- Categories:
- Arts & Entertainment
- Tags:
- ActivitiesAppreciationHobby
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every May 16
- Holiday emoji:
- ✍️
Drawing Day celebrates artistic expression every May 16. Grab your favorite medium, whether it’s a pencil and paper or a digital tablet, and let your imagination flow. Share your creations, explore new techniques, and inspire others to pick up a pen or brush.
Want to sponsor Drawing Day? Learn how
Expected Drawing Day Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that art supply retailers often feature discounts around Drawing Day. Expect deals from major chains like Blick Art Materials, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby on sketchbooks, drawing sets, and digital art tools. Brands like Wacom and Cricut may offer special bundles or software discounts. Online learning platforms such as Skillshare and Domestika could also promote drawing courses. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May 16 approaches.
Platform Guide for Drawing Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #DrawingDay. Share your latest sketches, time-lapse drawing videos, or finished masterpieces to inspire others.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #DrawingDay. Film a ‘draw with me’ video, showcase your art supplies, or participate in a popular drawing challenge.
YouTube
Subscribe to @NationalToday for holiday video content. Create a tutorial for a drawing technique or share a studio vlog of your creative process.
Drawing Day Hero
Leonardo da Vinci
History of Drawing Day
The earliest drawings have been recorded since around 10000 B.C. These drawings were carvings that were discovered in ancient caves in Europe. In around 3000 B.C., ancient Egyptians made drawings on their temples that featured scenes from their daily lives. Even the written transcripts of that era had similar illustrations that were drawn with ink. Similarly, the Greeks drew intricate figures and patterns on clay vases. Before paper had been invented, people used animal skins and wooden planks to write, draw, and paint on.
During the 1400s, drawings played an eminent role in religious books, which featured miniature drawings that were hand-drawn with gold and ink. Later, contemporary drawing styles started becoming popular in Europe as paper had become readily available everywhere. Renaissance artists became famous and ink was their favorite medium. Other mediums like colored chalks and charcoal were also used to add shading and bring out textures in their drawings.
Drawing Day timeline
The rococo movement begins where artists use bright colors and focus on ornamentation in their drawings.
High-quality graphite pencils are manufactured, which encourage artists to create pencil sketches and drawings.
Art competitions are recognized as part of the Olympics this year.
This first digital art program known as AARON makes large-sized abstract drawings.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Drawing Day
Local art studios and galleries can host open drawing sessions or workshops, offering discounts on classes or supplies. Retailers selling art materials can run promotions on sketchbooks, pencils, and digital drawing tablets. Coffee shops might feature local artists’ work or provide drawing prompts for patrons. Even restaurants could offer themed placemats for children to draw on, fostering creativity across the community.
Drawing Day FAQs
When is Drawing Day?
In 2027, Drawing Day is observed on Sunday, May 16, providing a relaxed day for creative pursuits and artistic exploration.
How popular is drawing as a hobby?
Globally, drawing’s popularity is sustained by its low barrier to entry and the rise of digital tools. Surveys consistently show it as one of the top creative pastimes, appealing to both casual doodlers and aspiring professionals.
What is the market size for art supplies?
Fueled by increased interest in creative pursuits and online learning, the art supplies market continues to see steady growth. Innovations in eco-friendly materials and digital art technology are also expanding its reach and offerings.
What's the difference between drawing and sketching?
Sketching is often the preliminary stage of a drawing, focusing on capturing form and composition without much detail. Drawing can be a finished piece, involving careful rendering, shading, and attention to detail, but both are fundamental forms of visual art.
How to Celebrate Drawing Day
Take a drawing workshop
Today, there are many drawing workshops available online that are free or charge a very nominal fee. You can either opt for a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level workshop based on your skills.
Create a doodle book
Doodling is a great way to keep your brain active and improve your concentration levels. Next time you feel bored or unable to focus at work, take out a doodle book and start doodling!
Play drawing games with your friends
There are many online apps and board games like Pictionary where one player draws an object and the other players guess it. It is a fun activity that you can play in teams online or in person.
5 Facts About Famous Painters That Will Blow Your Mind
Picasso drew before he walked
Spanish artist Pablo Picasso learned to draw before he could even walk, and his first word was ‘piz,’ short for ‘lapiz,’ which means pencil in Spanish.
Van Gogh sold one painting in his lifetime
It is believed that Vincent van Gogh was able to sell only a single painting “The Red Vineyard” in his lifetime.
Bob Ross was never paid for his show
Bob Ross did his TV show, “The Joy of Painting” for free — he made money by selling art supplies.
“Mona Lisa” has her own mailbox
Leonardo Da Vinci's painting, the “Mona Lisa” has her own mailbox at the Louvre for the letters she receives from her admirers.
Warhol painted a car in some minutes
Pop artist Andy Warhol painted an entire BMW supercar in 24 minutes.
Why We Love Drawing Day
Drawing is a quick mood-boosting activity
Drawing allows you to relive your childhood and be creative. Drawing also helps to relieve stress as it is a mood-boosting activity.
It gives clarity to thoughts and ideas
Drawing is a great way for children, who haven't yet developed verbal skills, to easily communicate their thoughts and feelings on paper.
It can improve team-building skills
Who said you have to draw alone? Drawing can be a great icebreaker activity and improve teamwork and collaboration skills.
Social Media Tips for Drawing Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands