Draw Your Neighbor

How to Play

Setup

1. Materials: One sheet of paper and a drawing tool (pen, pencil, or marker) per person. Optional clipboards or hard surfaces, timer/phone, and light background music.
2. Seating: Arrange participants in a circle or at tables so each person has a clear left or right neighbor. Ensure everyone is paired with exactly one subject.
3. Framing: Explain the spirit of the game—embrace imperfection, aim for connection and laughter, not fine art. Share that portraits can be taken home as quirky keepsakes.
4. Brief the rule: “No looking at your subject while drawing” (or only a 5-second look at the start). Demonstrate a quick example to set the tone.

How to Play

1. Pairing: Each person will draw the neighbor you assign (e.g., the person to your right). Confirm everyone knows their subject.
2. Optional Peek: Allow a single 5-second look to notice key features (hairstyle, glasses, beard, earrings, clothing). After this, eyes stay on the paper.
3. Draw: Start a 3–5 minute timer. Participants draw their subject without looking directly at them. Encourage bold, continuous lines and capturing standout features.
4. Sign & Title: With 10 seconds left, ask artists to sign their name and optionally add a playful title (e.g., “Majestic Curls” or “Sharp Specs”).
5. Reveal: On your cue, everyone reveals their portraits simultaneously to big laughs. Subjects receive their portrait as a souvenir.
6. Share: Invite quick reflections—subjects can name one thing the artist captured well and one delightful surprise.
7. Repeat (Optional): Rotate who you draw (now the person to your left) or run a second round with a twist (see Variations).

Rules

1. No looking at your subject while drawing after the initial 5-second glance (if used). Keep your eyes on the paper.
2. No erasing or redoing—embrace imperfection. Continuous-line drawing is encouraged but optional.
3. Keep it kind: Avoid mean-spirited caricatures; celebrate distinctive features respectfully.
4. Stay in your seat to avoid accidental peeks. Light conversation is okay, but no posing requests.
5. Consent matters: Participants may opt out of being drawn or choose to draw an object instead.
6. Portrait ownership: The subject keeps the portrait unless they decline. Ask permission before photographing or sharing.

Tips

• Set the tone with humor and a quick facilitator demo.
• Play upbeat, instrumental music to ease self-consciousness.
• Encourage noticing shapes (silhouette, hair volume, glasses) rather than details.
• Shorten time (2–3 min) for high energy; lengthen (4–5 min) for focus.
• Debrief: Ask what it felt like to let go of perfection and how that relates to creative work.
• Provide thick markers for bold lines; they prevent over-detailing.

Variations

1. Blind Contour: Keep your pen on the page without lifting it—guaranteed giggles.
2. Timed Peeks: Allow a 2-second peek every minute to capture updates.
3. Theme Twist: Draw your neighbor as a superhero, historical figure, or album cover.
4. Trio Rotation: Groups of three each draw the same person, then compare interpretations.
5. Gallery Walk: Tape portraits to a wall and give playful awards (e.g., “Most Expressive Hair,” “Best Glasses”).
6. Virtual Option: In video calls, pair in breakout rooms; use digital whiteboards or paper held to camera for the reveal.