Last Updated on 27 April, 2025 by Armored Pencil

Hey there, fellow artists! May is upon us, and you know what that means—it’s time for MerMay! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, MerMay is the perfect opportunity to dive into a sea of creativity. Grab your sketchbooks, tablets, or whatever medium you love, and get ready to explore the enchanting world of mermaids with us! Art prompts MerMay ready for you to dive into.

Skip all the introduction and head straight for the MerMay Art Prompts.

Not looking for prompts but ready to be inspired? We got you, click here for MerMay References!

Brief Introduction to Mermay and Its Popularity Among Artists

Mermay has quickly become one of the most beloved art challenges of the year. It’s a month-long celebration where artists from all around the world come together to create mermaid-themed art every day of May. The community is buzzing with excitement, sharing their unique interpretations and inspiring each other. It’s not just about drawing mermaids; it’s about pushing our creative boundaries and having fun in the process.

Importance of Participating in Creative Challenges

Participating in creative challenges like Mermay can be incredibly rewarding. They provide structure, motivation, and a sense of camaraderie among artists. It’s a great way to develop a daily drawing habit, improve your skills, and explore new ideas. Plus, it’s always inspiring to see how differently everyone interprets the same prompt. By the end of the month, you’ll have a fantastic portfolio of work and a bunch of new friends in the art community.

What is Mermay?

Explanation of Mermay and Its Origins

Mermay started as a simple idea: draw a mermaid every day in May. The concept was created by artist Tom Bancroft, who wanted to encourage creativity and engagement among artists. Over the years, Mermay has grown into a global phenomenon, with thousands of artists participating and sharing their work online. It’s a testament to the power of creativity and community.

Why Artists Look Forward to It Every Year

Artists eagerly anticipate Mermay each year for several reasons. Firstly, it’s an opportunity to break out of their usual routines and try something new. The theme of mermaids offers endless possibilities—from mythical and majestic to whimsical and playful. Additionally, the supportive community makes it a joy to participate. Seeing everyone’s daily creations and receiving feedback on your own work is incredibly motivating. Most importantly, it’s a fun and rewarding way to celebrate the art of storytelling through visual media. So, let’s get started and make this Mermay the best one yet!

The Lore of Mermaids

Historical Background

Mermaids have been a part of human mythology for centuries, appearing in stories from all corners of the globe. Ancient myths often depicted them as beautiful but dangerous creatures of the sea. In Greek mythology, sirens were said to lure sailors to their doom with their enchanting songs. Norse legends tell of the “Havfrue,” a sea woman who could predict storms and was both feared and revered by seafarers. Across different cultures, mermaids have been symbols of the ocean’s mystery and power, embodying both its allure and its peril.

Cultural Significance in Different Civilizations

In various civilizations, mermaids have held significant roles:

• Greek Mythology: The sirens, often depicted as mermaid-like beings, were considered omens of shipwrecks and were feared by sailors.
• Norse Folklore: The “Havfrue” or “sea women” were believed to have prophetic abilities and were seen as protectors and destroyers.
• African Traditions: Mami Wata, a water spirit, is revered in various African cultures and is associated with fertility, healing, and protection.

These diverse cultural tales highlight how mermaids have been both feared and respected, seen as powerful entities capable of great influence over the human world.

Mermaids in Literature and Art

Mermaids have been a rich source of inspiration in literature and art for centuries. In Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid,” the mermaid’s tragic tale of love and loss captured the imaginations of readers worldwide. This story has been retold countless times, each version adding new layers to the mermaid mythos.

In classical art, mermaids often appear in paintings and sculptures, symbolizing beauty, mystery, and the unknown depths of the sea. Artists like John William Waterhouse and Gustav Klimt have created iconic mermaid imagery that continues to influence modern interpretations.

How These Depictions Have Influenced Modern Interpretations

The classical depictions of mermaids have laid the groundwork for how we visualize them today. These early images and stories emphasized their dual nature—both enchanting and perilous. Modern portrayals often blend this traditional view with contemporary themes, creating mermaids who are not just mystical creatures but also complex characters with their own stories and struggles.

Modern Day Mermaids

In contemporary media and pop culture, mermaids are more popular than ever. From Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” to modern TV shows like “Siren,” mermaids have been reimagined in countless ways. These modern interpretations often emphasize their independence, strength, and the rich lore that surrounds them.

How Modern Interpretations Blend with Traditional Lore

Today’s mermaids are a blend of old and new. While they retain the enchanting beauty and mysterious allure of their mythical predecessors, they are also portrayed with more depth and complexity. Modern mermaids are often seen grappling with issues of identity, belonging, and the intersection between human and marine worlds. This blend of tradition and modernity makes them endlessly fascinating and relevant to contemporary audiences.

Mermaids continue to captivate our imaginations, reminding us of the vast and mysterious ocean that covers much of our planet. As we dive into Mermay, let’s celebrate these enchanting beings by exploring their rich lore and creating our own unique interpretations.

The Art of Prompting Creativity

Why Use Prompts?

Using prompts can be a game-changer for artists. They serve as a catalyst for creativity, providing a starting point that can spark a wealth of ideas. Here are a few reasons why prompts are so beneficial:

Benefits of Using Prompts for Artists

1. Structure and Focus: Prompts give you a clear direction, helping you to focus your creativity rather than staring at a blank canvas wondering where to start.
2. Skill Development: Regularly using prompts can push you to explore new techniques, styles, and subjects that you might not have considered otherwise.
3. Inspiration Boost: Prompts can reignite your creative spark, especially during those times when you’re feeling uninspired or stuck in a rut.
4. Consistency: Following a prompt list, like our Mermay challenge, encourages you to create regularly, building a habit that can significantly improve your artistic skills over time.

How Prompts Can Help Overcome Creative Blocks

Creative blocks can be incredibly frustrating, but prompts can help break through them by providing a fresh perspective. They remove the pressure of coming up with an idea from scratch and allow you to focus on the fun part—creating! By giving you a specific theme or concept to work with, prompts can help bypass the mental block and get your creative juices flowing again.

How to Use These Prompts

Tips on Approaching Each Prompt

1. Keep It Flexible: Don’t feel like you have to stick rigidly to the prompt. Use it as a starting point and let your creativity take the lead.
2. Research and Explore: If a prompt sparks your interest, spend some time researching related images, stories, or techniques. This can give you new ideas and enhance your final piece.
3. Sketch First: Start with a few rough sketches to explore different ideas before committing to a final design. This can help you find the most compelling way to approach the prompt.
4. Set a Time Limit: Give yourself a specific amount of time to work on each piece. This can help you stay focused and prevent you from getting bogged down in details.

Encouraging Personal Interpretation and Creativity

Remember, prompts are just a guide. The magic happens when you bring your unique perspective and style to the table. Here are a few ways to make each prompt your own:

1. Add Personal Elements: Incorporate aspects of your own experiences, interests, or emotions into your work. This will make your art more personal and meaningful.
2. Experiment with Styles: Use the prompts as an opportunity to try out different styles and techniques. Whether it’s realism, abstract, or something entirely new, let each prompt be a chance to experiment.
3. Tell a Story: Think about the story behind each prompt. Who is your mermaid? What world do they inhabit? Creating a narrative can add depth and intrigue to your artwork.
4. Share and Engage: Share your work with the community and see how others have interpreted the same prompt. Engaging with other artists can provide new insights and inspiration.

Prompts are a fantastic way to ignite your creativity and keep you motivated throughout Mermay. So, grab your tools and get ready to dive deep into the enchanting world of mermaids. Let each prompt be a springboard for your imagination and enjoy the journey of creating something truly magical!

31 Enchanting Art Prompts for Mermay 2025

Week 1: Classic Mermaid Themes

Day 1: “First Sight”
Illustrate the first glimpse of a mermaid. Imagine a sailor or diver spotting a mermaid for the very first time. Capture that sense of wonder and awe.

Day 2: “Ocean Royalty”
Design a mermaid king or queen. Think about what kind of regal attire and accessories a ruler of the sea would have. Crowns made of coral, robes of seaweed, and scepters of pearl!

Day 3: “Seashell Jewelry”
Focus on the intricate details of mermaid accessories. Create beautiful seashell necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Consider how the ocean environment influences their designs.

Day 4: “Tidal Dance”
A mermaid dancing with the waves. Picture the fluid movements and grace of a mermaid as she dances among the currents, with her hair and tail flowing in the water.

Day 5: “Lost Shipwreck”
A mermaid exploring an ancient shipwreck. Think of the eerie, yet fascinating atmosphere of a sunken ship and how a mermaid might interact with this underwater relic.

Day 6: “Pearl Diver”
A mermaid collecting pearls. Show the meticulous and delicate process of diving for pearls, and the shimmering treasures she finds.

Day 7: “Sunken Garden”
An underwater garden tended by mermaids. Imagine a vibrant, colorful garden with aquatic plants, glowing coral, and perhaps even some fish or sea creatures helping out.

Week 2: Mermaids and Marine Life

Day 8: “Dolphin Friends”
Mermaids interacting with dolphins. Capture the playful and friendly relationship between mermaids and these intelligent marine mammals.

Day 9: “Coral Reef”
Mermaids amidst vibrant coral reefs. Focus on the beauty and diversity of a coral reef, with mermaids swimming among the colorful coral and fish.

Day 10: “Sea Turtles”
A serene scene with mermaids and sea turtles. Show the calm and peaceful coexistence of mermaids with these gentle giants of the sea.

Day 11: “Jellyfish Glow”
Mermaids illuminated by bioluminescent jellyfish. Create a magical scene with the ethereal glow of jellyfish lighting up the underwater world.

Day 12: “Whale Song”
A majestic whale and a mermaid. Capture the grandeur of a whale and how a mermaid might interact or communicate with such a massive creature.

Day 13: “Octopus Ally”
Mermaids with their octopus companions. Think about the unique and symbiotic relationship they could have, with the octopus assisting the mermaid in various tasks.

Day 14: “Shark Guard”
A fierce mermaid guarded by sharks. Show the powerful and protective nature of sharks as allies of the mermaid, highlighting a more intimidating aspect of mermaid lore.

Week 3: Fantasy and Myth

Day 15: “Mermaid Sorceress”
A mermaid wielding magical powers. Envision a mystical mermaid who can control the elements, cast spells, or summon sea creatures.

Day 16: “Underwater Ruins”
Ancient ruins with mermaid inhabitants. Imagine the remains of a once-great underwater city now home to mermaids, filled with ancient artifacts and structures.

Day 17: “Sea Dragons”
Mermaids riding sea dragons. Create a dynamic scene with mermaids and their dragon companions, exploring the depths or soaring through the waves.

Day 18: “Mystical Lagoon”
A hidden lagoon with mystical properties. Picture a secret place known only to mermaids, filled with magical flora and fauna.

Day 19: “Storm Bringer”
A mermaid controlling the weather. Show the power and majesty of a mermaid who can summon storms, calm the seas, or control the tides.

Day 20: “Treasure Hunt”
Mermaids on a quest for hidden treasure. Think of maps, riddles, and the excitement of discovery as mermaids search for lost riches.

Day 21: “Mirror of the Sea”
A magical mirror reflecting the ocean’s secrets. Imagine a mirror that shows visions of the ocean’s past, present, or future, and how a mermaid might use it.

Week 4: Cultural Mermaids

Day 22: “Celtic Merrow”
Illustrate a merrow from Irish folklore. These mermaids often wear a magical cap and are known for their beautiful singing voices.

Day 23: “Japanese Ningyo”
A mermaid from Japanese mythology. Depict the ningyo, which is often considered a creature of both beauty and fear, bringing either misfortune or great blessings.

Day 24: “African Mami Wata”
Depict Mami Wata, a water spirit from African lore. She is often shown as a beautiful woman or mermaid and is associated with fertility, wealth, and healing.

Day 25: “Greek Siren”
A siren from Greek mythology. Show these enchanting yet dangerous creatures, famous for their irresistible songs that lured sailors to their doom.

Day 26: “Amazonian Iara”
An Iara from Brazilian legends. These mermaids are known for their beauty and enchanting voices, living in rivers and luring men to their underwater abodes.

Day 27: “Nordic Havfrue”
A havfrue from Scandinavian folklore. These mermaids are often seen as both helpful and harmful, embodying the unpredictable nature of the sea.

Day 28: “Polynesian Mo’o”
A lizard-like mermaid from Polynesian culture. Imagine a mystical creature with elements of both mermaid and lizard, guarding bodies of water and bringing rain.

Final Days: Personal and Reflective

Day 29: “Self-Portrait as a Mermaid”
Imagine yourself as a mermaid. Think about how you would look and what kind of mermaid you would be, reflecting your personality and traits.

Day 30: “Mermaid’s Dream”
Illustrate a mermaid’s dream or aspiration. Dive into the inner world of a mermaid and show what she might long for, whether it’s adventure, love, or something entirely different.

Day 31: “Legacy of the Sea”
A mermaid passing down stories to the next generation. Create a touching scene of a mermaid sharing the rich history and lore of the sea with younger mermaids, ensuring their legacy lives on.

Here is some inspiration

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References Created Specifically for MerMay

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500 Charming Mermaid Poses

Conclusion

Encouragement to Participate

So, are you ready to dive into Mermay? This challenge is a fantastic way to stretch your creative muscles and explore the enchanting world of mermaids. Whether you complete all 31 prompts or just a few, the important thing is to have fun and let your imagination flow. Remember, Mermay is all about creativity, community, and celebration.

As you create your masterpieces, don’t forget to share them on social media. Use the hashtag #Mermay2025 and tag our blog so we can see your incredible work. Seeing everyone’s unique interpretations is one of the best parts of Mermay, so don’t be shy—show off your talent!

Call to Action

We’d love to hear about your Mermay journey! Share your artwork, thoughts, and experiences in the comments below. Let’s create a vibrant community where we can support and inspire each other. If you’re looking for feedback, ideas, or just some camaraderie, this is the place for you.

Also, join our dedicated Mermay forum where artists from all over the world discuss their progress, share tips, and celebrate their achievements. Let’s make this Mermay a memorable one together!

Additional Resources

Links to References

If you’re interested in diving deeper into mermaid lore and mythology, here are some great reads:

• Mermaids: The Myths, Legends, and Lore by Skye Alexander
• The Mermaid Handbook: An Alluring Treasury of Literature, Lore, Art, Recipes, and Projects by Carolyn Turgeon

Recommended Tools and Materials for Mermaid Art

To make your Mermay creations even more magical, here are some recommended tools and materials:

• Sketchbooks and Drawing Tablets: A good sketchbook or a reliable drawing tablet (like Wacom or iPad with Procreate) can make a huge difference.
• Watercolor Paints and Brushes: Perfect for capturing the fluidity and colors of the ocean.
• Digital Art Software: Programs like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, or Corel Painter offer great tools for digital artists.
• Colored Pencils and Markers: Ideal for adding fine details and vibrant colors to your mermaid illustrations.

Join the Community

Connect with fellow artists and share your Mermay journey on various platforms:

• Social Media Groups: Find us on Facebook and Instagram. Look for groups dedicated to Mermay and mermaid art.
• Hashtags: Use #Mermay2025, #MermaidArt, and #ArtChallenge to discover other artists and share your work with the community.

Let’s make this Mermay a month full of creativity, inspiration, and community. Dive in, have fun, and let your imagination soar!

Closing Remarks

Thank You Note

Thank you so much for joining us on this creative journey through Mermay! Your time and participation mean the world to us. We’re thrilled to see the incredible mermaid art that you create and share. Each piece adds to the magic and wonder of this unique challenge.

Encouragement to Stay Creative

As you dive into these prompts, remember that the most important thing is to enjoy the process. Let your creativity flow and don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Whether you complete every prompt or just a few, each piece you create is a step forward in your artistic journey.

Stay creative, stay inspired, and most importantly, have fun with Mermay! We can’t wait to see where your imagination takes you. Happy drawing, and let’s make this Mermay the best one yet!

More Art Prompts

Not enough prompts? Why don’t you jump back some months!