Unicorns, Mermaids or Moonbeams? Pick a Fantasy Theme

If you could open a little door into an imaginary world, where would it lead? A unicorn meadow, a mermaid lagoon, or a moonbeam path across the sky? Choosing a fantasy theme is a fun way to start a drawing, a story, or a page of ideas.

You do not have to choose your favorite forever. Pick whichever world sounds interesting today, then give it a few details that make it yours.

Visit a unicorn meadow

Begin with something familiar: grass, flowers, a little stream. Now add one impossible detail. Perhaps the flowers ring like tiny bells, or the stepping-stones change color when it rains. One magical surprise can make the whole setting feel different.

Invent a place for the unicorn to visit. Is there a cloud bakery, a library inside a tree, or a meadow where every picnic blanket has a different pattern? Draw a sign for that place and give it a name.

Explore a mermaid lagoon

Think beyond a tail and a shell. What would a mermaid keep in a treasure collection? Try a smooth blue pebble, a ribbon of seaweed, or a tiny bottle that holds the sound of waves.

Now invent a room underwater. Perhaps jellyfish-shaped lamps light a reading nook, or a friendly crab looks after the books. Choose one curved shape to repeat through your drawing so the room feels like it belongs together.

Follow a moonbeam path

A moonbeam world can be quiet, sparkly, silly, or full of surprises. Imagine a path connecting three small places in the sky. One could be a star garden, another a cloud cafe, and the third a place you invent yourself.

Draw the path first, then add the stops. Decide how a visitor travels between them. A paper boat that sails on moonlight? A bicycle with comet wheels? The journey can be as interesting as the destination.

Mix in one unexpected guest

Once your world feels clear, borrow a detail from another theme. Let a mermaid visit the star garden, or give a unicorn a seashell collection. Ask what the visitor would notice first.

This is a simple way to start a story: someone arrives somewhere new and discovers one surprising thing. Write three sentences or draw three little scenes. You do not need to plan a whole book to enjoy the beginning.

Carry the theme into a tiny project

Use your favorite detail on a bookmark drawing, a notebook page, or a pretend invitation to your imaginary world. Keep the project small enough to finish while the idea still feels exciting.

For more themes to explore with a grown-up, browse Unicorn Magic, Mermaids & Ocean, or Moon & Stars. You can enjoy the inspiration without needing to choose anything to buy. The most interesting part is the detail only you would think to add.

Willows Merch

Cover: original conceptual illustration.