New Medium

Every creative has their comfort zone—the tools, techniques, and styles that feel like second nature. But growth often happens when we step outside of that familiarity and embrace the unknown.

This week’s challenge is all about exploring uncharted territory. What happens when a painter picks up a pen? Or a writer experiments with photography? Trying something new can shift your perspective, spark unexpected ideas, and even breathe new life into your favorite medium.

Let’s get curious and see where the unfamiliar takes us!

The Challenge Prompt

Your mission this week: Pick a medium you’ve never worked with before (or rarely use) and dive in.

• If you’re a visual artist, try your hand at writing or collage.

• If you’re a writer, explore photography, painting, or even music.

• If you’re a musician, experiment with a new instrument, app, or sound.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s discovery. Let the unfamiliar guide your process and see what surprises emerge.

Creative Examples to Inspire You

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Visual Artists

• Try digital tools if you usually work traditionally, or create a small sculpture with found objects.

• Experiment with collage using magazine clippings, fabric, or random materials from around the house.

Writers

• Write a blackout poem by redacting words from a printed page to reveal something new.

• Try stream-of-consciousness writing and see where your unfiltered thoughts lead.

• Explore microfiction—a story in six words or under 300 characters.

Musicians

• Use an instrument or sound library you’ve never tried before.

• Explore a music app that lets you manipulate beats or loops in a new way.

• Challenge yourself to create a piece in an unfamiliar genre.

Designers

• Experiment with hand-drawn sketches or typography if you usually design digitally.

• Use an unconventional medium like chalk or fabric to create a tactile design.

Optional Add-On: Reflect on Your Experience

After diving into your new medium, take a moment to reflect:

• What was it like working with something unfamiliar?

• What surprised you about the process?

• Did this spark any new ideas for your main medium?

Writing or sharing your reflections can deepen your understanding of the experience and inspire others to try the same.

Closing Encouragement

Creativity thrives on exploration, and this week’s challenge is an invitation to embrace play and discovery. It’s not about mastering a new skill—it’s about shaking things up, taking risks, and seeing what happens when you approach creativity from a fresh angle.

The beauty of trying something new is that it often reveals unexpected strengths, ideas, and possibilities. So grab your tools (or something entirely new), and dive in.

We can’t wait to see what you create! Share your work and reflections with the Simplex Minds community by tagging us and using the hashtag #SimplexChallenge.

This week, step into the unfamiliar and explore a new medium. What will you try? Let’s find out together!