Struggling to spark fun and easy interaction in your creative community? This or That prompts are your secret weapon for effortless engagement. Use these playful templates to get members sharing, picking sides, and connecting instantly.
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This or That posts tap into the psychology of quick decision-making, making it easy for anyone to jump in without overthinking. By offering two clear options, you lower the barrier for participation and invite even the quietest members to share their preferences. This casual format encourages spontaneous engagement, helps members find common ground, and builds a sense of belonging within your community.
In creative spaces, these prompts are especially powerful. They invite members to express their tastes, habits, and quirks, all in a lighthearted way. As members compare answers and discuss their choices, it sparks further conversation and can even reveal shared interests or new creative ideas. The playful tone keeps the atmosphere relaxed, reinforcing a culture of openness and fun.
Paintbrush or pencil - which do you reach for first?
💡 Example: "Paintbrush or pencil - which do you reach for first? I always start with pencil sketches!"
Digital art or traditional art - what sparks your creativity?
💡 Example: "Digital art or traditional art - what sparks your creativity? Digital for me, but I love both."
Work in silence or music blasting while you create?
💡 Example: "Work in silence or music blasting while you create? I need my playlist to get in the zone!"
Morning creativity or late-night inspiration?
💡 Example: "Morning creativity or late-night inspiration? Night owl here!"
Sketchbooks or sticky notes for quick ideas?
💡 Example: "Sketchbooks or sticky notes for quick ideas? I like sticky notes for fast thoughts."
Abstract or realism - which style draws you in more?
💡 Example: "Abstract or realism - which style draws you in more? Realism for me!"
Create with friends or solo?
💡 Example: "Create with friends or solo? I love collaborating in groups."
Watercolors or acrylics?
💡 Example: "Watercolors or acrylics? Watercolors all the way."
Notebook doodles or digital sketches?
💡 Example: "Notebook doodles or digital sketches? Digital sketches for me."
Start with color or start with form?
💡 Example: "Start with color or start with form? I always begin with color palettes."
Big canvas or tiny details?
💡 Example: "Big canvas or tiny details? I love working on a large scale."
Write by hand or type it out?
💡 Example: "Write by hand or type it out? Handwriting feels more creative to me."
Share work-in-progress or only finished pieces?
💡 Example: "Share work-in-progress or only finished pieces? I like sharing the messy middle!"
Brainstorm alone or bounce ideas with others?
💡 Example: "Brainstorm alone or bounce ideas with others? I need others to get ideas flowing."
Bright colors or muted tones?
💡 Example: "Bright colors or muted tones? Muted tones are my vibe."
Photography or illustration?
💡 Example: "Photography or illustration? Illustration for sure."
Work at a desk or anywhere you feel inspired?
💡 Example: "Work at a desk or anywhere you feel inspired? I move around the house!"
One project at a time or juggling many?
💡 Example: "One project at a time or juggling many? I always have several going."
Plan every detail or go with the flow?
💡 Example: "Plan every detail or go with the flow? I plan, but sometimes ideas take over!"
Create for yourself or for an audience?
💡 Example: "Create for yourself or for an audience? Mostly for myself, but love sharing."
Edit as you go or finish first and edit later?
💡 Example: "Edit as you go or finish first and edit later? I edit after I'm done."
Favorite creative break: walk outside or quick doodle?
💡 Example: "Favorite creative break: walk outside or quick doodle? I love a walk!"
Share your work online or keep it private?
💡 Example: "Share your work online or keep it private? I share on Instagram!"
Creative block: push through or step away?
💡 Example: "Creative block: push through or step away? I step away and come back later."
Favorite inspiration: nature or city life?
💡 Example: "Favorite inspiration: nature or city life? Nature for me!"
Art supplies shopping: in-store or online?
💡 Example: "Art supplies shopping: in-store or online? I love browsing in-store."
Share mistakes or only the highlights?
💡 Example: "Share mistakes or only the highlights? Mistakes make us better!"
Inspired by morning coffee or evening tea?
💡 Example: "Inspired by morning coffee or evening tea? Coffee fuels my art."
Art challenge: daily prompts or open themes?
💡 Example: "Art challenge: daily prompts or open themes? Daily prompts keep me on track."
Quick sketches or detailed masterpieces?
💡 Example: "Quick sketches or detailed masterpieces? Quick sketches are my jam."
Prefer creating in bursts or steady sessions?
💡 Example: "Prefer creating in bursts or steady sessions? I do bursts between meetings."
Learn new skills from videos or books?
💡 Example: "Learn new skills from videos or books? Videos for quick tips!"
Work with lots of references or from imagination?
💡 Example: "Work with lots of references or from imagination? I need references to get started."
Share first drafts or wait until it's perfect?
💡 Example: "Share first drafts or wait until it's perfect? I share as I go!"
Favorite medium: markers or colored pencils?
💡 Example: "Favorite medium: markers or colored pencils? Markers for bold color!"
Get feedback early or after finishing?
💡 Example: "Get feedback early or after finishing? I like early feedback."
Favorite creative fuel: snacks or drinks?
💡 Example: "Favorite creative fuel: snacks or drinks? Always snacks for me."
Quick brainstorm or deep research before starting?
💡 Example: "Quick brainstorm or deep research before starting? I research a ton!"
Best creative companion: pet or playlist?
💡 Example: "Best creative companion: pet or playlist? My cat keeps me company."
Art for fun or art for work?
💡 Example: "Art for fun or art for work? Mostly for fun these days."
Choose: black and white or full color?
💡 Example: "Choose: black and white or full color? I love full color!"
Start with a plan or just dive in?
💡 Example: "Start with a plan or just dive in? I usually just start and see where it goes."
To use these templates, simply copy and post them into your community channels. Rotate prompts regularly to keep things fresh and maintain active participation. Encourage members to give a quick reason for their choice, but keep participation pressure-free. Mix in themed prompts tied to current events, seasons, or trending topics to keep your content relevant and relatable.
These This or That templates are designed for all platforms. Use polls for quick responses on channels like Instagram Stories or Facebook Groups. For chat platforms like Discord or Slack, post as messages and invite replies or emoji reactions. On forums or community platforms, use them as conversation starters in dedicated threads. Adjust the format to fit your platform's style, but always keep the tone playful and inviting.
You can tailor 'This or That' posts to focus on well-known creative debates, such as 'watercolor vs. digital illustration.' Encourage members to share their experiences, techniques, and project examples using each medium. This not only boosts engagement but also helps foster learning and community knowledge-sharing around various creative processes.
Presenting workflow-related choices, like 'sketch first' versus 'jump right in,' allows members to reflect on and discuss their creative habits. Frame questions to invite details—ask why they prefer one method, what tools they use, or how it influences their finished work. This can lead to rich conversations about process improvement and creative experimentation.
Design prompts with parallel options for different disciplines, e.g., 'outline vs. free-form' can apply to both writers and visual artists. Occasionally, post discipline-specific 'This or That' choices (like 'oil paint vs. acrylic' for artists, 'first-person vs. third-person' for writers) while balancing with broader prompts to keep all members engaged.
When comparing tools like Photoshop vs. Procreate, focus on features, workflow compatibility, and project suitability rather than declaring a 'winner.' Encourage members to share what works best for their style, device, or project type. Moderating tone and framing questions positively helps keep discussions respectful and informative.
Tie 'This or That' prompts to current trends or seasons, such as 'spring palette vs. autumn palette,' to make them timely and relevant. This encourages members to share recent works and inspirations. Feature member submissions based on responses to further stimulate participation and showcase community talent.
Frame creative block solutions as 'This or That' choices, e.g., 'take a break vs. push through,' and invite members to explain their rationale and share stories. Follow up with polls or open threads to deepen the discussion. Recognize and validate different approaches, fostering an inclusive environment where all creative journeys are respected.
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