Every October, sketchbooks around the world fill with ink as artists take on Inktober — an annual
challenge that encourages participants to create one drawing a day based on daily prompts. At Briar Woods, Inktober has become a familiar tradition for art students. The month allows them to build both their creativity skills and discipline, making it so teachers and classmates encourage everyone — artist or not — to join in.
Hundreds of thousands of people have taken part in Inktober every year since 2009. Students in Margaret McDyre’s 2D art classes often participate through their weekly sketch diary assignment in class. Additionally, McDyre leads the National Art Honor Society, where participation in Inktober is pushed even harder. Ava Franks, junior, attempts to take part in the challenge every year.
Franks explains why, saying, “I participate mostly because I could get NAHS hours but also because it’s a fun way to practice art if you’re bored. It forces me to be creative, which is really nice.”
Despite its popularity, however, Inktober is not always fun. Drawing everyday is challenging and requires discipline, which is why McDyre emphasizes focusing on progress rather than perfection.
“Inktober isn’t meant to make you spend hours drawing every day,” says McDyre. “It makes you stop and rethink. Not everything you create has to be perfect, the process is what’s important.”
Junior Kelsey Puffenberger agreed, saying the challenge helped her change how she approaches art.
“Inktober has definitely helped me learn perseverance,” Puffenberger said. “I used to be really hard on myself about my art, but Inktober has taught me that it’s okay if all your pieces aren’t your best.”
Outside of challenging your artist mindset, Inktober has numerous positive benefits beyond the art room. McDyre says the daily ritual helps build students’ creativity, discipline, and critical thinking skills.
“Regardless of what you’re doing you see growth,” McDyre explains. “Art helps you problem-solve and think in new ways [when] the solution isn’t right in front of you. People look for creatives in the workforce!”
When asked how Inktober has helped her, Puffenberger says, “The skills you learn, discipline and work ethic, apply everywhere. Building these skills has helped me succeed in school, by doing things like pushing myself to do assignments I don’t want to do.”
These factors make McDyre and her students urge others to pick up a pen to participate, even if they’re not a serious artist.
“I would totally recommend Inktober to non-artists. It’s a fun way to get better at art with no pressure!” Franks says enthusiastically.
Whether it’s a detailed portrait or a quick doodle, each drawing adds up to something bigger: improved skills, a warm community, and a reminder that everyone can be creative. As October winds down, Inktober remains a reminder to keep creating, one sketch at a time.
