Inktober

Inktober is my pumpkin spice latte! I look forward to it each year because I love to see the excitement, perseverance, and growth it inspires in my classroom. Inktober is a 31-day ink drawing challenge, founded by artist Jake Parker in 2009. I offer Inktober as a choice for my Studio class.

Read more about Inktober here.

Student work from this year's Inktober and my pen technique demo image

I share Inktober as a choice in a short lesson as part of the 100 Idea Challenge I offer to support ideation. Students in my Studio class have learned pen techniques in Beginning Art, but often need or want more information about how to work with pen. I support this need by sharing a Pen and Ink Exploration (linked on the image below) I’ve created that provides information and practice. It’s set up so students can work through it independently and at their own pace.

One requirement for Studio is that work made in class needs to show effort and growth over time. Working through this Exploration is a way students can meet that goal, which is tied to grades.

The first slide in my Pen and Ink Exploration. The image is linked to the complete slide show - check it out if you’d like and feel free to borrow anything that is helpful.

Inktober inspires wonderful work and celebrating it is my favorite part of the month. I create a large display in my classroom where students can see the prompts, get precut paper, and display their work as they choose. I’m already running out of room, as you can see below!

Some students choose to only post their best work, others prefer to post a drawing for each day and some like to keep all their work in their sketchbook. This display includes work by students who have never taken classes with me and also calligraphy from my AP Art History class.

Do you participate in Inktober? How does it look in your classroom?