F.A.Q.
This page is a work-in-progress. As we get more Frequently Asked Questions we will be updating this page accordingly. Do you have a question about Inktober? Please use our contact page, and put "For the FAQ" in your subject line. Thanks!
Q: What is Inktober?
A: Inktober is a month long art challenge created by artist Jake Parker that is focused on improving skill and developing positive drawing habits. Every day for the month of October anyone participating in the Inktober challenge creates an ink drawing and posts it online. Remember to use the hashtags #inktober and #inktober2023 if you want your art to be seen by everyone.
Q: IS INKTOBER A CHALLENGE OR A CONTEST?
A: Inktober is just a framework to get yourself to draw better, flex a little, and/or have some fun with your art. Inktober is a challenge NOT a contest to see who the best artist is. It’s a challenge to see how much you can improve your art in a month, and to be inspired or to help inspire other artists to do the same.
Q. When is Inktober?
A: Inktober is every October. Post your first Inktober drawing on October 1st and your last on October 31st.
Q: Where do I send my Inktober drawings?
A: You do not need to send your drawings to us. Simply post photos of your artwork onto your own social media account and tag it with #inktober and #inktober2023. Others will be able to see it and you can follow those tags to see the work of everyone else.
Q: What if I don’t have a social media account?
A: If you don’t have a social media account you can still participate. Consider talking with your local library or art council about creating an Inktober event for your community. You can also just share your drawings with friends and family in person. You can post them on your fridge, or get permission to post them on your school’s bulletin board.
Q: Where is Inktober?
A: There is no official location or convention for Inktober. Wherever you live and create is where Inktober is.
Q. Can I work digitally?
A: Yes. Initially, the challenge of Inktober was focused on traditional inking. Although learning how to ink digitally is a skill separate from traditional inking it is no less valid. If you want to improve your digital inking skills then doing Inktober digitally is a great way to challenge yourself. Just be cool to those who want to use traditional inks. And traditional inkers, be cool to those who are trying to improve with their digital inking.
Q. Can I do calligraphy?
A: Yes. If calligraphy, typography, lettering, etc is how you create your art, then by all means do that every day for Inktober. We've even heard of writers taking on the Inktober challenge and crafting a poem or short story every day that follow the prompts.
Q. Can I sketch out my drawing before going to ink?
A: Yes.
Q: What is a good pen to use for inktober?
A: The Inktober team really like pens by Kuretake. For a list of other good pens see the Tools page.
Q: Can I use markers or watercolors?
A: While it's suggested to use real ink, keep things black and white, and use the official prompt list, the spirit of the challenge is very open to people being creative in what tools they use, how they use them, and what they create.
Q: Can I only use ink for my drawing to count?
A: No. Whatever your creative process is, use it. If you want to sketch in a pencil and then ink on top that's fine! If you want to sketch in crayon and then scan it into the computer and do your finished inking digitally, go for it! As long as you are creating a new ink drawing every day, it counts.
Q: Do I have to use the official prompt list?
A: No. The prompts are there to help spark your creativity. If you have another great idea, go for it! If you do decide to follow the prompts, visit our official instagram page for loads of daily inspiration and have fun!
Q: Do I have to use the prompts in order?
A: Nope. You do not have to follow the order of the prompt list. If switching the order of the prompts helps tell the story you want to tell feel free to change the order.
But the cool thing about following the prompt list in order is seeing what everybody creates on the same day using the same prompt and how much variety and creativity there is inside of a single word.
Q: Do I have to use our own designs or can I use designs from my favorite game/film/cartoon etc.?
A: You can draw whatever you’d like for your Inktober challenge. Just remember to follow copyright laws, and respect the original creator's wishes.
Q: What if I see someone doing Inktober wrong?
A: There is no right or wrong way to Inktober, its origin is and will always be self improvement. Art and technology has evolved over the years, self improvement is not just about becoming a better artist, it's also about developing good habits and respecting all styles, mediums, expressions or creative visions. Drown out the negativity and celebrate the beauty of art and the spirit of community with art. We hope you find inspiration and make a few friends along the way.
Q: Where can I buy an Inktober shirt?
A: Right here. There is also additional Inktober merch on the Merch page.
Q: Where are this year's prompts?
A: September 1st of each year Inktober prompts are posted under the Rules and Prompts page and on the official Inktober Instagram . However, if you want the prompts a week early subscribe to the Inktober mailing list here.