Editorial monthly challenges

We have learnt over the last year all about the problems our planet is facing and explored some of the solutions that you and your community can become part of. This is the silver lining of the issue, we are the problem and therefore we are also the solution.

We have also never seen such recognition of a need for change, and this change will come, it is up to all of us to make sure it happens in time.

For a long time, it has been thought that the answer to the biggest problems our natural world is facing rested on the shoulders of scientists and governments. However, recently it is becoming much clearer that it is not just these groups of people who have the tools to protect our planet.

Each and every one of us can make our voices and actions count, and strive towards positive change.

With this month's prompt, we will explore what we can do to help turn the tide against the impacts of Climate Change.

Every single one of us has an impact on earth every day, it is up to us whether this will be a positive or negative one.

Let's find out more about the decisions we can take!

We hear about climate change a lot recently, but do we actually know what climate change is?

Since earth was created the climate has been fluctuating between colder and warmer periods. There have been times when the majority of the world was tropical, and there have been times when most of the planet was covered in ice.

So why is modern day climate change different? And why is it such a threat?

The illegal wildlife trade is one of the biggest threats to our planet’s biodiversity.

It’s vital that we celebrate the important work that the rangers, law enforcement officers and rescue centres do in order to try and stop this trade and care for the species who are targeted.

It is a difficult job which demands a strong heart, but without these people continuing their hard work, we would not be able to protect our planet’s species.

Habitat loss is the major cause of almost all plant and animal population losses.

This destruction is happening in all corners of the world. From the deepest oceans to the tallest mountains, humans are encroaching on our natural areas and destroying the complex systems of life that we rely on, but there is hope.

Ecosystems can be rebuilt, slowly but surely, a helping hand can bring life back to where it was once lost — This is called rewilding.

For too long our world has been running on unsustainable fossil fuels. This is raising the temperature of our planet and causing our climate to change.

By using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and hydro-electric, we can power our human world, without harming our natural world.

Let's create a POSTER to spread awareness about this topic and show that a greener future is our only option.

Some foods have a very high environmental impact through their production and distribution. Many foods impact pollution, climate change and habitat loss, some foods are quickly becoming unsustainable.

Thankfully demand drives production and this means we can play a big part when we make our shopping choices! By choosing sustainable foods, grown locally and seasonally as well as reducing our meat intake, we can reduce the pressure our food puts on the environment.

A truckload of plastic enters the ocean every single minute and UK supermarkets produce 800,000 tonnes every year. With production increasing, that’s set to rise. Plastic is everywhere. Useful and convenient, it’s also a massive pollution problem, especially in our oceans.

Turtles and seabirds become ensnared in discarded plastics, and tiny micro-plastics are eaten by pretty much everything.

Help us make others aware about the mounting issue of plastics and what changes we can make to reach sustainable solutions.

How will it affect us and what impact will rising sea levels have on the world?

Is there an answer to prevent our coastal communities from submerging underwater or can we find other solutions towards adaptation?

Let's create a POSTER to spread awareness and show how we can act together to preserve the place we all call Home: our Planet.

For the past 40 years, scientists told us that the coral reefs were in danger because of global warming and action had to be taken before bleaching occurred in the Great Barrier Reef and other reefs around the world. Help us make others aware with your poster. Research what can be done to slow, halt and eventually reverse the damage.

Small changes, small actions can make a big difference! They can have a global impact.

Create an eye-catching poster to show how deforestation is affecting our planet. You can also focus on what we can do to slow, halt and eventually reverse it.

Specs: 9” x 12”, 300dpi, any media, illustration only or including typography/hand lettering.

Do you live and work from a small studio/share a flat with friends and are juggling to find a quiet spot to work from? Or the quiet spot is just a far dream now that you are working and homeschooling?

Show a scene (portrait) of a typical remote working day or a few consecutive square panels with your remote work challenges!

Optional: Try pen and ink or a limited palette

Have fun!

Is it from an old family tradition (do you know its origin, where your meal originated from?) or did you create it yourself?

Create an illustration of the ingredients (with hand lettering labels) and the prepared dish.

You can also try to use a limited palette if you like the extra challenge!

Have fun!

Have you adopted or want to rescue a dog or cat from your nearby Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals?

Some people have and found that doing so, their new pets gave them comfort, love and hope.

People donating time and home-made supplies?

The person sewing thousands of masks to donate?

The doctors and key workers, folks helping with food pantries?

Have fun drawing this beautiful Catalan capital in one of your favourite season, or all 4 if you can!

Create one or more map illustrations of Barcelona, showing iconic buildings and landmarks in different seasons of the year.

Remember, it's not always sunny in Barcelona!

How do I love thee, let me count the ways?

Create 10 vignette illustrations to show how much you love ____. It can be your significant other, your child(ren), your pet, food, etc.

Have fun!

Is it exercising more? losing weight? preparing & eating healthier meals? Or is it learning a new skill/hobby?

We'd love to see your new year plan in a catchy infographic using your own unique style!

Is it a feast, a brunch or an intimate dinner?

How do you decorate your table? Fancy tablecloths? Candles? Pretty bouquet of flowers?

Have fun illustrating it!

Fill it up with things to pack when travelling in winter!

Have fun drawing!