If you have been online in last couple of days you may have noticed a number of drawings with a hashtag of inktober or inktober2018. What is world wide phenomenon that is taking place? Keep reading and see how you can be apart of this fun experience.
What is inktober?
Inktober began in 2009 thanks to an artist who refers to himself as Mr Jake Parker. Jake says on the Inktober website that he started Inktober as a way of challenging himself to improve his ‘inking skills’ and as a way of ‘developing positive drawing habits’.
More and more drawing enthusiasts take part in Inktober each year. Those who participate range from individuals who enjoy drawing stick figures to professional comic book artists, and everyone in between!
I have participated off and on over the past few years, but I never made the time to stick with it daily. All of that changes this year. I was determined that I would participate everyday for the month of October. I also am aiming to follow the prompts as long as I am inspired by them. Otherwise, I will just ink my own drawing to keep the momentum.
Even Thai have not participated every day since starting, Inktober is something I look forward to with my fellow artists. I think it’s a simple and amazing concept. It makes artists either professional or amateur do something fun and perhaps outside of their comfort zone.
How to take part in Inktober . . .
Inktober is a ‘simple concept’. If you are into art you will often see drawing challenges on different social media platforms – Inktober is no different!
1) The idea is to draw something every day for the whole month of October. But as it says on the Inktober website – challenge yourself to something attainable. If you can only manage to create a drawing every other day make that your aim!
2) If you are looking for inspiration on what to draw you will find a handy prompt list on the Inktober website, right here! 
3) Your Inktober drawings have to be in ink but you can do a pencil under-drawing, and include color if you like.
4) You will need to post your drawings online using the hashtags #Inktober and this year #Inktober2018.
Here is my interpretation of the word Tranquil. For me, octopus’s are tranquil and calming to observe. 
Why do artists take part in Inktober?
I cannot speak for everyone but for me this is why I am participating. I will be able to see my skills evolve over the month. You’re a better artist because of it.
I recommend anyone to try and commit to this challenge, it will make you a better, more organised artist. Also it will help you to think and create outside of your comfort zone. If you cannot participate all 31 days, that’s okay! Even if you can only draw one sketch, you have had a share in Inktober.
Have you shared in this world did celebration before? What do you like about it most? Share a photo in the comments below with your Inktober drawing!
I can’t even draw a stick figure but am loving your sketches.
HAHA, thank’s Connie!
Never heard of this until now. Loved the list you shared to help get the creative juices going. And I’m so impressed with your artwork! How wonderful to have talent like that. Believe me when I say, writing is my only creative talent!
And you are amazingly talented at writing my friend!
One of my daughters-in-law is participating in Inktober, too. Looks like fun and love seeing what you all come up with each day! Very nice work! 🙂
Was she sharing her art online? I would love to see some of it.
Carmela, this looks like a ton of fun! Maybe I can catch this next fall.
Love your posts and drawings! They are amazing!
Have a great weekend,
Rosie
I do hope you can share in it next year. I imagine you would have loads of fun.
I have always thought that Inktober is to artists what NaNoWriMo is to writers, which I love. Thanks for sharing your insights into Inktober and some of your drawings. By the way, your octopus is extremely cool. Will it be making an appearance into any of your stories? I always appreciate the talent of an artist. My artistic abilities are limited to a box of crayons and a coloring book. LOL
You know, I actually have never participated in NaNoWriMo. As a matter of fact, there is an octopus in my newest Little Katie Explores the Coral Reefs book.
Excellent read and yay to participating in it too. I have never seen it through either and it will be a huge challenge to see it through this year, but what an achievement if we do. You can do this! I am sure this post will inspire others to jump on board the great inky busy
I have been loving each of your ink drawings this month. So happy you were able to keep with it. You definitely inspired me.
Appreciate knowing more about this fun fall activity in the arts community! I cannot draw a jot, so I especially look forward to seeing Inktober creations. Love seeing the range of creative output different artists have on the same writing prompt.
That is one of my favorite things Cat, is seeing how each person interprets the words.
Really enjoying seeing each prompt idea differ from artist to artist daily. It makes me want to be creative again but I haven’t picked up a pencil or ink in years. Couldn’t commit at the moment anyway, so much writing to do. Will continue to admire your amazing abilities from afar.
Thanks Sandra, perhaps next year for Inktober2019 you can participate.