It’s that time of year again where you can let your creativity flow and explore your artistic abilities on the canvas of a pumpkin. Whether you carve or paint, go traditional or think outside the box, anyone can be an artist on Halloween.

Instead of carving my pumpkin, I decided to paint mine to look like a Poké Ball from Pokémon. I used acrylic paint from Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts and a pumpkin from Trader Joes. Created by Kyle M. Johnson

After 3 failed attempts of trying to be super creative with my favorite Halloween tradition, I decided to make my pumpkin the Oogy Boogy man from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” since he’s one of my favorite characters from the movie. I just outlined his head, eyes and mouth from memory and began carving. It took about 10 minutes. Carved by Melissa Martinez

If carving isn’t your forte, try updating your decorations with a more contemporary look. Rustoleum Bright Coat spray paint in Chrome and Gold on mini pumpkins adds a bit of sophistication and interest to flat orange. Purchase a variety of small gourds and pumpkins in several colors, like white, yellow and green, and spray those with Mod Podge clear acrylic sealer to give them a shiny, appealing gloss. Created by Amy Salisbury

It’s not everyday you see Edgar Allen Poe on a pumpkin. This author, poet and all around scare king took over five hours to gut and carve. Halloween is the perfect time of year to brush up on some haunted horrors. Carved by Brianna Cruz

I got out a sheet of paper and started to draw different designs, keeping random kitchen tools in front of me in mind. Finally I came up with my design. While cleaning out the inside, I came across the long piece of pumpkin that I used as the finishing touch to add the gross factor to my pumpkin. Carved by Jessie Gambrell

The above pumpkin was carved by Chris Giancamilli, who got his inspiration from The Pride’s logo.