anything can be turned into a work of art.

What is art?

Art is a form of expression that can take many different forms. It can be something as simple as a drawing or painting, or it can be something more complex like a sculpture or performance.

Art is often used to communicate ideas or emotions, and it can be a way to express oneself.

What are some art activities for elementary students?

One activity is to have students create a piece of art using only a limited number of colors. This can help them to learn about color theory and how to mix colors.

Another activity is to have students create a piece of art using a variety of textures. This can help them to learn about different textures and how to create them. What better place than in a classroom environment?

What are the topics in arts to teach fifth graders?

Art topics include art history , different types of art (painting, sculpture, etc.), and famous artists.

How do you entertain a fifth grader using art?

To entertain a fifth grader using art you must have them create their own art. This can be done with crayons, markers, paint, clay, or any other materials you have available.

Another way is to take them to an art museum or gallery. You can also look for kid-friendly art activities online.

How does 5th grade art help the students?

5th grade art helps the students by teaching them to be creative and to think outside the box. It also helps them to express themselves and to communicate with others.

It helps students build one point of perspective. Teaching them the importance of art can help them in their grade level.

Can play a role by creating a generation where they can encourage a fifth-grade student to become an artist.

Art class shapes a student in a way that can bring hope of new emerging talent into the world of art.

Wrapping Up 5th Grade Art Projects

In conclusion, these 5th grade art projects are perfect for getting your child’s creativity flowing. They are simple, yet effective and can be done with minimal supervision. So go ahead and give them a try!

If you like this article about Best 5th Grade Art Projects and would like to know more, please comment below.

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High School Art Projects that Students LOVE!

Do you ever get “that” look from your high school students when you present a project to them? You know what I mean, the deer in the headlights look. Art projects need to challenge the students in design and technique while engaging their interests. This in itself can be challenging for an art teacher to tackle.

These four high school art projects have proven to be successful at challenging and engaging the students (you know the kids like a project when they ask if they can do it again!).

Beyond the Border

Medium: Watercolor & India Ink Project

Create a 2D mixed media art piece that explores the expansion of the main subject matter that is in the inner rectangle branching into  the border around it-going beyond the border. The main subject should remain in color, but everything else turns black & white outside the main rectangle… FULL Lesson

Ceramics Roll-A-Beast Animal Sculptures

Medium: Ceramics

Body Features determined by Rolling the Dice!

FUN, FUN, FUN!! Create a fantasy creature that has unique body features determined by rolling dice, then create the creature in ceramics.  After choosing 6 predetermined animal parts that you want to include in the project & assign each part to a number (ex:1=Wings/feathers, 2=fangs/tusks, 3=tentacles, 4=fins/scales, 5=fur, 6=horns/antlers/claws). Keep the list a surprise until everyone had a chance to roll the dice…  FULL Lesson

Motorcycle Mixed-Media Art Lesson High School

Creating dynamic compositions in high school art.

Providing interesting subject matter for planning & creating compositions is important for art teachers to do. I had envisioned doing this mixed media motorcycle art project for several years & was so grateful to find someone who was willing to bring their motorcycle up to our school so my high school students could draw it! I wanted something to really challenge & provide a super interesting subject to teach composition to my high school art class… FULL Lesson

Watercolor Pouring and Masking Portrait Art Lesson

Medium: Watercolors

Are you or your students super tight when it comes to painting? I know I am!! Trying to loosen up a “tight” painter is HARD to do-it takes practice, trial & error. This HS art painting lesson is a great exercise in loosening up and letting go of control. Students will review positive and negative space. The will use a photo editing program to transform a portrait to show high contrast values (black or white only). They will experiment with different watercolor techniques such as pouring, masking and splattering.

All of the lessons are accompanied by ART TECHNIQUE lessons-see my Shop for Lesson Plans & Worksheets

If you choose to use or share any of this post, please link back to my blog Create Art with ME !

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45 High School Art Project Ideas For Your Next Creative Assignment

Art is a medium of expression that can be exhibited through endless ways and creative means. Its beauty lies in the fact that its boundaries are limitless and each art piece can be interpreted according to individual tastes and life experiences.

Thus, choosing a high school art project idea for high school students can be a significant mental task. These very art project ideas can ignite a passion for art, which they may wish to pursue later in their lives. Hence, the need to nudge them into creativity and be aware of its influence on their impressionable minds is important.

Choosing An Art Project Idea

Choosing an art project idea is a very personal experience that is unique to each individual. There are multiple factors involved in this selection that need to be considered before a final consensus is reached. Some steps and criteria to guide you in selecting a project that aligns with your interests, skills, and educational goals are:

• Identify Your Interests and Passions: Choose a project that resonates with your interests or experiences. Whether it’s a favorite hobby, a cause you’re passionate about, or a theme you find intriguing, personal connection will keep you motivated. You may also consider areas you haven’t explored yet in your artwork. This could be an opportunity to delve into a new style, technique, or subject matter that excites you.
• Assess Your Skill Level: Choose a project that matches your current skill level while still offering a bit of a challenge. If a project is too difficult, it could lead to frustration, but if it’s too easy, it may not be fulfilling. Consider what skills you want to develop. Do you want to improve your drawing, painting, or sculpting abilities? Pick a project that focuses on these areas.
• Consider the Resources Available: Ensure you have access to the necessary materials and tools for your project. If not, think about how you can adapt your idea to fit what you have or what you can easily obtain. Think about the time you have to complete the project and the space where you’ll be working. Some projects may require more time or a larger workspace than others.
• Set a Clear Objective: Be clear about your artistic goals. What do you want to achieve with this project? Is it to express an idea, tell a story, experiment with a new technique, or explore a specific theme? Having a clear goal can guide your creative process. Also, analyse the learning outcomes you wish to achieve. Consider what you want to learn from the project. This could be a new technique, understanding a new concept, or exploring a different cultural perspective.
• Think About the Audience: Consider whether your project will be displayed publicly, submitted for a competition, or shared with a specific audience. This might influence your choice of theme, style, or medium. Also, consider the message you wish to convey to your audience. Think about what you want your audience to take away from your artwork. What message or emotion do you want to convey?
• Explore Themes and Concepts: Start with broad themes like identity, nature, technology, or society. Then narrow it down to something more specific that interests you, such as exploring identity through self-portraits or environmental issues through recycled art. On the other hand, if you prefer conceptual art, think about ideas or social issues that are important to you and how you can express them visually.
• Research and Inspiration: Study the work of artists you admire and analyze what makes their work compelling to you. This can give you ideas for your project. You may create an inspiration board or sketchbook where you gather images, colors, textures, and other elements that inspire you. This can help you visualize and refine your project idea.
• Experiment and Play: Before committing to a final project, do some sketching or create small prototypes. This allows you to test out ideas, compositions, and techniques. Sometimes, the best ideas come from unexpected places. Be willing to adapt or change your project as you experiment and discover new possibilities.
• Discuss with Your Teacher or Peers: Discuss your ideas with your art teacher or classmates. They can provide valuable feedback, suggest improvements, or help you refine your concept. If possible, consider collaborating with others. Group projects can offer new perspectives and ideas, making the final work richer and more diverse.
• Plan for Execution: Once you’ve chosen your project, break it down into manageable steps. This could include research, sketching, gathering materials, and setting milestones. Allocate time for each step and consider deadlines. Good planning will help you stay on track and reduce stress.

High School Art Project Ideas

High school art project ideas need to be selected catering to the age demographic, cultural perspectives, and resources available in the area. At the same time, they need to inspire confidence, explore various art techniques, and spark creativity in the students.

Here are some high school art project ideas that can help with this:

• Mixed Media Collage: Create a collage using a mix of materials such as fabric, paper, photographs, and paint. The theme could be personal identity, cultural heritage, or a social issue.
• Self-Portrait Series: Develop a series of self-portraits in different styles (e.g., realism, abstract, cubism) or using various mediums (e.g., pencil, watercolor, digital).
• Environmental Art: Use recycled materials or natural elements to create artwork that highlights environmental issues such as pollution, deforestation, or climate change.
• 3D Sculpture: Work with clay, wire, or found objects to create a 3D sculpture. The subject could be anything from a human figure to an abstract form.
• Perspective Drawing: Explore one-point, two-point, or three-point perspective by creating a detailed drawing of an urban landscape, an interior scene, or a fantasy world.
• Typography Art: Design an artwork that focuses on typography. You could create a word or phrase using different fonts and styles to convey a message or emotion.
• Art Inspired by Music: Listen to a piece of music and create an artwork that visually represents the mood, rhythm, or story of the music.
• Art with a Social Message: Choose a social issue that you’re passionate about (e.g., mental health, equality, human rights) and create an artwork that raises awareness or makes a statement.
• Time-Lapse Painting: Create a painting or drawing and document the process with a time-lapse video. The final video can be as much a part of the project as the artwork itself.
• Cultural Exploration: Research an art style or tradition from a culture different from your own and create an artwork that pays homage to or reinterprets that style.
• Altered Book Art: Take an old or discarded book and transform it into a piece of art by altering its pages through cutting, painting, folding, or adding mixed media elements.
• Surrealism Project: Create a surreal artwork inspired by artists like Salvador Dalí or René Magritte. Use unusual combinations of objects and dream-like scenes to create a sense of the bizarre.
• Street Art/Graffiti: Design a piece of street art or graffiti on a canvas or wall (with permission). Explore bold colors, typography, and symbolic imagery to create a powerful visual statement.
• Shadow Art: Play with light and shadow to create an artwork. Use objects to cast shadows on a surface, or create a sculpture that interacts with light to form interesting shadows.
• Digital Art/Photo Manipulation: Use digital tools to create or manipulate images. Explore techniques like digital collage, photo manipulation, or creating entirely digital illustrations.
• Optical Illusions: Create an artwork that plays with the viewer’s perception through optical illusions. This can include impossible shapes, ambiguous figures, or perspective tricks.
• Fabric Art/Costume Design: Design and create a piece of wearable art or a costume using textiles. This could involve sewing, fabric painting, or even using unconventional materials.
• Art Inspired by Literature: Choose a favorite book, poem, or short story and create artwork that illustrates a scene, theme, or character from the text.
• Memory Box/Assemblage Art: Create a memory box or assemblage piece that combines personal objects, photographs, and other materials to tell a story or represent a significant memory.
• Mural Project: Collaborate with classmates to design and paint a mural. The mural could be on a large canvas, wall, or public space, and could reflect a community theme or shared vision.
• Time-Based Art: Create a piece of art that evolves, such as a series of photographs documenting the same subject over days or weeks, or a painting that you gradually change over time.
• Exploration of Color: Create an artwork focused on the use of color. This could involve exploring the color theory, monochromatic schemes, or the emotional impact of color.
• Nature-Inspired Art: Use natural materials like leaves, flowers, or stones to create an artwork. Alternatively, create a piece that reflects the beauty of the natural world, such as a detailed botanical illustration.
• Abstract Expressionism: Experiment with abstract art by focusing on colors, shapes, and textures rather than representational forms. Explore different techniques like action painting, dripping, or layering.
• Cultural Masks: Research traditional masks from different cultures and create your mask using paper mache, clay, or other materials. The mask could represent an emotion, a character, or a personal story.
• Portrait of a Friend or Family Member: Create a detailed portrait of someone important in your life. This could be done in any medium, and you could experiment with different styles or techniques.
• Art Inspired by Science: Create an artwork that explores a scientific concept, such as the human body, the solar system, or cellular structures. This could involve detailed illustrations or abstract representations.
• Interactive Art: Design a piece of art that invites interaction from the viewer, such as a puzzle, a piece that can be touched, or an installation that responds to movement or sound.
• Symbolism in Art: Create an artwork that uses symbols to convey a deeper meaning. You could explore personal symbols, cultural symbols, or universal ones.
• Fantasy World Creation: Imagine and create an entire fantasy world through a series of drawings, paintings, or mixed media pieces. This could include landscapes, creatures, and characters.
• Digital Portraits: Use digital tools to create detailed, stylized portraits. You could experiment with techniques like glitch art, digital painting, or 3D modeling.
• Time Capsule Art: Create a piece of art that represents the current moment in time for you, which could be placed in a time capsule and opened at a later date to reflect on your thoughts and feelings.
• Social Media as Art: Create an artwork that explores the impact of social media on our lives. This could involve using digital mediums, photography, or even creating a physical piece that comments on the digital world.
• Personal Map: Draw or paint a personal map that represents your life journey, your thoughts, or your emotions. It doesn’t have to be a literal map but can include abstract elements that symbolize different parts of your life.
• Art Installation: Design and create an installation that transforms a space. This could involve light, sound, objects, or even interactive elements that invite viewers to become part of the artwork.
• Art in Everyday Objects: Transform an everyday object into a piece of art by altering its appearance, function, or context. This could involve painting, sculpting, or assembling objects in new and unexpected ways.
• Reflection Art: Create an artwork that explores the theme of reflection, either literally (using mirrors or reflective surfaces) or metaphorically (reflecting on a memory, event, or idea).
• Cultural Symbolism: Research and create an artwork inspired by the symbolism found in a specific culture’s art. This could involve exploring traditional motifs, colors, and patterns.
• Art Based on a Scientific Principle: Explore a scientific concept through art. For example, you could create a piece that visualizes the concept of time, gravity, or evolution.
• Thematic Series: Develop a series of artworks around a central theme, such as “Growth,” “Conflict,” or “Transformation.” Each piece should explore a different aspect of the theme.
• Mind Maps: Create a visual mind map of your thoughts, ideas, or knowledge on a specific topic. This could be done in a highly stylized or abstract way, connecting different concepts visually.
• Deconstruction Art: Take an object and deconstruct it, either physically or conceptually, to explore its parts in a new way. The final piece could be a sculpture, collage, or abstract artwork.
• Story Through Objects: Create a still life that tells a story through the arrangement of objects. Consider how the choice of objects, their placement, and the lighting can convey a narrative.
• Symbolic Jewelry Design: Design and create a piece of symbolic jewelry using materials like metal, clay, or beads. The jewelry could represent a personal story, a cultural motif, or a concept like protection or love.
• Cultural Exploration Through Fashion: Design a series of fashion pieces inspired by the traditional clothing of different cultures. Consider how you can incorporate cultural motifs, colors, and forms into contemporary fashion design.

Significance Of Introducing Students To High School Art Projects

Art projects in high school are crucial for a number of reasons, contributing significantly to students’ personal development, academic growth, and future success. Some of these reasons are

• Creative Expression and Emotional Development: Art projects provide students with a healthy outlet for expressing their emotions and thoughts, especially during the often turbulent high school years. Engaging in art helps students explore their identity and beliefs, fostering self-awareness and confidence.
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Art challenges students to think creatively and approach problems from different perspectives, enhancing their ability to develop innovative solutions. The process of creating art involves making numerous decisions about composition, color, form, and materials, which strengthens students’ decision-making skills.
• Cultural Awareness and Appreciation: Art projects often involve exploring different cultures and historical contexts, helping students appreciate diversity and develop a global perspective. Students learn to express their cultural heritage and respect that of others through their work, promoting inclusivity and understanding.
• Interdisciplinary Learning: Art projects can be integrated with subjects like history, literature, science, and mathematics, providing a holistic learning experience. For example, students might create art inspired by scientific concepts or historical events. Also, engaging in art can enhance understanding and retention in other subjects by making abstract concepts tangible and relatable.
• Skill Development: Through art projects, students develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to work with various materials and tools. Art education also helps students develop visual literacy—the ability to interpret, analyze, and create meaning from visual information.
• Personal Growth and Confidence: Completing an art project requires planning, perseverance, and attention to detail, fostering self-discipline and patience. Successfully creating and sharing art can boost students’ confidence and sense of accomplishment, particularly when they see their work displayed or receive positive feedback.
• Communication Skills: Art teaches students to communicate ideas and emotions visually, which is an important skill in many fields, from advertising to design to social media. Discussing and critiquing art helps students articulate their ideas and opinions, improving their verbal communication and critical analysis skills.
• Preparation for the Future: For students interested in pursuing careers in art, design, architecture, or related fields, high school art projects provide a foundation and portfolio development. The skills developed through art, such as creativity, problem-solving, and visual communication, are increasingly valuable in a wide range of careers, not just in traditional art fields.
• Stress Relief and Mental Wellbeing: Engaging in art can be a form of stress relief, offering a break from academic pressures and helping to improve mental health through mindfulness and relaxation. The iterative process of creating and refining art helps build resilience, as students learn to cope with mistakes and setbacks.
• Community and Collaboration: Collaborative art projects teach students how to work together, negotiate ideas, and contribute to a collective outcome. Participating in art activities can strengthen the sense of community within a school, bringing students together through shared creative experiences.

Art filtrates every aspect of our lives and can inspire us in many ways. Thus, these high school art projects will not be merely a curriculum requirement but will end up providing an extra edge to the personalities of high school students.

To inspire the Leonardo di Vinci in all of them, you may consider redecorating your classroom as well! Here are 12 creative classroom decor ideas to help you get started on this fun project!

An Engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor, and animal rights activist. I have more than 5 years of teaching experience and have worked closely with students with learning disorders. I have worked with special educators, counselors, and experts in dealing with common issues that students face during their academic journey.

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08-27-2024 WORK LIFE

3 things people get wrong about collaboration

These common mistakes can derail those big, ambitious projects that require lots of working together.

[Source Photo: Thirdman /Pexels]

BY  Art Markman 3 minute read

Most of the problems we have to solve at work are too big for any individual to handle. There are too many different areas of knowledge needed to be successful. The projects require too much time for one person to do in a timely fashion. And, the tasks that need to be done are not always the most appropriate for one person to carry out.

As a result, these projects must be done collaboratively . Unfortunately, effective collaborations don’t just happen naturally. They have to be built. Sadly, we don’t teach people how to do this well. As I often say, most of our education is an individual sport, while much of work life is a team sport.

So, here are three big collaboration mistakes people make:

Bad lane assignments

Collaboration works best when everyone is clear on what is expected of them. Members should be added to a team because they have something to contribute. The roles that people are expected to play should be outlined early in the process.

A lack of clear assignments creates two problems. First, it leads to duplication of effort. Several people are likely to move forward with elements of a project without knowing that someone else is doing the same thing. It’s frustrating to put good work time into something only to discover that someone else has also worked on the same aspect of the project.

Second, it can also lead to inaction. When you are part of a project, you’re also going to be reluctant to step on other people’s toes. So, you may be aware of an issue, but wait for someone else to address it. Projects can end up crawling along, because people are not sure which aspects of the project are the ones they are supposed to address.

Lack of real trust

A team can only work together effectively if everyone takes care of the aspects of the project they are assigned and they bring them together effectively to create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. In order to enable every person on the team to do their work, there has to be trust.

In the absence of that trust, you start to see some team members encroaching on the work of others. A team member who micromanages the work of others is operating from a lack of trust that the other people will do their work well. Team members who proactively do or redo the work that others have done are also displaying a lack of trust.

There are two dimensions of trust to consider. One is that you have to develop trust that the people on your team are good enough at their jobs to carry out their work without a lot of oversight. (If you have concerns, then you should discuss this with supervisors who made the assignments rather than taking on this oversight for yourself.)

The second is that you have to recognize that when you work on a team, the project may come out differently than if you did it yourself. It can be difficult to see a project move in a direction differently than the one you envisioned. It’s important to ask yourself whether your concerns are that the project is going in a bad direction, or just a direction you did not plan on. If you have real concerns that the final output is going to reflect poorly on the group, then say something. But, if the output is just going to be different from what you would have done alone, then you have to learn to love the result.

Lack of project management

A common collaboration mistake for many teams is that they have lots of domain experts, but they don’t have anyone to manage the project. Project management is an underappreciated skill that needs to be engaged more explicitly in collaborative projects.

A good project manager helps the team to develop roles for members, defines key milestones toward project completion, compiles and organizes documents related to the project, and ensures that team members stay on-track to complete their portions of the project.

Ideally, your organization has some project managers who can be brought into a collaboration. If not, then it’s important for someone to take on that role. While formal training in project management is valuable, even being willing to be responsible for keeping a project moving, enforcing deadlines, and holding onto key documents greatly increases the chances that the project will be completed successfully.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Art Markman , PhD, is a professor of Psychology, Human Dimensions of Organizations and Marketing and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. Art is the author of Smart Thinking and Habits of Leadership , Smart Change , Brain Briefs , and, most recently, Bring Your Brain to Work .   More

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The Role of Community Engagement in Successful Public Placemaking Projects

Public placemaking projects in India have gained huge attention as cities and communities get united in creating vivid, inclusive, and sustainable public spaces. The one common ingredient of successful placemaking initiatives is community engagement. How precisely such space-making mirrors the needs, wants, and identities of the local population forms the final achievement. This paper looks at the role of community engagement in public placemaking projects within India, with a few case studies and best practices that led to successful outcomes.

Definition of Community Engagement in Placemaking

Community engagement is defined as the active involvement of residents, stakeholders, and organisations in planning, designing, implementing, and maintaining public spaces. The approach places much emphasis on collaboration, inclusivity, and transparency by giving a chance to communities to be heard during development processes. According to Silberberg et al. (2013), effective community engagement may be executed using different tools or methods, such as workshops, surveys, public meetings, and collaborative design sessions.

History of Placemaking in India

From the ancient city squares to modern urban parks, the land of India has always mirrored a rich history of public spaces . The centres that have existed since time immemorial in the form of ghats, bazaars, and maidans have since long served as the centres of social, cultural, and economic activity. However, rapid urbanisation and modernization have almost invariably dealt a blow to these spaces, making community engagement more relevant than ever in conserving their soul while modifying them to suit today’s requirements of the communities being served Desai, 2004.

Case Examples of Best Practices in Community Engagement in India

• Namma Metro, Bangalore

A good example of community-driven engagement in the making of effective public spaces was the Namma Metro project in Bangalore. Metro stations were designed in collaboration with the local communities where the themes reflect the rich cultural heritage of the city. Public art installations , local vendors, and community spaces inside the stations transformed them into hubs of activity (Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation, 2017). 

• Janaagraha’s Bala Janaagraha’s Program:

The Bala Janaagraha’s program engages school children with urban planning and governance. The young minds, when involved in such activities, bring feelings of ownership and responsibility toward public spaces. The program has successfully implemented several child-friendly public space projects across various cities, demonstrating the impact of early community engagement.

• Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, Mumbai

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is an annual cultural event that transforms this Kala Ghoda precinct into a hub of activities in the form of art installations, performances, and workshops. It has been community-driven, bringing together locals, residents, and business individuals to participate in the revitalization of the area and strengthening community bonds, observes Mitra (2015).

• Indore’s Cleanliness Drive and Public Spaces Revamp

Indore, the cleanest city in India, made sure to bring such status through intense community involvement. The municipal corporation made sure to involve house and business owners, as well as schools, in cleanliness drives and public space cleaning. Community meetings, feedback sessions, and public awareness campaigns held regularly kept the community at the forefront of seeing the transformation of the city, 2019).

• Chennai’s Mylapore Tank Restoration

The Mylapore Tank in Chennai was one such successful example of a community-driven initiative in the urban water body rejuvenation process. Residents, heritage enthusiasts, and NGOs worked in association with the city administration to clean, restore, and maintain this historic tank as a recreational public space for the community.

• Ahmedabad’s Riverfront Development Project

In Ahmedabad, the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project was spread over an extensive period of consultations with residents, businesses, and cultural organisations. The result is a multi-functional public space featuring parks, promenades, cultural centres, and recreational facilities.

• Pune’s Cycle Plan

The Pune cycle plan is a people-driven, sustainable transport initiative for improving public health. The city engaged cyclists, environmental groups, residents, and local citizens in designing and implementing dedicated cycling tracks and bike-sharing programs. Regular feedback and participatory planning sessions were held to ensure that the cycling infrastructure serves its users’ needs.

Benefits of Community Engagement Initiatives

• Improved Social Capital: Community engagement gives rise to the enhanced social capital that aims at developing networks of trust, cooperation, and mutual support among the residents.
• Environmental Sustainability: The Mylapore Tank restoration and the cycle plan of Pune work on green practices and sustainable transport that enhance environmental sustainability. 
• Economic Revitalization: The Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project generates local economic activity through the promotion of tourism and fostering businesses. 
• Cultural Preservation: Public Art Initiatives and Heritage Restorations: These are like in Jaipur and Chennai enhance the preservation and celebration of local culture. Identity and civic pride are enriched through it. Singh, 2021.
• Better Design and Functionality: With residents engaged in design, public spaces are more functional and user-friendly. It accounts for the unique needs of that area. Gehl, 2011.

Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

• Inclusive Participation is Ensured: The second challenge in this regard is to ensure that all sections of the community have a say in the process, including the marginalised groups within them. This can be overcome by targeted outreach, accessible meeting formats, and representation in planning committees (Arnstein, 1969).
• Reconciling Multiple Interests: Different community groups have multiple interests and priorities that often are at cross-purposes with one another. Skilled facilitation and negotiation may be needed to juggle these. Making the decision-making process open and transparent can sometimes balance out these different interests and deliver what is best for all (Rowe & Frewer, 2005).
• Sustaining Engagement Over Time: It is difficult to maintain community engagement throughout the lifecycle of any given project. Regular updates, celebrating the progress of the project by achieving certain milestones, and continuous opportunities to be involved can help to keep the process interesting and continue the level of participation (Kretzmann & McKnight, 1993).
• Resource Constraints: Community engagement processes can be resource-intensive. It takes time, money, and a specially skilled group of people. Public-private partnerships and using technology for virtual engagement are some ways to curb these constraints (Rowe & Frewer, 2005).

Future Directions of Community Engagement in India

• Leveraging Technology: Digital tools and online platforms are relatively uncharted channels for engaging communities. Social media, mobile applications, and online forums are likely to dramatically increase community engagement reach, supporting wider and more inclusive participation, especially in urban areas. (Nam & Pardo, 2011).
• Policy and Institutional Support: Strong policy frameworks and institutional support are essential for fostering community engagement. Governments and urban planning bodies need to prioritise and institutionalise participatory processes in their development agendas (Healey, 1997).
• Building Community Capacity: A lack of knowledge and skills can impede the community’s ability to effectively engage. In that regard, capacity-building programs and educational initiatives can aim to equip residents with the tools to participate meaningfully in placemaking projects (Chaskin, 2001).

Community engagement forms the bedrock of success for any public placemaking project in India. These case studies reinscribe deeper transformational possibilities in the involvement of citizens in the planning, designing, and execution of public spaces. A process of community engagement that fosters social cohesion, ensures sustainability and reflects the identity of the place is what will make or break the creation of vibrant, inclusive, resilient public spaces. While growing and evolving, the need to remain focused on community-driven placemaking in Indian cities will be very vital in developing spaces that indeed serve their communities. 

References:

 Arnstein, S. R. (1969). A ladder of citizen participation. Journal of the American Institute of Planners, 35 (4), 216-224.

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation. 2017. Namma Metro: Engaging communities for a better Bangalore. Retrieved from < https:// www.bmrcl.co.in/cCorporate Overview.aspx.

Chaskin, R. J. (2001). Building community capacity: A definitional framework and case studies from a comprehensive community initiative. Urban Affairs Review, 36(3), 291-323.

Desai, M. (2004). Traditional public spaces in India: Perspectives and prospects. Journal of Cultural Geography, 21(1), 27-45.

Gehl, J. (2011). Life between buildings: Using public space. Island Press.

Healey, P. (1997). Collaborative planning: Shaping places in fragmented societies. Macmillan International Higher Education.

Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy. (2020). Bala Janaagraha: Empowering young citizens. Retrieved from [link]

Joshi, P. (2018). Pune’s cycle plan: Community engagement for sustainable transportation. Transportation Research Procedia, 25, 3456–3465.

Kretzmann, J. P., & McKnight, J. L. (1993). Building communities from the inside out A path toward finding and mobilising a community’s assets. ACTA Publications.

Lydon, M., & Garcia, A. (2015). Tactical urbanism: Short-term action for long-term change. Island Press.

Madanipour, A. (2010). Whose public space?: International case studies in urban design and development. Routledge.

Mishra, S. (2019). Community engagement in Bhubaneswar’s Smart City Project. Smart Cities and Regional Development Journal, 3(2), 45-58.

Mitra, S. (2015). Kala Ghoda Arts Festival: A community-centric approach to urban revitalization. Retrieved from [link]

Nam, T., & Pardo, T. A. (2011). Conceptualising a smart city with dimensions of technology, people, and institutions. Proceedings of the 12th Annual International Digital Government Research Conference: Digital Government Innovation in Challenging Times (pp. 282-291).

Newman, P., & Jennings, I. (2008). Cities as sustainable ecosystems: Principles and practices. Island Press.

Project for Public Spaces. (2016). What is placemaking? Retrieved from [link]

Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of the American community. Simon and Schuster.

Ramakrishnan, D. (2020). Chennai’s Mylapore Tank Restoration: Reviving heritage through community engagement. Water and Heritage, 6(1), 12-23.

Rowe, G., & Frewer, L. J. (2005). A typology of public engagement mechanisms. Science, Technology, & Human Values, 30(2), 251-290.

Shah, A. (2016). The Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project: A model of urban revitalization. Urban Design International, 21(4), 305-317.

Sharma, R. (2019). Indore’s cleanliness drive: How a community mobilised. Journal of Environmental Management, 234, 98–106.

Silberberg, S., Lorah, K., Disbrow, R., & Muessig, A. (2013). Places in the making: How placemaking builds places and communities. MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning.

Singh, R. (2021). Jaipur’s public art initiatives: Fostering cultural identity and community pride. Cultural Studies Review, 27(2), 178–194.

Purple Line (Namma Metro). (2024b, August 2). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple_Line_%28Namma_Metro%29

BalaJanagraha. (n.d.). https://challenge.balajanaagraha.org/

Tyagi, T. (2024, January 9). Bombay HC Grants Permission For Kala Ghoda Art Festival, No Commercial Or Food Stalls Allowed. Curly Tales. https://curlytales.com/bombay-hc-grants-permission-for-kala-ghoda-art-festival-no-commercial-or-food-stalls-allowed/

Natarajan, A. (2020, February 14). How ‘nature-based’ transformation of Mylapore tank area could ease Chennai’s water problems. Citizen Matters. https://citizenmatters.in/interview-with-chennai-water-initiative-city-of-1000/

Sabarmati Riverfront – Sabarmati Riverfront. (n.d.). https://sabarmatiriverfront.com/

Apr. (2019, February 15). Pune Cycle Plan Safe Rides for Everyone Everywhere by Prasanna Desai Architects. https://www.architecturepressrelease.com/pune-cycle-plan-safe-rides-for-everyone-everywhere-by-prasanna-desai-architects-2/

Rana, R., Rana, R., & Indian, L. (2021, July 28). The Logical Indian. The Logical Indian. https://thelogicalindian.com/good-governance/cleanliness-swachh-bharat-indore-29929

I am Navajyothi Mahenderkar Subhedar, a PhD candidate in Urban Design at SPA Bhopal with a rich background of 17 years in the industry. I hold an M.Arch. in Urban Design from CEPT University and a B.Arch from SPA, JNTU Hyderabad. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at SVVV Indore, my professional passion lies in the dynamic interplay of architecture, urban design, and environmental design. My primary focus is on crafting vibrant and effective mixed-use public spaces such as parks, plazas, and streetscapes, with a deep-seated dedication to community revitalization and making a tangible difference in people's lives. My research pursuits encompass the realms of urban ecology, contemporary Asian urbanism, and the conservation of both built and natural resources. In my role as an educator, I actively teach and coordinate urban design and planning studios, embracing an interdisciplinary approach to inspire future designers and planners. In my ongoing exploration of knowledge, I am driven by a commitment to simplicity and a desire for freedom of expression while conscientiously considering the various components of space.

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72 Amazing 1st Grade Art Projects To Inspire Creativity and Play

Project ideas for every kid!

Keep the fun going all year long with this roundup of creative, simple, and fun 1st grade art projects. Whether you feel like diving into painting, pattern-making, mixed media, or sculpture, there is something for everyone on this list.

We have projects that can be tackled over multiple classes as well as projects that can be completed in under an hour. Students will learn basic art concepts like color mixing while discovering famous artists. Your little artists will be proud to take their masterpieces home!

1. Hang 3D line sculptures

Simple strips of paper become a striking display in this cool collaborative 1st grade art project. It’s a clever way to use up scraps of construction paper too.

Learn more: Line Art Sculptures

2. Sketch balloon dogs

Jeff Koons’ balloon dog sculptures are a hit with kids and adults alike. Let kids draw their own using a walk-through video to get them started.

Learn more: Balloon Dog

3. Blow a crayon-resist web

This is a modern twist on the classic crayon resist project. After drawing a web in pencil and tracing it with a white crayon, use a pipette to transfer watercolor paint to the paper. Then use a straw to blow the paint across the paper.

Learn more: Spooky Blow and Resist Web

4. Learn to draw Bluey

Every kid will love learning to draw their own version of this beloved Australian pup! After they follow along with the video, have them fill in their own background to complete the picture.

5. Go wild for self-portraits

Start with a simple self-portrait sketch. Then let kids go wild with the hair, adding paper strips in crazy colors and patterns.

Learn more: 3D Hair Self-Portraits

6. Point out perspective with Andrew Wyeth farms

Even firsties can master perspective with this easy project. The dot-painted flowers and vegetables are fun and easy too.

Learn more: Perspective Project

7. Fly cotton-skywriting planes

This mixed-media idea is so clever! Kids use tissue squares to create a colorful sky background, then glue cotton batting over the top to simulate skywriting from a paper plane.

Learn more: Skywriting Planes

8. Show movement with lines

Lines are an incredibly simple thing to draw, but when you use them right, they can add a real element of excitement to your work. Learn how it’s done with this helpful video.

9. Turn paper plates into aquariums

Begin by having your students paint a paper plate blue, then have them create a goldfish using craft foam. Finally, piece it all together and decorate the aquarium with colored pebbles, sand, or anything else of your choosing!

Learn more: Paper Plate Aquarium

10. Take inspiration from a Calder sculpture

Oversize sculptures like Alexander Calder’s are accessible and fun for kids of any age. Re-create them in paper form with this engaging art project for 1st graders.

Learn more: Calder-Inspired Sculptures

11. Cut out cute cardinals

If you haven’t seen Charley Harper’s wonderful wildlife art , you should definitely check it out. Share it with your students, then get ready to create these charming cardinals.

Learn more: Charley Harper-Inspired Cardinals

12. Design a zentangle

Zentangles are a combination of art and mindfulness, and you really can’t do them wrong. Learn the technique in this video, then let kids play around with patterns on their own.

13. Print and color autumn leaves

Gather large leaves to use for this project. Kids coat them with white paint, then press them on black paper to make prints. Once the paint is dry, they add various hues using colored pencils.

Learn more: Leaf Prints

14. Arrange an abstract alphabet

Grab some markers and have your 1st grade art students write the letters of the alphabet randomly all over a piece of paper. Then, use color to fill in enclosed areas. The possibilities are endless!

Learn more: Abstract Art

15. Turn letters into animals

This is another simple way to combine letters with art. Have kids draw any letter they like, then turn it into any animal they choose.

Learn more: Letter Animals

16. Pinch a heart-shaped pot

Pinch pots are an easy clay project that 1st graders will love. They also make a nice gift for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and other special occasions.

Learn more: Pinch Pot Heart

17. Create a bubblegum self-portrait

This is such a fun spin on a traditional self-portrait. Your students will definitely get a kick out of adding their “bubblegum” to their masterpieces.

Learn more: Bubble Gum Self-Portrait

18. Collaborate on a group mobile

Collaborative art projects are always a lot of fun. This one creates a beautiful mobile perfect for hanging in the classroom or offering up at a school art auction .

Learn more: Group Mobile

19. Be Big! with a self-portrait

Kick off the school year by reading Be Big! Beatrice’s First Day of First Grade . Then, make these cute self-portraits to show your kids just how big they’re getting.

Learn more: Big Self-Portraits

20. Weave wishbone sticks

This project can be adapted for any age, but for 1st grade art students, use thick, chunky yarn and sticks with a wide “V,” along with blunt plastic darning needles. The “in and out” pattern of the yarn will help improve dexterity and fine motor skills.

Learn more: Wishbone Sticks

21. Cut out a polar bear

Have your students paint the background using watercolor or tempera paint, then get started on the polar bear. Have students draw two ears, a round face, and the body on white paper with black marker, then cut the pieces out. Finally, let your students personalize their bears with their choice of expression or attire.

Learn more: Polar Bear Painting

22. Add texture to a turtle shell

Make this easy by copying blank turtles for everyone to color. Then, have kids add a variety of textures and patterns to their turtle. Tip: Look at pictures of real turtles for potential pattern ideas.

23. Re-create a starry skyscape

Here’s a simple but impressive project to try. Oil pastels are easy to use and make kids feel like real artists. Let them use their own techniques to re-create Van Gogh’s famous Starry Night .

Learn more: Starry Night Painting

24. Copy Van Gogh’s stars in clay

Want to try a different take on the classic painting? These Van Gogh–inspired clay stars are the way to go! (They also make excellent holiday ornaments.)

Learn more: Van Gogh Stars in Clay

25. Add texture to sunflowers with glue

Here’s one more take on Van Gogh, this time focusing on his sunflowers. Impressionism is known for textures, so this 1st grade art project uses black glue to give dimension to simple sunflowers. Kids draw the sunflowers, then outline them with glue. When the glue is dry, add soft, beautiful watercolors.

Learn more: Glue Sunflowers

26. Use forks to make tulips

Collect plastic forks from your takeout meals, or hit the thrift store and buy a collection of metal spoons you can use again and again. Then, use them to create these simple but charming spring flowers.

27. Chalk a fluttering butterfly

Chalk art pastels produce impressive results at any age. This 1st grade art project has a fun but simple 3D element too.

Learn more: Chalk Butterfly

28. Paint Cézanne-style apples

This may seem too complicated for a 1st grade art project, but you can attack it in several steps. Teach kids to draw the bowl and apples. Then, have them draw the outlines with oil pastel to create a barrier. Paint the apples red and then the background with colorful watercolors, and voilà!

Learn more: Cezanne-Style Apples

29. Assemble a friendly giraffe

Pair this cute art project with a lesson on giraffes! Read books like Giraffes Can’t Dance or watch some videos on these tall creatures before doing a guided drawing of a general giraffe shape. Once the shape is there, let your students personalize their giraffes in any way they wish.

Learn more: Giraffe Art

30. Print with foam blocks

Show kids how to carefully carve designs into foam blocks using blunt tools like a chopstick. Then, make colorful prints using their pattern blocks.

31. Hop onto Monet lily pads

Monet’s lily pond paintings are among his most famous. Take a look at some of them, then have kids create their own mixed-media lily pad projects adorned with cute clay frogs!

Learn more: Monet Lily Pads

32. Color-mix to create winter landscapes

This simple art project combines a surprising amount of concepts, including color mixing, stamping, and honing fine motor skills. And the results are pretty striking.

Learn more: Winter Landscapes

33. Make Mondrian-patterned hearts

Mondrian’s bright, simple patterns are very appealing to young kids. They’ll enjoy mimicking his style with this easy activity.

Learn more: Mondrian-Style Hearts

34. Circular yarn weaving on paper plates

This yarn-weaving project produces impressive results, but it’s pretty easy to master. It’s a nice way to combine fine motor skills practice with art.

35. Fly some cool koinobori kites

Try an Asian-inspired art project with these colorful fish kites. May 5 is Children’s Day in Japan, and these koinobori are an important part of the celebration. Firsties in any country will love creating their own kites in springtime or anytime.

Learn more: Koinobori Kites

36. Decorate watercolor eggs

This is such a fun art project, and the technique can definitely be used for more than just Easter eggs. Use a wax crayon or oil pastel to draw the designs onto the egg, then color some of the spaces with crayon. Finally, use watercolor to paint over the whole egg with a single color. It’s so cool to watch the way the paint avoids the crayon and allows the designs to peek through.

Learn more: Painted Easter Egg Art

37. Mix in some salt

Combine science with art in this project. First, draw snowflakes with glue and sprinkle salt over the top. After it dries, add a few drops of watercolor and watch the salt absorb it and change color like magic!

38. Give colorful birds a Dalí twist

Giant birds with super-long and wiggly legs? First graders will love the silliness of this project, but it’s not all just fun and games. These watercolor birds show the differences between warm and cool colors, and the long legs are a tribute to the master of the unexpected, Salvador Dalí .

Learn more: Dalí Spring Birds

39. Sculpt the cutest owl vignettes

This is a unique twist on standard clay projects. The owls themselves are easy to create, and mounting them on a wood plaque really makes this 1st grade art activity stand out.

Learn more: Clay Owls

40. Doodle like Kandinsky

Kandinsky is known for his circles, but his other abstract work is mesmerizing too. Read the book The Noisy Paint Box to learn about the artist’s life. Then use black markers, watercolors, and cotton swabs to help achieve that muted color/haze.

Learn more: Kandinsky Doodles

41. Wind yarn through straws

This easy 1st grade project creates a bracelet kids can wear. Let them choose their favorite colors and make a wearable work of art!

42. Start with a dot

The Dot is a favorite read-aloud and the perfect springboard for so many art activities ! In this one, kids take a single dot and turn it into whatever they can imagine.

Learn more: Dot Art Project

43. Explore color mixing

This is the perfect 1st grade art project when you are short on time since it can be completed in an hour or less. Before beginning, read the book Mix It Up! with your students to introduce the concept of color mixing.

Learn more: Watercolor Art

44. Think in circles

Divide a large canvas into even squares. Each student gets a square to decorate with their own circle art, creating a cohesive but unique whole.

Learn more: Circle Art

45. Scribble a spiral

Teach contrasting colors and composition with this simple project, using crayons and watercolors. It’s like tie-dye for paper!

Learn more: Scribble Spiral

46. Use shapes to create Klee-inspired villages

Learn about Paul Klee’s cubist paintings, then have kids create their own with oil pastels and watercolors. These vibrant pieces are sure to brighten your classroom walls.

Learn more: Klee-Style Villages

47. Fold simple origami dogs

Introduce kids to origami with this really easy folding project. After they make their paper pup, they can add details like facial features, patterns, and colors.

48. Blend colors using coffee filters

There’s a reason this project is so popular: It’s mesmerizing to watch colors bleed together and create a rainbow of new colors and patterns. All you need are color filters, washable markers , a spray bottle of water, and newspaper or paper towels.

Learn more: Color Mixing Coffee Filters

49. Compose a color wheel bouquet

This 1st grade art project is part treasure hunt and part art lesson. Pull out your box of scrap paper and have students dig through to find the pieces they need to complete a color wheel daisy. You’ll wind up with a whole garden!

Learn more: Color Wheel Bouquet

50. Float away with mixed-media collages

The personal aspect of this mixed-media hot-air balloon collage is what really makes it stand out. (Tip: Trim the student pictures yourself since the detailed cuts may be too much for little fingers.)

Learn more: Hot-Air Balloons

51. Build baskets with yarn and glue

There are no major weaving skills required for these wacky baskets. Simply dip strips of yarn into glue and lay over an upside-down paper cup or bowl. When the glue dries, remove the paper cup, and you’ve got a basket!

Learn more: Yarn Baskets

52. Discover complementary colors

Learning color theory at an early age will help kids develop their artistic instincts. Draw simple patterns and fill them with complementary colors to explore this concept.

53. Drip like Pollock

Here’s a great use for yarn scraps. Kids dip yarn into tempera paint, then drip or drag it over the paper to create abstract designs reminiscent of Jackson Pollock. (Tip: Read Action Jackson first for inspiration.)

Learn more: Paint Like Pollock

54. Craft cleverly camouflaged lizards

Combine art and science with a lesson about camouflage. Then challenge your students to create a patterned background for a paper lizard to blend into.

Learn more: Camo Lizards

55. Fashion a paper rainbow

Paper weaving is a fun and simple craft that opens up lots of possibilities. Firsties will enjoy making these pretty rainbows; you could even tie it in with a lesson about weather !

Learn more: Paper Rainbow

56. Paint with cotton swabs

Swap out brushes for cotton swabs and try basic pointillism with your firsties. This art technique is very simple, but it can be used to create incredible masterpieces.

57. Fill in letter outlines

This is a fun way to have the class work on a group project since each kid can take a different letter that can be used to spell something out on a bulletin board, etc. Print the outline of the letters, then let your students create patterns inside them with crayons or other media.

Learn more: Letter Pattern Art

58. Put the “A” in STEAM

This mixed-media project has several components, so plan to do it over several days. The results are worth it, and they’re so much fun!

Learn more: Mad Scientist Art Project

59. Play with patterns

When the leaves start to change color, try this pretty project using the watercolor-resist method. Students can really let their imaginations run wild with the pattern designs and color choices.

Learn more: Leaf Patterns

60. Explore African art with Anansi

Read the story of Anansi the Spider , an African folk hero. Then use African art styles to make Anansi pictures to hang in the classroom.

Learn more: African Folk Hero Art

61. Draw a fox step-by-step

First graders are just starting to move away from stick figures and into more advanced drawing. Hit the link for a step-by-step tutorial that even little ones can follow with oil pastels.

Learn more: Draw a Fox

62. Color blend on bottle prints

This is a neat way to learn about color blends. Imagine the bottles lined up in a sunny window and use markers, paints, or crayons to fill in the colors you’d see.

Learn more: Colored Bottle Prints

63. Sculpt speckled fish

This 1st grade art project requires a kiln for best results. The real star of the show is the magic glaze , which bursts into cool patterns when fired.

Learn more: Clay Fish

64. Teach them to draw little birdies

Kids will be amazed when they learn to draw this simple bird starting with an arrow. They’ll also love designing birdhouses for their avian friends, which culminates in a fantastic classroom display that’s perfect for spring.

Learn more: Bird Drawing

65. Design autumn scarecrows

After painting a vivid background of sky and fields, students root through the scrap paper bin to assemble colorful scarecrows for the finishing touch. (Tip: Create templates to make it easier for them to cut out the pants, shirt, and hat.)

Learn more: Autumn Scarecrows

66. Make fine art with some fine lines

Start with a sheet of circles (pre-printed, or have kids trace them from templates). Then have firsties add bold lines to design a variety of faces. This quick and simple activity is lots of fun and really sets their creativity free.

Learn more: Line Drawings

67. Whip up a bowl of alphabet soup

Yup, this is really a 1st grade art project! Kids practice their letters and learn about mixed media, tackling the activities in steps. The plastic spoons with alphabet letters added at the end really make the pieces pop!

Learn more: Alphabet Soup

68. Construct colorful 3D houses

Learn about architecture styles and skills, then design paper-bag houses. Encourage students to add plenty of personal details to make the designs their own.

Learn more: Paper Bag Houses

69. Put together mosaic owls

Paper mosaics are like a puzzle you create yourself, plus they give kids practice with scissor skills. And these owl faces are just adorable!

Learn more: Mosaic Owls

70. Swim with seahorses

This bright project is inspired by Eric Carle’s Mister Seahorse . Kids use a variety of art methods to create these cheery underwater scenes.

Learn more: Mixed Media Seahorses

71. Spread your wings

This is such a unique way to incorporate an entire grade into one project while also creating the cutest photo op ever!

Learn more: Wing Photo Op Art

72. Frost Thiebaud-inspired cupcakes

Learn about realism in art, and take a look at Wayne Thiebaud’s colorful paintings of pastries for inspiration. Then make your own patterned cupcakes with torn-paper frosting. Yum!

Learn more: Cupcake Art

Keep the creativity going with these Fun First Grade Writing & Storytelling Prompts !

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How Sabrina Carpenter Became A Pop Queen: Tracing Her Journey To 'Short N' Sweet'

More than a decade in the making, Sabrina Carpenter is living out her superstar dreams. As she releases her new album, 'Short n' Sweet,' look back on the chart-topping star's journey and how every venture helped her evolve into a pop phenom.

Sabrina Carpenter is the first to admit that it's taken her a bit of time to find her way to the top of the music industry. She even likens herself to the tortoise in the fable "The Tortoise and the Hare" — even if she didn't want to believe the metaphor growing up.

"Something that my mom always said to me as a little girl that really annoyed me was that I am the tortoise… throughout my life, [I was] being told, 'Sabrina, you're the tortoise, just chill,'" Carpenter recalled while accepting the Variety Hitmakers Rising Artist Award in December 2023. "In moments of frustration and confusion it can feel like a letdown, but it turns out it's actually a very good thing."

It's been a very good thing for Carpenter, indeed. A decade since the release of her debut single, the singer/songwriter isn't just breaking through — she's one of pop's new reigning queens. Over the last year, Carpenter has nabbed her first No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100, made a stellar debut at Coachella, and performed on "Saturday Night Live," all the while racking up billions of streams on her music new and old. It's all built excitement for one of the most anticipated pop albums of the summer: Short n' Sweet .

As Carpenter unveils her new album, take a deep dive into her decade-long journey to pop stardom.

Getting Started: Disney Breakthrough

Growing up, Carpenter filled the sounds of her family home in Pennsylvania with covers of songs like Adele 's "Set Fire To The Rain" and "Picture to Burn" by future Eras Tour companion Taylor Swift (more on that later). After submitting videos for a singing contest spearheaded by Miley Cyrus , Carpenter would get her first taste of success. Placing third, she caught the eye of Hollywood Records, who signed her following the competition.

Simultaneously, Carpenter also began pursuing acting, landing guest spots on series like "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" in 2011 and joining "The Goodwin Games" in 2012. In 2014, she landed a lead role in the Disney Channel series "Girl Meets World," a spin-off of the beloved '90s series "Boy Meets World," which served as a breakthrough moment for the burgeoning star — and a catalyst for her music career.

Just before the show debuted, Carpenter released her debut single, "Can't Blame A Girl for Trying," the title track to her debut EP that arrived a month later. While the four-track EP was the typical output of a teenage Disney star — bubblegum pop sounds with digestible, family-friendly lyricism — it showed off her youthful timbre and offered themes that would become prevalent later in Carpenter's songwriting: love, heartache, and navigating life.

A year later, she released her debut album, Eyes Wide Open . A mix of pop with folk and country influences — a soundscape that remains on Short n' Sweet — Carpenter's debut showed maturity and growth following Can't Blame A Girl For Trying ; songs like "Eyes Wide Open" and "We'll Be the Stars" showed a more introspective side, reflecting on the pressures of being in the spotlight and the journey of finding her identity. Eyes Wide Open also hinted that Carpenter was beginning to hone her songwriting skills, penning four of the 12 tracks.

It would be on her 2016 sophomore album, EVOLution, where Carpenter would find confidence as a songwriter, co-writing all but one song on the 10-track project. In turn, the lyrics reflected her growing sense of self and a new perspective on past themes, like embracing non-romantic forms of love in "All We Have is Love," being there for a struggling friend in "Shadows," and learning to assert boundaries in "Space."

EVOLution transitioned Carpenter out of the teen pop aesthetic into a more sophisticated sound, experimenting with dance-pop and techno sonics. Genre versatility would become a throughline of sorts for Carpenter, and EVOLution foreshadowed the multifaceted musicality that was to come.

Shedding Disney: From Child Actor To Pop Star

After "Girl Meets World" came to an end at the beginning of 2017, Carpenter was ready for reinvention. Much like Britney Spears ' Britney and Cyrus' Can't Be Tamed before her, as Carpenter grew into an adult, she felt like she needed to shed the Disney-fied image that has become a rite of passage for teen stars. Thus began the Singular era.

Released in 2018 and 2019, respectively, Singular: Act I and Singular: Act II featured songs that were more risqué and mature in nature. A far cry from her tamer work of the past, the R&B track "Hold Tight" is equal parts sultry and evocative with Carpenter singing, "Wanna keep you in, wanna keep you in right/ Wanna feel your skin, wanna feel it on mine."

As she noted in an interview with Billboard , Singular: Act I   was a natural progression for a girl now in her late teens — even if it was against the squeaky-clean image of her beginnings.

"I was known as a fictional character on television with lines that were written for her with an attitude that was portrayed in a way by other people. So for a lot of people, their first impression of me was as a 13-year-old girl [singing] the kinds of songs that she should be singing," she said. "Then, flash forward to 19, and people are asking why I am not singing about the same things that I did when I was 13, as if that's normal."

One of the more notable Singular tracks is from Act I , "Sue Me." Sneakily disguised as a story about a romantic relationship, the song is Carpenter's response to being sued by her ex music managers: "That's my shape, I made the shadow/ That's my name, don't wear it out though/ Feelin' myself can't be illegal." Its tongue-in-cheek and snarky nature would inevitably embolden Carpenter to continue writing more confessional songs with attitude, whether she's responding to media scrutiny in "because i liked a boy" from 2022's emails i can't send , or warning a suitor to be careful in Short n' Sweet 's "Please, Please, Please."

Singular: Act I and Act II further helped demonstrate different facets of Carpenter's musicality, with the former leaning into pop tendencies and the latter embracing an R&B flair. And as her final albums with Hollywood Records, she used Singular: Act I and Act II to indicate that she wasn't going to let any sort of previous perceptions hold her back. Their coming-of-age themes showcased Carpenter as an artist coming into her own — regardless of whether listeners wanted to keep her in the Disney box or not.

Reintroducing Herself: Artistic Authenticity & The "Nonsense" Effect

While the world was going through a period of change amid the COVID-19 pandemic, so was Carpenter. She signed with Universal Music Group's Island Records in 2021, and soon she would be able to fully introduce the world to who Sabrina Carpenter is as an artist.

As she noted herself to Variety earlier this year, her 2022 LP, emails i can't send , "marked the beginning of a really freeing and artistic time for me." Once again, she co-wrote every song on the album; this time, though, she only had one co-writer for each track, and even wrote two songs solo ("emails i can't send" and "how many things") — proving that she was more assured as a songwriter than ever.

As a result, Carpenter's knack for confessional songwriting is on full display. emails i can't send represents a reflective time capsule of sorts; one that brings the curiosity of her earlier work with the perspective and wisdom of a young adult. Her growing fame meant there was more attention on her personal life, and emails i can't send allowed her to reclaim her narrative and express her side of the story.

Carpenter's candidness struck a chord with listeners, and upon the release of emails i can't send in July 2022, it was clear Carpenter was on a new trajectory. The album debuted at No. 23 on the Billboard 200, which marked her highest entry on the chart to date (as of press time); the 2022 stretch of her Emails I Can't Send Tour sold out in less than a day. And once  "Nonsense" was released as a single that November, her place as a rapidly rising star was solidified.

"Nonsense" was initially written as a means to an end after Carpenter was writing a sad song and had writer's block. Now, the track is the epitome of Carpenter's lyricism, weaving together her wit and humor with an infectious hook. First gaining traction on TikTok because of its catchiness, it's become a beloved part of Carpenter's canon thanks to her inventive and bespoke outros during her live shows. It's since become a tradition for fans to check to see what outro she created for each performance, adding to the fan fervor.

Carpenter further satiated fans' taste for her cheeky lyricism in March 2023, when she released emails i can't send fwd: , the deluxe version of her album, which featured a new track called "Feather." She took the playful, flirting energy of "Nonsense" and infused "Feather" with buoyant, airy production that mimics the feeling of self-liberation after moving on from a relationship. Earning Carpenter her first pop radio No. 1, "Feather" proved that the singer's audacious style was taking hold — and it set the stage for an even bigger 2024.

Becoming A Superstar: Eras Tour, "Espresso" & Beyond

After her own extensive — and very sold out — tour in support of Emails I Can't Send , Carpenter's rising star status was further confirmed by pop's current queen, Taylor Swift. The singer earned a coveted opening slot on Swift's monumental Eras Tour in Mexico, South America, Australia, and Asia.

Just after her last Eras Tour show in March 2024, Carpenter hinted that her own new era was beginning. "I'm starting to feel like I've outgrown the songs I'm singing," she admitted to Cosmopolitan , "which is always an exciting feeling because I think that means the next chapter is right around the corner."

That chapter began with "Espresso," which dropped a day before her debut Coachella performance. Doubling down on the playful, self-assured vibe of "Nonsense," the song immediately hinted that big things were coming for Carpenter, debuting at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at No. 3.

Upon announcing her sixth album, Short n' Sweet , Carpenter released "Please Please Please." Combining her now-signature playful, carefree lyricism with an airy, disco-tinged sound, "Please Please Please" didn't just present Carpenter as a confident superstar —  it became her first Hot 100-topping smash.

Carpenter has referred to Short n' Sweet as the "hot older sister" of emails i can't send. "It's my second 'big girl' album; it's a companion but it's not the same," she explained to Variety , to whom she also admitted she feels a "sense of separation" from her work prior to emails . "When it comes to having full creative control and being a full-fledged adult, I would consider this a sophomore album."

It's apt, then, that her Short n' Sweet collaborators — including songwriters Julia Michaels , Amy Allen and Steph Jones — are largely the same as the team from emails i can't send . "I've really honed in on the people that I love making music with," she told Rolling Stone in June.

Even more telling of the direction she's heading is her work with one of pop's hottest producers — and Swift's right-hand man — Jack Antonoff , for the first time. At a GRAMMY Museum event with Antonoff himself, Carpenter debuted the country-infused " Slim Pickins ," presenting yet another pop style from Short n' Sweet . And as "Slim Pickins," "Espresso" and "Please Please Please" indicate, Carpenter's knack for infectious and edgy lyrics isn't just the throughline across Short n' Sweet — it's become the epitome of both her artistry and her stardom.

Just like her metaphorical friend the tortoise, Carpenter's long but steady journey has clearly paid off. As she's figured out who she is on her own terms, she's manifested the bonafide superstardom she's always imagined.

"I never had the plan B, and it wasn't even a thought in my mind that it wouldn't work out," she told Rolling Stone . "I just always knew it was about not if it would happen but when it would happen."

For Carpenter, every chapter of her artistry has built on the last; she's refused to rest on her laurels and continuously pursued new directions. She's creating work that wholeheartedly reflects her, and growing a loyal fan base because of it. Her next album might be named Short n' Sweet , but her time as a pop superstar will be anything but.

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Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/WireImage

A Pirate Looks At Infinity: Jimmy Buffett's Legacy In 15 Songs

A year after his untimely passing, look back at the songs that point most convincingly back to Jimmy Buffett — the man, the artist and now, the never forgotten legend.

When Jimmy Buffett passed away on Sept. 1, 2023 at age 76, the decorated singer/songwriter, performer, author and entrepreneur left behind a legacy that unified a swath of musical genres and people.

The man behind "Margaritaville" — the song and later the brand — and so many other tunes that bridged folk sensibilities with country and rock touches, sometimes called "Gulf & Western," was much more than the beach-obsessed character he played in song. Although he had plenty of industry successes, notching 13 Billboard Hot 100 hits, a pair of GRAMMY Award nominations, while selling more than 20 million albums, his fans loved him for how he made them feel.

In song, he was a true storyteller that was clever, funny and introspective; in performances, he was the quintessential Parrothead to the core. As the ringleader of the party, he was generous enough to share the spotlight with members of his Coral Reefer Band as well as the fans who dressed up, tailgated outside the venues and spread their joy to others.

Both sides of Buffett were crucial building blocks in the business empire he built around his persona as the laid-back, casually philosophical beach bum. The Margaritaville restaurant and resort chains, his Landshark Lager beer and many other ventures made him a billionaire, while his storytelling prowess made him one of few authors to top both fiction and nonfiction bestsellers' lists. While his legacy may be both musical and merchandisable, the endearing qualities of the Parrothead personality he created is the real reward for his fans.

Below, remember Buffett's illustrious career through 15 classic songs — just a glimpse of his genius that made it okay for country singers to loosen up, for rockers to pick up an acoustic guitar, and for the Parrotheads to while away their days in the sun.

"Why Don't We Get Drunk," 'A White Sports Coat and a Pink Crustacean' (1973)

While Buffett's first two albums showed glimpses of the celebrated artist he would become, his songwriting largely hewed close to the earnest observations typical of early-seventies folkies. By his third album, though, he had grown into his winking style of satire and breezy, Nashville-meets-Key West flair.

This cut from A White Sports Coat and a Pink Crustacean combined both, and created the template for hundreds of bleary-eyed sing-alongs to follow. "The Great Filling Station Hold-Up" may have been the proper album single, but "Why Don't We Get Drunk," its controversial B-side, became the bigger tune — and the one featured on his seven-times Platinum compilation, Songs You Know By Heart .

"Come Monday," 'Living & Dying in ¾ Time' (1974)

As Buffett pulled away from his folk sensibilities, Nashville-style balladry became a big part of his sound. "Come Monday"  brings orchestral strings into the mix to help express the yearnings he felt while stuck in "a brown L.A. haze," pining for his love back home. The song resonated with new fans, becoming his first Top 40 single, as it peaked at No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"A Pirate Looks at Forty," 'A1A' (1974)

It probably wasn't a stretch for Buffett to sing so convincingly from the perspective of a seafaring, modern-day pirate. He considered his own later entrepreneurial forays an adventure on the high seas of life. But back in '74, he was so inspired by the real-life stories of a Key West smuggler and rapscallion he befriended that he wrote "A Pirate Looks at Forty" from his perspective. 

A key cut on his second long-player of '74, A1A , "Pirate" is empathetic to the dashed dreams and yearnings of a man looking back at his wins and losses. And despite the eventual billionaire fortunes of Buffett himself, his narrator determines the balance is a draw.

"Margaritaville," 'Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude' (1977)

Buffett's next album, Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude , launched his music career into the stratosphere — and its success had a lot to do with "Margaritaville," a Top 10 hit and the basis of the global brand he later built.

Essentially, "Margaritaville" established the beach-boho lifestyle as an aspiration for millions. Against a backdrop of tropical instruments like steel drum and marimba, Buffett sang of the quiet pleasures of an unhurried life, unconcerned with the tides and buoyed by his favorite blender drink. In 2016, the tune was voted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame, while the Library of Congress added it to the National Recording Registry in April 2023. 

"Son Of A Son Of A Sailor," 'Son Of A Son Of A Sailor' (1978)

Whether Buffett's soft and breezy music can be considered "yacht rock" is a subject of debate, but he certainly rocked a yacht or two in his day — and he dressed the part for the cover of his album Son Of A Son Of A Sailor . The title track is a definitive take on his love of the wandering life, untethered from the anchors many cling to and always in search of the next port of call. A master of ballads whimsical and wistful, Buffett manages to be both at once here.

"Cheeseburger in Paradise," 'Son Of A Son Of A Sailor' (1978)

Before it was a menu item at his Margaritaville-branded restaurants and resorts, "Cheeseburger in Paradise" was a mirage Buffett dreamed about while marooned at sea. As the story goes, a misadventure in the Caribbean left Buffett with only meager rations to survive. And when he finally struck a landing on dry ground, his first meal inspired one of his most enduring songs: an easy-rockin' Top 40 hit about cheeseburgers that somehow isn't a novelty cut — a hat trick only Buffett could pull off.

"Fins," 'Volcano' (1979)

As the lead tune from his 11th album, Volcano , "Fins" entered the pantheon of Buffett concert staples immediately and helped inspire plenty of Parrothead ephemera, as well as the title of the 1990 live album Feeding Frenzy and his Landshark Lager brand. But none of that would be important if not for Buffett's song about a hapless woman who travels to the beach to relax, but instead is encircled by "sharks that can swim on the land." With "fins" to the left and right of her, she's "the only bait in town."

"Boat Drinks," 'Volcano' (1979)

Buffett had a knack for coining phrases — and "Boat Drinks" certainly qualifies among the best. What makes a boat ride better? Boat drinks, of course.

An album cut from Volcano (also featured as a B-side to the single "Survive"), Buffett ironically wrote the song while on a winter sojourn in Boston, exiled from his native habitat and wishing the city's fresh blanket of snow were the sugar-white sands of Florida. Musically, the tune is a quintessential cut from his whirlwind late-seventies period, when Caribbean themes and sonic textures became his calling card.

"It's My Job," 'Coconut Telegraph' (1981)

Long before Mac McAnally joined Buffett as a sideman in the Coral Reefer Band, Buffett sent the young artist a note praising his songwriting. Then, for his 1981 album, Coconut Telegraph , Buffett boosted his new friend's fortunes by recording "It's My Job," a tune McAnally wrote about taking pride in your work — however menial or miserable it may be — while working on a hot Mississippi highway in the summertime. The tune reached No. 57 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Buffett's last appearance on the chart until 2003 (more on that later).

"One Particular Harbor," 'One Particular Harbor' (1983)

The 1980s were the beginning of Buffett's transition from chart champion to blockbuster concert draw. But he still had plenty of gas in the songwriting tank, as songs like "One Particular Harbor" proved.

Inspired by his travels in Polynesia, Buffett sings in Tahitian about the "abundance of the sea" after leaving behind the mainland. While the song was a minor hit on Adult Contemporary radio, it became a fan favorite and a mainstay of live shows from the era. 

"Jamaica Mistaica," 'Banana Wind' (1996)

Like on "Cheeseburger in Paradise," Buffett's penchant for seeing the humor in the unfortunate dustups of his real life shines on the Banana Wind cut "Jamaica Mistaica." In this case, Jamaican police opened fire on his plane, believing he was a smuggler or criminal straight out of his own song "A Pirate Looks at Forty." Set to a reggae beat, though, Buffett lets listeners in on the joke — an endearing quality that earned him the love not only of Parrotheads, but also an official apology from the Jamaican government.

"It's Five O'Clock Somewhere," Alan Jackson's 'Greatest Hits Volume II' (2003)

By the dawn of the new century, Buffett's beach-bum aesthetic had conquered Nashville, the town he left in the early '70s to find his identity as an artist in Key West. And "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere," recorded with country star Alan Jackson and featured on his Greatest Hits Volume II , was exactly the new Buffett-style anthem Music City needed.

It was also what Buffett's 21st century career needed: "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" earned the veteran singer his first No. 1 on Billboard 's Hot Country Songs chart as well as his first GRAMMY nomination (in the Best Country Collaboration With Vocals Category) and his first Country Music Association Award (for Vocal Event of the Year). Later, the song notched the No. 3 song of the decade on Billboard 's Hot Country Songs chart, proving Buffett's staying power amid shifting musical trends.

"Bama Breeze," 'Take the Weather With You' (2006)

After Hurricane Katrina made matchsticks of Buffett's home territory in 2005 — the beachfront bars of Mississippi, Alabama and Florida where he cut his teeth — he responded with the album Take the Weather With You and its leadoff track, "Bama Breeze." The country-rock tune extols the virtues of the so-called "Redneck Riviera" and coming of age as the sun came up outside the dive bars of the Gulf Coast, many of which were now ruined. The song also nods to the fans who have stuck by him since the beginning: "At the Bama Breeze, you're one of our own down there/ You'll never drink alone down there/ Good god, I feel at home down there."

"Knee Deep," 'You Get What You Give' (Zac Brown Band, 2010)

One of the most rewarding markers of a mature career in music is the respect paid by each successive generation of musicians. Newly minted country star Zac Brown paid homage with "Knee Deep," which was written with Buffett in mind and borrows heavily from his long-established beachbound, escape-by-tropics aesthetic. But it truly takes off when Buffett himself takes the second verse and then harmonizes the choruses with Brown. And the combination proved sweet for both acts: the song was certified triple Platinum and landed at No. 1 on Billboard 's Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts.

"Bubbles Up," 'Equal Strain On All Parts' (2023)

Although the public wasn't aware at the time, Buffett was dealing with the effects of Merkel cell carcinoma — the disease that claimed his life — throughout his final years of touring and recording music. Released two months after he passed, Equal Strain On All Parts , his 32nd and final album, arrived like a comforting voice from beyond to Parrotheads and casual fans alike.

On "Bubbles Up," Buffett was in a particularly reflective mood, facing his own mortality in his most measured, reassuring manner. The title phrase came from his survival training — if he were to find himself submerged in water, either from a boat or plane wreck, his trainers advised him to follow the bubbles up to the surface. "They will always point you toward home," he sings, "no matter how deep or how far you roam." 

For a songwriter and performer who spent his life showing the world how to relax, enjoy life and see the humor in life's challenges, the reassuring sentiment — to quote the title of his 2004 album — underscores that a License to Chill has no expiration date.

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From Dusty To Chappell: A Timeline Of Lesbian & Queer Girl Pop Icons

Chappell Roan's record-breaking success is just one of many ways female and nonbinary stars are helping sapphic pop dominate today's culture — but the subgenre's history traces back to the 1950s. Get to know some of the artists who helped pave the way.

In a time where pop balances between intimate vulnerability and brazen confidence, queer pop stars like Chappell Roan , Billie Eilish , Reneé Rapp , FLETCHER , and girl in red are spearheading a movement of their own: the lesbian pop renaissance.

The unofficially coined cultural craze has seen a number of queer women sing openly and explicitly about their same-sex relationships. And they're not holding back: "She was a Playboy, Brigitte Bardot/ She showed me things I didn't know," swoons Roan in "Red Wine Supernova," while Eilish gushes "she dances on my tongue" in "Lunch," and FLETCHER confesses in "girls, girls, girls" that she "kissed a girl and…really, really liked it."

This era of openly sapphic joy follows a history of hardships, with decades of queer artists defying prejudice and homophobia to sing openly about their desires and emotions. It's not been an easy journey — and struggles are still painfully evident. When grilled about her sexuality last year, Eilish declared on Instagram, "I like boys and girls leave me alone about it"; it echoed Dusty Springfield 's 1970s interview when she revealed , "I'm perfectly capable of being swayed by a girl as by a boy... and I don't see why I shouldn't."

Some have defined sapphic pop as a subgenre of indie or bedroom pop, and others have celebrated the more anthemic, upbeat "sapphic bops." But in reality, no one style of music encapsulates lesbian/sapphic songs; these artists are united by loving and desiring other women — some openly, while others were restrained due to societal pressures.

The current wave of unapologetic queer stars marks a pivotal moment in music history, where sapphic pop is no longer cornered in lesbian circles and gay clubs, but dominating mainstream airwaves, and influencing global pop trends while being rightfully celebrated by the masses. So as the current queer female stars continue to thrive, it's important to pay homage to all of the artists that paved the way.

Read on for a history of defiantly queer women and nonbinary people in music — a celebration of who they are, how they have loved and their remarkable musical imprint.

1950s: A Ranchera Folk Queer Pioneer

Costa Rican artist Chavela Vargas began singing in Mexican cantinas as a teenager in the 1950s, becoming a key figure of Mexico City's bohemian artistic boom. With slick, short hair and a powerful presence, Vargas sang regional Mexican music with hoarse fragility in her songs, including "Las simples cosas" and the haunting "La Llorona" (which means "The Weeping Woman"); her sobbing voice echoing the song's grieving protagonist.

With love songs addressed to women and an androgynous sense of style, Vargas never hid her sexuality, but first openly spoke about her lesbianism when she was 81. Before her death in 2012 at the age of 93, she lived a fascinating and exuberant life, was a friend and lover of Frida Kahlo and is rumored to have had flings with the likes of Ava Gardner. With her heart-wrenching vocal command, she is considered one of the most important artists in Latin American folk, and remains a towering figure in Latin American queer history.

1960s: A Fearless Pop Star

Decades before female musicians began openly embracing their sexuality, Dusty Springfield cooly shrugged at rumors about her own — her aforementioned 1970 "coming out" interview solidifies her status as one of the first openly queer female pop stars.

Rising to fame in the 1960s with her blonde beehive and dark eye makeup, Springfield frequented London gay clubs at the height of the Swinging Sixties (which, ironically, didn’t have anything to do with queerness). With hits including "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" and "Son of a Preacher Man," her powerful voice channeled emotion with unnerving vulnerability. Though her music was never quite as frank as she was in the public eye, a few of Springfield's later releases touched on queer themes (1979's "Closet Man" and her 1989 collab with Pet Shop Boys , "In Private").

1970s: Feminist Folk & Funk

The second-wave feminist movement in the U.S. pushed gender issues to the core of the country's socio-politico agenda, including fights for abortion rights (Roe v. Wade in 1973) and the ferocious push to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. Women artists were showing they were more than pop glam, picking up guitars and refusing to dress up for the cameras, favoring casual attire; sapphic pop was entering an era of authenticity and emotional honesty. Along the way, a group of feminist lesbians set up Olivia Records.

In 1975, Olivia's co-founder Cris Williamson released her politically charged folk album, The Changer and The Changed , one of the highest-selling independent records of the time ; two years later, Linda Tillery 's funk-soul track "Womanly Way" explored the sensual side of sapphic love: "I think I'd like to get to know you in a special kind of womanly way" she croons. Pioneering trans sound engineer Sandy Stone was an integral part of the Olivia team until she was forced to leave after receiving harrowing threats from separatist groups, sadly marking the steady decline of the groundbreaking label. 

In the UK, Joan Armatrading attracted buzz after performing gigs around her native Birmingham, earning fans for her slick guitar, melodic piano and powerful vocals. Though her lyrics were gender-neutral, Armatrading's music was largely embraced by the lesbian community — including the 1978 song "Taking My Baby Up Town," which celebrates queer love despite the prejudice and homophobia of the time ("You kissed me/ And then all the people started to stare/ We started a commotion/ Someone making comments, morals/ The state of affairs and I said, "What we got is the best"). In 2008, she performed on Cyndi Lauper 's True Colors Tour, which raised funds for LGBTQIA+ charities; she has spoken openly about her sexuality in the past decade, and has been in a civil partnership with Maggie Butler since 2011.

1980s: Love, Lust & Rock and Roll

The '80s brought a spirit of punk into the mainstream, and queer circles were attracted to the music's rebellion and rage. British-Canadian singer Carole Pope was part of the rock band Rough Trade, characteristically clad in leather and singing raunchy songs dedicated to the joys of BDSM and girl-on-girl eroticism. Rough Trade's lustful 1980 song "High School Confidential" shocked listeners at the time: "It makes me cream my jeans when she comes my way," swoons Pope. In 1981, she had a brief (but intense) relationship with Dusty Springfield.

A new folk movement was quietly brewing in the hushed tones and poignant strums of Tracy Chapman . Though she has never spoken publicly about her sexuality, her GRAMMY-winning hit "Fast Car" has been embraced as a lesbian anthem for its ideals of escapism and unhinged freedom. (Chapman's sexuality was later confirmed by her former lover, author Alice Walker, who spoke about their mid-90s relationship in 2006, though there's no disclosed relation to "Fast Car.")

Folk-rock duo Indigo Girls , who are both openly lesbian, formed in 1985 and immediately cultivated a cult queer following that led to a major label deal in 1988. Their 1989 self-titled album — which spawned the celebrated queer anthem "Closer to Fine" — went double platinum in the U.S. and won a GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Folk Recording in 1990. Just this year, the duo released a documentary, It's Only Life After All , which charts their journey, revealing the homophobic snubs they've stoically endured throughout their career.

Meanwhile, South AfricanBrenda Fassie began making music with her band the Big Dudes in the early 1980s, combining pop with hip-hop and kwaito. While Fassie did not explicitly sing about being queer, she often referred to herself as a lesbian and never hid her relationships with women. A staunch anti-apartheid campaigner, Fassie made pop with powerful social commentary; she was even hailed as the "Madonna of the Townships" for her brazen lyrics. Thought to be Africa's first openly queer pop star, Fassie remains a beacon of acceptance and tolerance in a region where homophobia is still rife — even two decades after her passing.

1990s: Intimacy Resonates

Building on the folk origins of Chapman and Indigo Girls, k.d. lang initially broke through with several country hits in the late '80s, but ruffled feathers with country radio when she came out as a lesbian in 1992. Nonetheless, she never backed down from who she was, and it launched her to sapphic pop stardom. Lang's alluring stage presence and a sensual masc charm helped her score a global hit with 1992's "Constant Craving," which has been cited as an ode to lesbian love. The song won a GRAMMY for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1993 — the same year she posed for a steamy Vanity Fair photoshoot with Cindy Crawford, which goes down in the lesbian history books.

In the late '90s, teenage twins Tegan and Sara picked up guitars and began performing confessional acoustic songs with big pop hooks and grunge elements (1999 track "Proud" features empowering lines such as "Freedom and blood/ I make my mark and fight for tomorrow… I'm proud to be me"). Their unapologetically queer music videos were intentional in their push for inclusion , complete with same-sex make-out scenes featuring LGBTQIA+ actors. The sisters, both openly lesbian, had a cameo in the cult lesbian series "The L Word," and their nonprofit Tegan and Sara Foundation promotes for LGBTQIA+ equality by raising funds for health care programs, summer camp and more.

2000s: Pop Gets Gayer

The 2000s marked a shift away from the acoustic confessionals of the decades prior, with a move into club beats and big pop hooks. Queer band the Gossip, starring charismatic, rebellious frontwoman Beth Ditto , broke all expectations of what pop could be and look like, with punk chords, disco beats and a belting voice. Their 2005 smash hit album, Standing in the Way of Control , confronted the marginalization and fear experienced by the queer community. The album's titular song was written in resistance to George Bush's attempt to outlaw same-sex marriage; "Standing in the way of control/ You live your life/ Survive the only way that you know," screamed Ditto.

Before developing a synth-pop sound on later albums, Chile's Javiera Mena carved emotional, melodic songs on her keyboard with her 2006 debut, Esquemas Juveniles ; the album featured heartfelt love songs like "Camera Lenta," which eschewed pronouns to sing about "the different paths to your eyes" in Spanish. Though she became more explicit with her sexuality in the 2010s — particularly on the lesbo-erotic hit "Espada" — Mena has been recognized as one of the pioneers in Latin America's LGBTQIA+ movement , alongside Ricky Martin , Kany Garcia and Pabllo Vittar .

London teenager Elly Jackson, better known as La Roux, immediately broke onto the pop scene with her smash "Bulletproof," and attracted a queer following for her androgynous looks — a refreshing anecdote to the chart dominance of hyper femme pop-stars of the time. While Jackson initially eschewed any labels, not wanting to be confined to queer audiences and baffled by the public speculation on her sexuality, she later embraced her place as an LGBTQIA+ icon (her 2014 track "Cruel Sexuality" appears to address her own journey: "Cruel sexuality / Am I a fool to let you trouble me?").

2010s: Mainstream Breakthrough

The 2010s marked a significant push for marriage equality, with same-sex marriage rights being awarded in countries like the U.S., UK, Argentina, Germany, and Australia, among others. This movement for equality was paralleled by a growing visibility of LGBTQ+ representation in pop culture — and sapphic pop was beginning to resonate more than ever before.

L.A.-bred trio MUNA released their indie pop debut, About You , in 2017, loaded with heartfelt songs that helped the trio quickly cultivate a die-hard following of queer fans. Listeners identified with the band's rebellion about heteronormative tropes and coming-of-age queer songs like "It's Gonna Be Okay, Baby" ("Your gonna move to New York, and experiment with communism/ Go down on a girl/ After reading her some Frantz Fanon").

Another bisexual indie darling (and MUNA's eventual "Silk Chiffon" collaborator), Phoebe Bridgers, also released her debut in 2017. Titled Stranger in the Alps , the album navigated toxic relationships, as well as Bridgers' experiences with women, with queer fans gravitating toward her unprecedented bisexual representation.

A year later, Bridgers teamed up with fellow LGBTQIA+ stars Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus to form the supergroup boygenius . The trio has flipped the "boy band" trope on its head, showing that masculine heartthrobs can emerge from feminine fluidity. With lyrics that delve into queer love and heartbreak — and live shows featuring plenty of onstage making out — the band has had a seismic impact on the sapphic pop landscape (and won three GRAMMYs in the process).

In the mid-aughts, U.S. pop star Hayley Kiyoko was experimenting with her artistry following the split of being in girl group The Stunners. Reintroducing herself as a solo star in 2013, Kiyoko had the freedom to explore lyrical themes that were more true to her own experience — like her 2015 breakthrough hit, "Girls Like Girls." The song, and accompanying music video, cemented her place in the queer pop canon; which Kiyoko has followed up with several songs about queer love and relationships, including "What I Need" featuring Kehlani (who came out as lesbian in 2021 and has since explored her own sapphic narratives, like 2020's "Tangerine.")

After hinting at their sexuality with the breakup song "Talia" in 2017, King Princess , who is genderqueer, went all-in on their queerness with the laid-back indie love song "Pussy is God" in 2018. Since then, they've built a cult following with songs marked by blatant honesty in a shifting age of gender identity and sexual expression — like 2022's "Sex Shop," which contemplates the use of strap-ons and binders.

Meanwhile, pansexual and nonbinary artist Janelle Monaé donned vagina-shaped pants for their symbolic video "Pynk," their 2018 sapphic sex anthem from Dirty Computer — a queer afro-futurist album that rebelled against the conservative policies of the then-incumbent Trump administration ("If you try to grab my pussy cat/ This pussy cat grab you back" they spit on "I Got The Juice"). The album's accompanying science-fiction film featured Monaé playing an android on the run with a lover, played by Tessa Thompson. Monaé's went even more explicitly queer in follow-up album The Age of Pleasure , a hedonistic kaleidoscope of funk, pop and reggae ("I like lipstick on my neck, leave a ticky hickey in a place I won't forget," they flirt on "Lipstick Lover").

2020s: Sapphic Pop Explosion

Though we're only four years into the 2020s, the decade has been marked by an explosion of sapphic pop. New Jersey pop star FLETCHER helped kick off the movement in 2020 with her EP The S(ex) Tapes , which navigated the end of a lesbian relationship through dark pop hooks loaded with sensual energy. Two years later, she doubled down on the lesbian narrative with her debut album, Girl Of My Dreams , which spawned one of the most viral queer songs of the decade this far, "Becky's So Hot." (In between, she delivered another lesbian bop alongside Kiyoko with 2021's "Cherry.")

Norwegian indie star girl in red, who is openly queer, cultivated a huge online following after the release of standalone early singles (in the track "i wanna be your girlfriend," she sings, "Oh Hannah… I don't wanna be your friend/ I wanna kiss your lips"), before releasing her highly anticipated debut if i could make it go quiet in 2021, featuring songs like "Did You Come?" ("Did you do the things you know I like? Roll your tongue, make her cum 20 times?"). Her connection to lesbians and bisexual women was so strong that the term "do you listen to girl in red?" evolved into a code to identify fellow queers on Sapphic TikTok . In the Latin urban scene, openly gay Puerto Rican star Young Mikko is shaking up reggaeton with her assured flow and cheeky, suggestive singles including "Peach" — an ode to her lover's rounded butt. Brazilian star Ludmilla makes listeners blush with her sensual track "Sintomas de Prazer," talking about getting turned on while giving her lover pleasure. After Billie Eilish established herself as one of the biggest pop stars of her generation, she faced intense pressure to come out as queer in November 2023. Six months later, her sexuality became a central theme in her third album, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT — particularly the album's first single, "LUNCH," a fearless ride on pleasuring women. She seems to be enjoying her newfound freedom, too: in her recent remix of Charli XCX's "Guess," she deviously sings, "I wanna … kiss it bite it, can I fit it?/ Charli likes boys, but she knows I'd hit it."

Eilish was one of many Coachella 2024 performers who brought sapphic pop to the desert. Reneé Rapp's set was introduced by the cast of "The L Word," Ludmilla 's shared a tender onstage kiss with her wife during love song "Maldivas", and of course, Chappell Roan — decked in her Eat Me tee — had thousands to sing along with her unabashedly kinky hits.

Roan herself is redefining pop, with outfits inspired by drag aesthetic and lyrics that are unapologetically sapphic ("Knee deep in the passenger's seat and you're eating me out/ Are we casual now?" she sings in country pop ballad "Casual"). In August, Roan broke records for attracting Lollapalooza's largest-ever crowd , and her rapidly rising fame helped her 2023 album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess , reach No. 2 on the all-genre Billboard 200 (and a UK No. 1) nearly a year after its release.

Lesbian and queer artists have been making music for decades — and with artists more openly celebrating their sexuality than ever before, it's an undeniably exciting and historic time for the LGBTQIA+ music community. A new era of sapphic pop is upon us, and it's hot, explicit and gleefully unrestrained. You could even call it a femininomenon.

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14 Pinoy Pop Acts You Should Know: G22, Maki, KAIA, ALAMAT, & More

Love K-pop or J-pop? The Philippines has an abundance of talent to offer in the world of P-pop. From BGYO to Maymay Entrata, get to know some of the groups and solo artists who are helping Pinoy pop blossom.

It's no secret that Filipinos can unapologetically belt out a song from Celine Dion , Whitney Houston or any pop diva on the mic. But beyond the viral videos of them singing their hearts out in malls or in their homes, the Filipino music scene is vibrantly filled with heart and emotions; and often taken over by powerful soloists like the Philippine pop princess Sarah Geronimo, balladeers like Martin Nievera or Morisette Amon, and acoustic/rock bands like Ben&Ben or Up Dharma Down that often sing about love, heartbreak and life.

Within the last decade, we've seen an evolution in the Philippine music scene: while solo stars continue to shine, pop groups have begun to take over the spotlight. The concept of pop groups have existed before in Philippine entertainment, however, were usually formed through variety shows or composed of actors and actresses — not necessarily pop idols that you can compare in other Asian music markets like Japan and South Korea.

It really wasn't until 2018, during the peak of third-generation K-pop, where we saw the beginning of first generation Pinoy pop idol groups. Inspired and influenced by the K-pop idol training system, some P-pop entertainment companies have begun implementing similar systems, or inviting Korean mentors who are active in the industry for any vocal and dance training needed.

Two of the most notable first-gen P-Pop groups are SB19 and BINI, who are at the forefront of bringing P-pop to a global audience. Five-piece boy band SB19 became the first Southeast Asian group to be nominated for a Billboard Music Award in 2021, and their 2023 single "GENTO" was approved for GRAMMY consideration last year. Meanwhile, eight-piece girl group BINI have earned the title as the Nation's Girl Group after a string of successful viral hits including "Salamin, Salamin" and "Pantropiko"; just this year, they made history as the first P-pop act to perform at KCON in Los Angeles.

Of course, the P-pop universe wouldn't be complete without solo acts. P-pop fans love to celebrate the timeless discography of Sarah Geronimo or gush over Asia's pop heartthrob Darren Espanto, and there's always new individual talent proving that the scene is still thriving.

As major P-pop stars continue to make waves, there's tons of blossoming acts who are helping to raise the Filipino flag in the global music scene. In light of the bright future ahead, here are a mix of P-Pop groups and soloists you should check out.

If the actual country of the Philippines were a pop group, it would be ALAMAT. The six member group — composed of Taneo, Mo, Jao, Tomas, R-ji, and Alas — under Viva Records values Filipino culture in their concepts.

Each member hails from different regions of the Philippines and also speak different dialects from their respective regions. Using dialects and culture to their advantage, ALAMAT often incorporates traditional folk dances, instruments, and lyrics in their native languages; and blends them into the modern sounds of hip-hop, R&B and dance.

Formed in 2018 and officially making their debut under Star Music in 2021 with "The Light," the quintet composed of Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate are known as the "Aces of P-Pop." The name BGYO even celebrates their heritage, as it's an acronym for "Becoming the change, Going further, You and I, Originally Filipino."

Often fusing pop sounds with R&B, the boy group isn't afraid to get quirky with their concepts — whether they're singing a ballad in suits or wearing vibrant oversized ones. As a result, their music is helping BGYO score big wins: Their single "The Baddest" made them the first Filipino act to top Billboard's Next Big Sound chart in 2021, followed by P-Pop Group of the Year at the TikTok Awards Philippines in 2022.

Debuting under SB19's former label, ShowBT Philippines, KAIA is composed of members Angela, Charlotte, Sophia, Alexa, and Charice. The quintet officially made their debut in 2022 with their lead single "BLAH BLAH" — a powerful EDM-pop track that can be considered for your gaming playlist.

The name KAIA is a double entendre: a Cebuano word "kinaiya" meaning one's self and personality; and the Tagalog word "kaya" which roughly translates "to be able to" or "can do." In other words, a P-pop girl group that can give you the extra boost when you need that sonic encouragement on the daily.

Inigo Pascual

One of the Philippine heartthrobs, Inigo Pascual is a suave and smooth pop soloist who aims to make you swoon with his R&B-pop serenades. His pop-doowop hit "Dahil Sa'Yo" off his solo debut of the same name became the first song to top the Billboard Philippines Top 20 chart in 2016.

Right from his debut, the actor and singer/songwriter continued to soar in his career when he released his international single "Options" in 2019. Just last month, the chart-topping singer unveiled his latest project, Basta't Alam Kong Tayo 1 , a three-track single-album under Republic Records Philippines.

If you already listen to K-pop, then you are familiar with the girl crush concept where the sounds are bass-heavy and the looks are all about dark outfits with smokey makeup. If that's up your alley, then check out G22.

Under Cornerstone Entertainment, the former quartet-turned-trio composed of members AJ, Alfea, and Jaz are known to be the "Female Alphas of Philippine Pop." The trio officially made their debut in April 2022 with their first single "BANG!" which was then followed by their second single "Babalik!" in May. But don't be fooled by their powerful demeanors — the trio also has a light and soft side to themselves in their B-sides and singles too.

If G22 is dubbed as the "Female Alphas of Philippine Pop," then VXON are said to be the "Monsters of P-pop" — so don't be fooled by the pretty boy looks VXON may carry. They are a P-pop group that can balance bubblegum pop with beast-like concepts, as if you're watching the transformation of boys to men. But at their core, they're making music to capture your heart (see for yourself with their viral R&B hit "Sandal").

Making their official debut in January 2022, the group consists of five members: C13, Franz, Patrick, Vince and Sam. After a big first year — they won Favorite Rookie P-Pop Group at Nylon Manila's Big, Bold, and Brave Awards in 2022 — VXON have continued winning hearts, most recently delivering a series of swoon-worthy live sessions on their YouTube channel.

Maymay Entrata

A multi-talented soloist, Maymay embodies Filipino entertainment, a fun and vibrant breath of fresh air within the Philippine music scene. She takes pride in her Visayan roots and stays grounded from her humble beginnings, even naming and singing her songs in Visaya, Tagalog and English.

First known as the season 7 winner of "Pinoy Big Brother" in 2016, Maymay has made a name for herself as a musical artist in the last couple of years. Signed under the same label as BINI and BGYO, Maymay is grandiose in her music, presenting a plethora of genres in her discography, from disco to dance pop to a little salsa with visuals that encapsulate inspiration from Filipino culture. "Her journey is only going further as she teased her first and upcoming international single "Paradise" at the 'ASAP Natin 'To in California' concert earlier this month."

Formerly known as SBTCBoys, the six-member boy group composed of Theo, Gab, Justin, Yen, Haro, and JL made their debut in 2023 with their first EP +.Y.M. (stylized and read as Time). Steering away from the traditional lead single promotions, PLUUS broke boundaries by promoting three tracks at once with "Amigo," "My Time" and "Cross My Heart" last year.

The trio of tracks also displayed PLUUS' wide array of talents: "Amigo" is a hip-hop-heavy dance pop track celebrating camaraderie; whereas "My Time" follows the personal stories of being an idol; and "Cross My Heart" is a love song about letting go. They've continued showing their versatility in 2024, with the airy single "Universe" and the thumping track "Summotion."

1st.One was already putting themselves on the map, and embodying their name, before they even made their official debut in July 2020; the month before, they became the first Filipino act to perform at the Seoul Music Awards. The six members — Ace, Max, Alpha, J, Joker, Jayson — debuted under the Philippine subsidiary of FirstOne Entertainment in South Korea with their single electronic pop single  "You Are The One (Ttak Maja Nuh)."

If you're into the nostalgic sounds of second-gen K-pop, 1st.One may be your seamless transition into P-pop. But just like any other group, they've explored different sounds and concepts; earlier this year, the group switched it up and dropped their R&B slow jam single "Dito" that was choreographed by member Max.

1st.One's sister group, DIONE (or stylized as D1ONE), also debuted in 2020, carrying that girl crush aesthetic with them. Some members of the group were first introduced as LUNA, a project trainee group under FirstOne Entertainment set to debut. Eventually, the quartet composed of Joyden, DK, Clara, and Ella released their digital single "BLING BLING" in April 2022.

Upon their official debut, the quartet's image delivered expensive pop, soundtracking their luxurious, high-fashion looks with EDM-driven pop — somewhat reminiscent of the sounds of second-gen K-pop groups like 2NE1 and After School. Their music is fun, energetic and quite tantalizing.

Fairly new to the game, YARA is oozing with charisma, from their rap flows to their dance moves. Signed under Sony Music Philippines, YARA consists of four members — Gelou, Rocher, Christa, and Kim — who blend rap, hip-hop and pop all together.

Debuting in March 2023, the P-pop girl group released their first single "Adda" (short for "Apat Dapat Dapat Apat"). Earlier this year, the group revived the old school bubblegum pop song "Bakit Papa?" by variety show girl group Sexbomb Girls, and gave it an R&B twist. Their recent track "Katawan Flow" sees the group making the dancehall genre their own — hinting that their musical direction will always be unpredictable.

Maki isn't your typical idol pop singer, but that's exactly what makes him a promising soloist. He seamlessly blends alternative rock and pop together, triggering a listener to get in their feels along the way.

When he's not dancing to BINI's "Cherry On Top," you can often find Maki strumming a guitar, questioning various love-related situations. And it seems his approach is working: his latest release, "Dilaw," topped the Billboard Philippines' Hot 100 and Billboard Top Philippines Songs for multiple weeks in July.

Officially making their debut under Tyronne Escalante Artist Management and Merlion Events Production in 2022, CALISTA is working toward being the next P-pop greats. Carrying more of a girl crush vibe, CALISTA's sounds blend dreamy pop with 808 beats and R&B.

Originally debuting as a six-member ensemble with the trap-inspired pop single "Race Car," the group has spent the majority of 2024 as a quartet comprised of Anne, Dain, Elle, and Denise. Their latest single "Let Me Know" has made its way around TikTok, helping them get one step closer to achieving superstar status.

Originally known as YAMA, ECLYPSE is fairly new, but definitely promising, to the P-Pop game. Comprised of six former participants of reality-survival show "Top Class" (Lex, Gilly, Dean, Clyde, Gab, Joshuel) and one who was announced as a member on the live-streaming app KUMU (Rave), the group have been forming since 2022 and made their official debut this year under GKD Labels.

Whether they're taking on a light or dark concept, their sounds revolve around the EDM genre — a seamless fit for their tones and voices. If you're a fan of synths, harmonies and falsetto, this may be the group for you.

Photo: Annie Lai

On Her New Album 'Buzz,' NIKI Embraces Radical Acceptance & The Art Of Letting Go

While processing a whirlwind of releases and tours, NIKI dug deep to create the empowered, thoughtful 'Buzz.' The singer/songwriter details the creative process behind her latest LP, and how she arrived in her "no clowns era."

At multiple points during our conversation discussing her latest album Buzz , NIKI falls back on one phrase. "I should speak for myself." While she cuts herself off often, physically but gently coaxing herself back on track, NIKI's latest release is defiantly personal.

"I think it's going to mark a new era for me musically. Personally, it is my favorite thing I've ever done." she says of the album. 

The past few years of NIKI's life have been spent in constant flux. The artist started her career as a performing artist on YouTube, did a headlining tour in support of her second album Nicole , and eventually became the first Indonesian artist to perform at Coachella (alongside fellow 88Rising labelmate Rich Brian). For the former self-proclaimed perfectionist, the exhaustion and rudderlessness of touring threw open the doors to some much needed introspection. When NIKI found herself alone, she realized had no idea who she was or what she was doing. So, she did the only thing she could do: write songs. 

"I write songs as a way to process my life as it's happening. Everyone has different ways of coping, and that just happens to be mine," the 25-year-old singer confesses. Buzz was written between tour dates, with no "concrete vision" in mind; in fact, it was probably the first time that NIKI had truly processed everything that had happened in her career. "Writing 'Buzz' was a very reflection-oriented time. I was making sense of my present and how my past has sort laid down the stepping stones, and everything in between." 

Confronted with a constant feeling of being uprooted and the vast unknown, NIKI realized that keeping a tight grip on how she approached, understood, and perceived her emotions was counterproductive. "Writing 'Buzz' was my way to deal with a lot of this existentialism that I was coming into for the first time in my early 20s," she continues. "I feel like everyone is starting to ask the big, deep, difficult questions when they start to live on their own and have to trudge through life as their own person." 

With an intimate, oft-minimalistic sound and almost stream of consciousness lyrics Buzz is an album for letting go of control and the learned behaviors of perfectionism in the favor of self-awareness, where NIKI processes "a spectrum of world weariness, of excitement, of joy and pain and all the moments in between."

"Buzz" is where she finds herself anew. She takes her time mulling over the hard questions on "Nothing Can", allows herself to grieve the loss of a great love on "Paths", breaks the cycle of generational trauma on "Strong Girl" and "Heirloom Pain", and learns that there is "freedom in accepting that everything is just incomplete and messy all the time." 

This interview has been edited and condensed.

When I was reading about the album, it appeared that you faced an identity crisis while making it. Do you feel satisfied with it or are you anxious about how people will receive it?

I think it's both. Anytime I'm on the cusp of releasing something, I'm always a little bit nervous as to how people are going to receive it. At the same time, I feel like I made this record with full conviction in myself and in my artistry. 

I think this is really the first time that I'm able to say that. I steered the making of this record myself. 

A lot of the songs on 'Buzz' felt like waves, with a very natural flow and progression to the songs on the album. It felt like you were giving into a feeling or embracing something. Did you allow yourself to feel [this flow] or did you have a concrete vision?

Buzz was the first album that I made that I didn't actually have a concrete vision in mind. It was just an organic synthesis of what's been happening over the past two years. 

Two years ago I started headline touring, and that inspired a lot of the album. Just this feeling of constantly being on the go, being uprooted time and time again, so the theme of acceptance is a huge one on this album. The acceptance of life being a constant state of uncertainty. We, as people, are constantly developing and irresolute. So this album was kind of made to process those feelings.

It’s an album of nuance, of nestling into this area of gray that we so often wrestle with in life. I definitely tend to see things as black and white. I was raised to think that way, with my Indonesian upbringing. My mom was very religious, so I think this album is about unlearning a lot of that stuff, taking what serves you from childhood and letting go of what doesn't, and embracing that things will feel messy very often.

Yet you  ended the album itself on a very hopeful note. Was that intentional?

Absolutely. Sometimes I joke that the universe has its foot on my neck right now. But I think, in general, I'm quite an optimistic person, or at least I try to be. I gravitate towards art or music that tends to skew that way, because I think we all need a little bit of hope in this very difficult, scary world. 

The record ends with "Nothing Can." I love that song, because it's a blend of optimism, but also it's just telling it as it is. Like, nothing and no one will be able to save you and I think that was an important thing that I had to teach myself.

Growing up, you watch a lot of movies and so much of media is like,  somebody's going to come swooping in knight in shining armor-style and maybe rescue you. Or a job will save you from your pain or the perfect fill-in-the-blank is gonna be the answer. That's impossible. You are responsible for your own happiness. What "Nothing Can" is about is that despite the mess and the suffering and the pain there are still moments in between that make everything worthwhile.

Did you go through a similar process of realization when it comes to making music? A moment where you thought, 'Maybe I'm expecting my career to make me happy but it should be the other way around?'

How do I eloquently say this? It's like... before Buzz , and even before Nicole , the way I perceived making music was like aceing assignments. I think I had always been a little bit of an overachiever. Buzz was my first real, true exercise in just writing and making art just to make art for myself versus to fulfill expectations. I found a lot of artistic healing through making this album because it was the first time I really kind of put my head down and was like: I'm going to make an album for myself in a way that I want and that feels authentic.

I realized quickly that every time I hit a milestone, I would aspire for the next milestone. And then there's always sky above sky — that is what my mom always told me. There is always something more to aspire to. So you really have to find peace and joy within yourself in order to show up the way you want to in your life. I wrote Buzz , just to help myself let go of the perfectionist streak.

So, if you were to describe the relationship between 'Nicole' and 'Buzz' knowing what you do now, what would you call it?

I have fondly nicknamed Buzz Nicole 's older, wiser sister. Nicole walked so that Buzz could run. Nicole was a very diaristic window into my past and Buzz is very much rooted in my present.  Nicole is about the subject matter that's important to you when you're 17, like your first ever breakup with your first love that feels so cataclysmic and earth-shattering. That's no longer relevant to me the same way that things are happening in my 20s now. 

Nicole was also sonically a lot more pop. On Buzz , I was inspired by a lot of artists. Obviously Joni Mitchell , and a current artist that I really love that I feel like echoes Joni Mitchell is Madison Cunningham . I am so inspired by her musicianship and guitar playing specifically. It made me think: I would want to have an album that I'd be so stoked to play every single night for however long on tour and I never get sick of these songs . Buzz is more musical, and there is a looseness to it that I feel Nicole lacked.

I also remember you saying in an interview that back when you wrote 'Nicole,' you went very heavy on imagery and metaphors. In contrast, 'Buzz' is still poetic, but very rooted in practicality. Do you think that's a natural consequence of growing up, and dealing with the realization that once life has hit us in the face, we don't prefer not to look at things with rosy lenses?

[Laughs.] I think it is a natural consequence of growing up. I think Nicole was so unapologetically schmaltzy. The way I wrote, I definitely cringe now because, you know, it's that 17-year-old drama. Everything feels so blown up out of proportion when you're 17, right? It was so emotional . The way I write [now] is totally different because there's a big dose of practicality and pragmatism  in the way I perceive things. I think it's a lot more emotionally healthier to balance emotion and reason, than having emotions just completely drown reason.

Buzz , specifically, is very much a reflection of the kind of writing that I gravitate to now, which is a lot less like "My world is going to end because you're leaving." Because you know when you're 25, you don't really necessarily feel that anymore. I feel that's really obvious in songs like "Take Care" and "Paths" where it is an older kind of love. A significant relationship of mine ended, and I still very much have only respect and love for this person and also wanting the best for them. I feel like, on Nicole , it was all so punitive. It was like, "You must be punished for how you hurt me!"

Was there anything that helped you learn to deal with things in this way? I did read that the album also contains some lessons that you learned in therapy.

Therapy has had a direct link to this record. Therapy has been transformative in the way I think and therefore the way I think shapes the way I write, and the way I write shapes the album that I make. 

For example, I call "Heirloom Pain" and "Nothing Can" my "radical acceptance" songs. That was a term that I learnt through therapy. Radical acceptance does not mean demeaning your grief or repressing your pain. Radical acceptance is saying, This really sucks, but I'm going to respond to this in a different way . Without therapy, I probably would still be writing very punitive schmaltzy Nicole songs.

I think everything can be processed, though! I feel like Buzz has a balance. I feel like I'm still pretty petty on "Colossal Loss" and "Focus" is just shade central. 

"Focus" really made me think you must be in your 'I'm not your therapist" era.

Exactly, I'm in my "no clowns" era. [Laughs.]

Radical acceptance makes a lot of sense. "Heirloom Pain" has this keen realization that our parents did their best, and they're only human, so you can't really blame them.

I think it humanizes everybody in [your family tree] that came before you, and at the very end, I flip it around onto [the listener] and [the song says] "You're gonna fall in love and f— up too."

We are born and everyone does the same thing over and over. We never learn! But at the same time, it doesn't shy away from the genuine pain and trauma. I literally called out my dad's temper and my mom's mistakes. Sometimes I'm like, 'Why did you guys not think about this before you had kids?' [Laughs.]

As you grow up…your parents kind of fall off the pedestal, you start to get on their level. You see them as humans. 

This is such a primitive album for you in some ways. What was the recording process for this like?

When I am in work mode, I don't always feel it. If I'm singing a painful song, usually that hits me a little bit later. When I recorded "Paths," that was basically a one-take thing that I did in my own studio at home. I remember just singing through the whole song for the first time, and at one point in the middle, I choked. I started to tear up because I felt so emotionally moved.

With this album specifically, I've learned my methods. I never do more than three takes, especially for vocals. If I do more than three takes, it starts to... you know the feeling of when you look at a word too long and the word doesn't look like a word anymore? When I sing the same thing too many times, I start to not feel it anymore. ["Paths"] felt like exposure therapy. I wrote the thing that I was really scared to write and then I was singing it.

It's interesting you say that you don't like singing your songs on repeat. What is your relationship with touring like then? Does it get exhausting performing the same song or set over and over?

Touring is definitely a different beast. I feel like it's more important to get the right take when you're recording an album, because an album is forever. A show is different every single night. To be completely honest, sometimes as a performer, if you do it so many times like it's muscle memory. You can slip into autopilot over time. The constantly changing variable on tour is the crowd. So whatever is happening in the crowd is usually enough to inject a newness to the show. 

I also wrote Buzz for this reason. I wanted an album that felt looser and felt more relaxed even in its DNA so that when I go on tour, I can play it as loosely as possible to create space for variety. 

It also feels like you've learned to be more accepting. Your recordings used to be a fairly solitary affair but now you've actively started involving more people in it.

I definitely ventured out into involving more collaborators and it's not just me and my laptop and headphones anymore, but I definitely still am very selective with who I let into my musical universe, because I have a specific vision of how I want things to sound, and what kind of environments I work best in. 

The way I like to work is that I start a skeletal framework for [a song], I produce it a little bit, record some parts. Then I call a producer that I respect, who I've seen work on my other favorite artists and then I give them that framework and then we finish it together. I worked with Ethan Gruska , who worked with Phoebe Bridgers , and Tyler Chester – who helped me produce "Strong Girl" – worked on all of Madison Cunningham's stuff. It's really fun to keep the circle small. 

A lot of songs on 'Buzz', like "Blue Moon," "Paths" and "Magnets" talk  about putting faith in a higher power.

I grew up very religious. My mom was a singer at church, so God was always an integral concept growing up. I wouldn't call myself a Christian now, but I definitely still believe in something greater than all of us. Julia Cameron, who wrote The Artist's Way , said: "God can be God to you, or it can stand for Good Orderly Direction." I think it is a beautiful way of thinking about it. 

I definitely am also an astrology girlie. I do believe that we were all made with intention. I do think there's a great creator out there and I believe that there is something out there — the universe, God, whatever you want to call it — that's guiding us or has our best interest. 

Do you like revisiting your past stuff? I ask this because it feels like with every new album, you have proverbially wiped the slate clean.

I will literally listen to my work or my music a million times before it's out. And then once it's out, I rarely ever revisit it.I almost see it as yours; it's the world’s now. It's ours. It's not something that I have been intentional about. Even when I had a YouTube channel when I was 15, I did this. I would watch my video and edit it five million times. And then as soon as I uploaded it, I never watched it again. 

I guess I do this to process my life as it's happening. Once it's shared, it's difficult for me to view it as just my own anymore. That's why every time I move on to a new project it feels like a completely different thing, because I never look at my past work. I never draw from that as an inspiration. I look forward instead. 

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