P100 Grand Challenge
At PROSPECT 100, one of our goals has always been to create a space where emerging designers feel seen, supported, and constantly inspired. In 2023, we launched something new: the Grand Challenge — a weekly series of design tasks focused on reimagining everyday objects like cereal boxes, playing cards, Christmas cards and more. To make these challenges feel like part of a larger world — not just one-off prompts — I started creating character illustrations of each object, treating them as playful, expressive mascots that could lead the challenge each week.
Building a Visual Language Around Momentum
Every object illustration was drawn from scratch, with a simple goal: catch the eye, make someone smile, and give a sense of continuity to the campaign. These characters turned each post into a mini-event — something you’d want to engage with, share, or look forward to.
Over time, they became more than visuals — they became a familiar language within our community. They helped tie everything together and made the Grand Challenge feel like a rolling, living thing — rather than just another series of weekly prompts.
When Illustration Drives Engagement
The impact was immediate. Comments and likes on our weekly posts increased, and we started seeing higher participation rates. Budding designers who had never entered a competition before started showing up — motivated not just by the task, but by the energy around it.
We also built a points leaderboard that rewarded consistency and growth, with weekly shoutouts for the top 10 scorers. And to feed inspiration, we followed up each challenge with curated posts showcasing the best existing designs related to that week's theme.
It was more than a contest — it became a community ritual, and the illustrations helped give it a face.
