The Rise of Mindful Sketching: How a Weekly Challenge is Fueling a Global Movement
A simple idea – sketching 100 people in a week – has blossomed into a global phenomenon. What began as a personal connection between two artists, Liz Steel and Marc Taro Holmes, has evolved into the annual #OneWeek100People challenge, attracting hundreds of participants worldwide. But beyond the impressive volume of sketches, this trend speaks to a deeper shift in how people are engaging with art, mindfulness, and their surroundings.
From Lisbon to a Global Community
The challenge originated in 2011, following a meeting at the International Urban Sketchers Symposium in Lisbon. Steel and Holmes sought a way to stay connected and continue practicing their art. The initial concept of sketching 20 people a day for five days quickly gained traction within the Urban Sketchers community, and has now reached its tenth year. The beauty of the challenge lies in its accessibility. Participants can sketch from life or photographs, using any medium they prefer, and adjust the timeframe to suit their needs.
More Than Just Drawing: The Benefits of Quantity
The core principle behind #OneWeek100People isn’t about artistic perfection; it’s about volume. Holmes emphasizes that “quantity has a quality of its own,” encouraging artists to focus on practice rather than self-criticism. This approach removes the pressure often associated with art-making, allowing individuals to experiment, learn, and improve at an accelerated pace. The challenge encourages a shift in mindset, prioritizing the act of creation over the final product.
Sketching as a Form of Mindfulness and Connection
Participants like Quincy Nadel are discovering the profound benefits of sketching beyond artistic skill development. Nadel describes sketching as a “permission slip” to gradual down, observe, and connect with the world around her. She finds beauty in everyday interactions and uses sketching to document her experiences. This echoes a growing trend of using creative practices as tools for mindfulness and mental well-being. The act of sketching forces a deliberate focus on the present moment, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment and the people within it.
The Democratization of Art and the Power of Social Media
The #OneWeek100People challenge exemplifies the democratization of art, enabled by social media platforms like Instagram. The hashtag serves as a virtual gallery, connecting artists from diverse backgrounds and locations. This fosters a sense of community, providing encouragement, inspiration, and constructive feedback. The challenge also breaks down the barriers to entry for aspiring artists, demonstrating that anyone can participate, regardless of skill level or experience.
Tools and Techniques for Success
Steel suggests simplifying the process by working minor, using limited materials, and alternating between sketching from photos and life. She notes that many participants find themselves “rusty” on the first day but quickly fall into a rhythm by day five. Her advice highlights the importance of consistency and embracing imperfection. The use of water-soluble pencils and markers allows for easy correction and experimentation, further reducing the pressure to create flawless sketches.
The Future of Sketching Challenges: Beyond 100 People
The success of #OneWeek100People suggests a growing appetite for structured creative challenges. We can anticipate the emergence of similar initiatives focused on different themes, mediums, and skill levels. These challenges will likely leverage the power of social media to build communities, provide support, and showcase artistic progress. The focus will remain on participation, experimentation, and the joy of creating, rather than achieving technical mastery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the #OneWeek100People challenge? It’s an annual event where artists aim to sketch 100 people in one week, using any medium they choose.
Do I require to be a skilled artist to participate? No, the challenge is open to artists of all levels. The focus is on practice, not perfection.
Can I sketch from photos? Yes, sketches can be done from life or from photographs.
What materials do I need? Any sketching materials will work – pencil, pen, watercolor, markers, etc.
Where can I find more information and share my work? Visit Liz Steel’s blog and use the hashtags #OneWeek100People and #OneWeek100People2026 on social media.
Did you realize? The challenge began as a way for two artists to stay connected and has grown into a global phenomenon.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to simplify your sketches and focus on capturing the essence of your subject rather than striving for photorealistic detail.
Ready to embrace the challenge? Share your sketches and join the community using #OneWeek100People! Explore more articles on urban sketching and mindful art practices on our website.
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