Whether you’re thinking about entering Creative Challenge 001 or just seeing what we’re up to, we’re glad you’re here. Here are answers to the questions we hear most.

About Craft & Cruise

What is Craft & Cruise?
We make creative experiences rooted in art, culture, and connection. We bring people together to make things, try ideas, and share a moment, without the pressure of getting it perfect. Less pressure. More possibility.

Why did you create Creative Challenge 001?
We wanted to give people a reason to make something and a place to share it. The prompt is open on purpose, so you can try something new, interpret it your way, and put work out there that might not have had a home otherwise. It’s also the first step in building a community around creating together.

Who is behind Craft & Cruise?
I’m Ijeoma Ejem, and I started Craft & Cruise because sometimes life gets hard, and creating is one of the first things to slip away. I wanted to make that first step easier: no pressure, as big or as small as you like, you just begin. It’s what I needed help with myself. Follow along on Instagram and say hi.

About the Challenge

What is the prompt?
A Breath of Fresh Air.

Make something that feels like it. Any medium. Any interpretation.

Take it literally, emotionally, visually, abstractly, however it feels right to you.

Who can enter?
If you’re 18 or older and live in the U.S., you qualify. One original piece per person.

Does it cost anything?
Nope, it’s free.

What can I submit?
Almost anything: visual art, photography, film, music, writing, dance, fashion, textiles, sculpture, digital art, or something that doesn’t have a name yet. See “How to Share Your Work” above for formats and file details.

Can I use generative AI?
No. We want to see your hands, your ear, your eye, so your piece needs to be made by you, without generative AI.

When are submissions due?
Submissions open November 6 and close November 16 at 11:59 PM PT. We’ll spend November 17 to 30 with your work, and we’ll announce the winner on December 1.

How will you judge?
We look at five things: how your work meets the prompt, what it expresses, how original it feels, what it makes someone feel or notice, and the care that went into it. Care matters more than polish.

What can I win?
One winner gets $100 and a feature across our channels. We’ll also feature a few runner-ups.

Ownership, Credit, and Your Work

Do I keep ownership of my work?
Yes. It’s yours. Entering doesn’t transfer ownership or copyright to us. Any permission you give us to share your work is separate from ownership, and it’s spelled out in the Official Rules and the submission form.

Will my work be posted publicly?
Only selected work, like the winner and runner-ups. We won’t post every submission. Featuring the winner publicly is part of the prize, so if you enter, be prepared for your piece to be shared if you win. If you’d rather your work not be shared otherwise, you can say so on the submission form.

Will you credit me?
Yes. We’ll credit you using the name you give us, and link to your profile when we can. Double-check your attribution when you submit.

Can you use my work after the challenge ends?
If your work is selected, we might feature it again in things like a Challenge 001 recap or a post celebrating you. It will stay connected to Craft & Cruise, and we won’t present it as our own. Anything beyond that, like a third party’s advertising, would need your separate permission.

What if I don’t want my work used for promotion?
You can still enter. Choose that option on the submission form and we won’t feature your piece unless you win, since the winner’s feature is part of the prize. Runner-up features also need your permission.

Will you use every submission?
No. If we ever want to feature something beyond what you’ve agreed to, we’ll ask first.

Judging and Recognition

Who will judge?
The Craft & Cruise team reviews every submission.

How will I know if I’ve been selected?
We’ll announce the winner on December 1. Runner-ups will hear from us directly, and we’ll share the news on our channels.

Can I share my entry with friends and family?
Please do. Share your process, tell people about the challenge, and tag a friend who’d love it. Just make sure you have the rights to anything you post.

Staying Connected

How can I keep up with Craft & Cruise?
Follow us on Instagram and join the mailing list below. You’ll get updates on Challenge 001, a little inspiration, and a heads-up about what we’re making next.

What if I have another question?
Email us at hello@craftandcruise.com. We read everything.

For the full terms, read the Official Rules before you enter.

We’re glad you’re here!