Sketch Challenge Connects Global Artists

An informal global initiative, the #OneWeek100People challenge, has blossomed into a significant phenomenon within the urban sketching community. Co-founded by artists Liz Steel and Marc Taro Holmes, who live on opposite sides of the globe, the challenge encourages participants to sketch 100 people in just seven days.

Steel and Holmes initiated the challenge a decade ago as a personal project to maintain their connection. It has since grown, drawing hundreds of artists worldwide. The core philosophy behind the ambitious goal is to prioritize quantity over quality, fostering drawing skills through sheer practice rather than self-criticism.

This artistic endeavor serves as a powerful tool for introspection and connection with the surroundings. Participants report that the act of sketching strangers in public spaces offers a unique perspective, fostering empathy and a deeper appreciation for everyday moments. It's described as an "exposure therapy" for perfectionism and a way to "recalibrate" one's attention to the world around them.

The #OneWeek100People challenge is designed to be accessible and enjoyable, emphasizing the process over the outcome. Artists are encouraged to embrace the momentum, with the ultimate goal being simply to draw more than usual, however that is defined by the individual. It promotes an active engagement with the world, contrasting with passive media consumption.