Inktober 2025: Nearly a Decade of Ink

Every October, artists all over the world pick up their pens, brushes, and tablets to take part in Inktober, a daily drawing challenge built around prompts that spark creativity and consistency. For me, this little tradition has become more than just doodling on paper. I don’t remember when I started exactly but it’s been almost a decade since I first stumbled across Inktober, and I’ve been hooked every October since.

When I think back on my earliest Inktober pieces, I can see how much has changed. My lines were rough, my ideas rushed, and honestly, half the time I was just scribbling to keep up. But that’s the beauty of this challenge—you don’t have to be perfect, you just have to show up. Over the years, my sketchbooks have turned into little time capsules. I can flip through them and see not just how my drawing has improved, but also where I was in life each October.

As a dad, Inktober has also become a way to connect with my kids. They’ve grown up watching me sit down with a pen and a blank page, and more than once they’ve joined in with their own spooky pumpkins, silly monsters, and wild superheroes. It’s a tradition that reminds me that creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s for anyone willing to put pen to paper.

This year’s prompts are already stirring up ideas (and maybe a little bit of panic—thirty-one drawings is no joke). But that’s the fun of it. Some days the pen glides effortlessly, and other days I’m staring at the page wondering what I’ve gotten myself into. Either way, I know by the end of the month I’ll have another collection of drawings that tell a story—not just of Inktober 2025, but of where I am right now as a dad, creator, and St. Louisan.

Follow my Inktober journey on Instagram!

If you’ve ever thought about joining Inktober, let this be your sign. You don’t need fancy supplies or professional skills—just the willingness to try. Whether you stick it out for all 31 days or just dip your toe in with a few sketches, it’s a rewarding experience that will surprise you with what you’re capable of.

Here’s to nearly a decade of ink stains, sketchbooks stacked high, and another October filled with imagination.