Have your kids ever found themselves stuck for drawing inspiration? Look no further than The Endless Art Challenge, a creative deck of cards designed to kickstart imaginations into endless drawing joy. Created by illustrator Megan Roy, the deck is split into three categories: Subject, Colour, and Wild Card. You take three (or more) cards from the box, and you’re immediately sent into new and often unexpected directions. With 30 cards in each section, there are over 25,000 possible combinations, so no two sessions will ever feel the same.
We bought the deck for our nine-year-old daughter, an art lover and keen artist in the making. It’s quickly become one of her favourite ways to draw since it not only opens imaginations wide but also prevents creative block. On arrival, the first thing we noticed was how beautifully considered the packaging is: a sturdy, protective box with each section neatly organised. On the back of every card is artwork created by one of 90 artists from around the world, offering inspiration and a chance to discover new styles by a range of great illustrators.
Of course, the prompts on the front are where the magic happens. At the time of writing this, I have the deck sitting next to me, and having reached in, I pull out a “Wild Card” which reads ‘Make it a meme’, a second go gets me ‘Try something new. Use a brush, tool, or colour you don’t normally use. Create in a new location. Try a new medium. Just switch things up. Both very different prompts to get the ideas flowing, which is sometimes all an artist needs.
From Solo Play to Family Game
For our daughter, the cards are brilliant for solo play, but we’ve also found them perfect for family activities. The way we play is by drawing one card from each category, then setting a ten-minute timer for a burst of “speed art.” We’ve now done this a handful of times, and it always ends in a mix of surprising, funny, and sometimes impressive creations. Even our five-year-old son joins in, picking up new skills and delighting in the process.
There’s also a community element baked in: once you’ve finished a piece, you can share it online using the hashtag #TheEndlessArtChallenge and see how others around the world responded to the same prompts. For kids, it’s a way of feeling part of something bigger, and a chance to see how creativity connects us all, even across continents.
“What I like about the cards is when you pick them, you never know what you’ll get. It’s cool how it always helps me make new art without getting stuck.”
— Mila, Age 9.
Creativity Without Pressure
The beauty of the deck is its flexibility. Kids can use it independently, families can make a game of it, and adults can join in too. As someone who previously spent a decade of my career as an illustrator, I love that this product encourages experimentation and, at the same time, removes the pressure to “get it right.” Each session ends with something unexpected, unusual, and uniquely yours, which is really the point of creativity in the first place.
“I like that you get to draw lots of different things, and it’s really fun to do when I can’t think of anything I want to draw.”
— Hari, Age 5.
Our Final Thoughts
Whether you’re nurturing a little artist or just looking for a way to get creative together as a family, The Endless Art Challenge does deliver. It’s playful, beautifully designed, and endlessly inspiring. I can see the concept being timeless, and if it teaches our children to explore creativity in new ways, then it’s a good investment. The beauty of this product is that it still challenges kids to think of content, it just gives them a helping hand.
- What We Like: Sturdy, well-designed cards; inspiring prompts that work for any age; fun as both a solo tool and a group game; 25,000+ combinations mean it never gets old; the global artist artwork is a lovely touch. It’s also a really nice gift idea and can be found online at a range of prices, ranging from around £15-25, depending on where you shop.
- What to Consider: Children who prefer step-by-step guidance may need a bit of encouragement at first, but once they get into it, the freedom is part of the joy. It’s also for reading age kids, so worth bearing that in mind if buying.
