Portrait Exercise
The Portrait Exercise fosters connection and creative expression by having participants draw each other's portraits in timed rounds, without looking at their paper. This activity encourages appreciation for individual qualities and shared laughter.
Use this exercise at the beginning of a workshop or team-building session to break the ice, encourage interaction, and create a lighthearted atmosphere.
Solves: Initial awkwardness or hesitation in groups, difficulty connecting on a personal level.
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Step 1: Divide the group into two equal halves: 'artists' and 'models'. (2 minutes)
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Step 2: Arrange models in an inner circle facing outward, and artists in an outer circle facing inward, each artist facing a model. (3 minutes)
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Step 3: Explain the drawing process: artists draw their model's face without looking at the paper, rotating every 30 seconds. Practice the rotation. (5 minutes)
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Step 4: Start the music and begin the drawing rotations for 4-5 rounds. (5 minutes)
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Step 5: Switch roles and repeat the exercise. (5 minutes)
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Step 6: (Optional) Annotate the portraits with personal insights, superpowers, or communication styles. (5-10 minutes)
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Step 7: Share the portraits in a gallery walk or group discussion. (5-10 minutes)
- Encourage artists to embrace the imperfect nature of the drawings.
- Play upbeat music to keep the energy high.
- If you have an odd number of participants, join in to make it even.
- Instead of portraits, draw each other's hands or another body part.
- Use different drawing mediums like crayons or markers.
- Have participants interview their models before drawing to incorporate personality into the portrait.