05 October,2026 09:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani Gabhare
An Inktober illustration by the artist became inspiration for a tattoo. Pics courtesy/Ahmed Sikander
What if you dedicated a whole month purely to art? That's the idea behind Inktober, an annual drawing challenge started by American illustrator Jake Parker in 2009. It began as a personal exercise to improve his inking skills. The idea was simple: Create one ink drawing every day in October, build consistency, practise your craft and develop a creative habit. We reached out to artists across genres to help us keep the motivation alive.
An illustration of the Northern Fur Seal
Inktober is about discipline more than perfection. I created my own version of the challenge in 2015, making 365 illustrations of mammals, one each day. It taught me the value of showing up, even on days when I did not feel like drawing.
If you're starting out, set a realistic 15 to 30-minute goal rather than getting intimidated by highly polished work online. Spend extra time on the first drawing to establish a consistent style, so that all your illustrations feel like a family. Keep your eyes open for ideas - you never know when inspiration can strike.
Ashvini Menon, wildlife and nature illustrator, Mulund
It'll sound funny, but from my perspective, Inktober is almost like going to the gym - you have to keep at it. I'd suggest deciding your subjects beforehand and setting aside a fixed time every day, whether that's 15 minutes or an hour, depending on your schedule. I tried Inktober once and lasted only two days because I hadn't planned my time properly.
Creating a realistic timetable around work, school or other commitments can make it easier to stay consistent. And I don't think the practice should end in October. Keep drawing and creating in the months that follow because, much like exercise, drawing is a skill that gets better with practice.
Ahmed Sikander, designer and tattoo artist, Kandivli
Art is subjective, and that is one lesson I keep in mind when I teach children. Once the initial 30 per cent of the fear fades, the artist shines bright, and that is something I would like to base my advice on. Firstly, art supplies don't matter.
Caricature art by the artist. Pics courtesy/Denzil Clement
To fine-tune your skills, one can perform the one-minute exercise I advise all my students: Look at an object and visualise it artistically in 10 ways.
For example, instead of filling a bottle with water, fill it with beads, allowing your creative juices to overflow. For beginners who are starting out, always focus on your fundamentals, particularly practising lines and strokes.
Denzil Clement, painter and caricature artist, Malad
Prompts for Inktober 2026. Pic courtesy/@inktober
>> Pens, paper, ink, pencils - this store has you covered for all your stationery needs.
At Anupam, SV Road, Borivli West.
Call 35210101
>> Browse through beginners' essentials and speciality papers such as 300GSM watercolour paper.
At Janta Stationery & Art Store, Patkar Blocks, Bandra West.
Call 9820026593
>> Get your hands on award-winning Japanese stationery like minimalist writing instruments, dual-tip highlighters, water-based felt pens, and subtle pastel or vintage-toned markers, all under one roof.
At MUJI, 1st Floor, West Zone, Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel.
Call 48931984
