Overview
#Inktober is an annual art challenge created by illustrator Jake Parker in 2009, where artists create one ink drawing per day throughout October following daily prompts. The challenge became one of the most popular participatory art events on social media, spawning official books, products, and countless creative variations.
Origins (2009)
Jake Parker created Inktober as a personal challenge to improve his inking skills and develop positive drawing habits. He shared the first official prompt list in 2016, which standardized participation and accelerated the challenge’s growth. What began as a handful of artists grew to millions by the late 2010s.
Format & Rules
Official Inktober rules:
- Make a drawing in ink (any ink medium)
- Post it online using #Inktober and #Inktober[Year]
- Repeat for 31 days
Parker released official prompt lists each September, with words like “Poison,” “Ancient,” “Ring,” etc., though many artists created custom prompt lists or interpreted themes freely.
Explosive Growth (2016-2020)
The challenge exploded on Instagram, Twitter, and DeviantArt. By 2019, over 4 million posts used the #Inktober hashtag on Instagram alone. Art supply companies partnered with Parker for sponsored content, and the official Inktober website sold prompt books and art supplies.
Variations & Spinoffs
Inktober inspired countless themed variations:
- Kinktober (NSFW/adult art)
- Goretober (horror/gore art)
- OCtober (original characters)
- Fictober (fanfiction writing)
- Drawtober (any medium)
- Regional/language-specific challenges
Other months adopted the format: Mermay (May mermaids), Huevember (November color challenge), and Sketch December.
Controversies
2020 Trademark Dispute: Parker trademarked “Inktober,” sparking backlash from artists who felt he was commercializing a community-created movement. Many artists switched to alternative challenges like Drawlloween.
2021 Plagiarism Allegations: Alphonso Dunn accused Parker of plagiarizing his book Pen and Ink Drawing for Parker’s Inktober book. The controversy divided the community, with some boycotting official Inktober.
Cultural Impact
Despite controversies, Inktober normalized daily art practice and portfolio building. The challenge helped emerging artists gain visibility, build followings, and develop discipline. Many illustrators credit Inktober for career breakthroughs and skill improvements.
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