Creative Art Room Rewards
- Hope Creek Studios
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Creative Art Room Rewards That Aren’t Candy or Stickers
In the art room, rewards can be so much more than candy or stickers. The best incentives don’t just make students smile in the moment - they connect to creativity, build community, and make the art experience feel magical.
Over the years, I’ve found that the most effective rewards are ones that feel special and art-centered. Here are some of my favorite art room incentives - including some we’ve created in our classroom that have become absolute student favorites.
1. Scratch-Off Cards for Surprise Rewards
Our scratch-off cards are like little bursts of excitement. Students earn them for effort, kindness, or going above and beyond - then scratch off to reveal their surprise. Prizes might include:
Pick from the “special supplies” bin
Sit next to a friend
Extra free-create time
Skip one clean-up job. It’s like a mini lottery, but every outcome is a win.
2. Artist Meme Trading Cards
These are a HUGE hit. We’ve designed collectible cards featuring funny, art-themed memes alongside tidbits about famous artists. Students can trade them, display them, or keep them as an art history reference. They turn learning into a collectible game, and kids can’t wait to earn the next one.
3. Coloring Bookmarks & Bracelets
Sometimes the simplest rewards are the most personal. Our custom-designed coloring bookmarks and paper bracelets are a creative double-win: students get the reward and the joy of coloring it themselves. They can decorate them in their own style, then use or wear them proudly.
4. DaVinci Dollars
This is our art room “currency.” Students can earn DaVinci Dollars for good citizenship, teamwork, and artistic growth. Later, they can “spend” them at our classroom art store - stocked with extra-special supplies, mini canvases, stickers, and other creative goodies.It teaches responsibility, saving, and the value of effort - all through art.
5. “Art VIP” for the Day
Reward a student or table group with VIP status. They might get first pick of supplies, use special metallic or glitter pens, or sit at the “choice” table. Add a fun VIP badge so everyone knows who’s living the high life that day.
6. Artist Trading Cards (DIY)
Cut watercolor paper into 2.5" × 3.5" cards and let students design their own mini-masterpieces. These can be kept, gifted, or traded with classmates. They’re tiny, portable art galleries.
7. Creative Passes
Special “tickets” can grant privileges like:
Drawing on the whiteboard
Choosing the clean-up music
Borrowing the teacher’s favorite pen set
Sitting next to a friend for a project
Why This Works in the Art Room:
Rewards are hands-on and creative
They celebrate art-making instead of distracting from it
Many are collectible, which builds excitement
They foster community, fun, and shared memories
When rewards tie into art, they don’t just motivate - they make students feel like they’re part of something special. In our classroom, these systems have transformed rewards from a quick treat into meaningful experiences that fuel creativity all year long.
©HOPECREEKSTUDIOS2026
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