The #OneWeek100People challenge is a global phenomenon that encourages artists to sketch 100 people in seven days. It's an informal initiative that has grown into a popular trend within the Urban Sketchers community. The challenge's co-founders, Liz Steel and Marc Taro Holmes, met at the International Urban Sketchers Symposium in Lisbon in 2011 and started the challenge as a way to stay connected and keep drawing together. The goal of 100 is intentionally ambitious, encouraging artists to draw without self-criticism and focus on quantity over quality. This approach is what makes the challenge so special, according to Steel and Holmes. It's about practice rather than perfection, and the momentum can be quite magical. The challenge is designed to be accessible, with no expensive tools required and a simple definition of success. Artists can simplify the challenge as much as they want, focusing on sketching more than usual. The practice of sketching people can be a form of exposure therapy for perfectionism, as it encourages artists to slow down and notice the small details in their surroundings. It can also increase empathy and gratitude for the ordinary. The act of sketching itself is a way to engage with the world, forcing artists to look and draw actively rather than passively consuming media. It can lead to new experiences and a deeper connection with the environment. Sketching people can be a way to recalibrate the brain to notice the people who usually move through our peripheral, as demonstrated by Quincy Nadel, who started sketching in her thirties after teaching herself. The challenge can be addictive, with artists often sketching 100 people in just over an hour. It's a way to motivate artists to live a good life and engage with the world around them. The use of water-soluble pencils and markers can also make the process more forgiving, allowing artists to soften edges and make mistakes mid-sketch. The challenge encourages artists to put down their phones and truly see the world happening at eye level, even if it's just for a brief moment.
