Variety
- Mix senses and concepts — e.g. one concrete (“stone”), one sensory (“quiet”), one abstract (“return”). That gives creators room to combine image and idea.
- Avoid repeating — Rotate themes (nature, emotion, place, time, texture, etc.) so weeks don’t feel samey. Check recent prompts before choosing.
- Balance difficulty — Some weeks can be more literal, others more abstract. A mix keeps the community engaged.
Clarity and openness
- Clear but not narrow — Words should be understandable at a glance but not so specific that everyone does the same thing (e.g. “red balloon” might be too narrow; “float,” “red,” “sky” is more open).
- Evocative over obscure — Prefer words that spark imagination without needing a dictionary. One slightly unusual word can work if the other two are familiar.
- Inclusive — Choose words that many people can respond to regardless of location or background. Avoid jargon or overly culture-specific terms unless that’s the intent.
Practical tips
- Test in your head — Imagine 3–4 different types of responses (photo, abstract, text, etc.). If you can, the prompt is likely flexible enough.
- Keep a list — Maintain a running list of word ideas and themes; pull from it when creating new prompts.
- Ask the community — Some instances let you solicit suggestions or run polls for future words. Use that if available.