Instructions

1. Get your materials. This can simply be just a pencil and paper, or if you want to explore different mediums and challenge yourself, materials such as acrylic paint will also be good.

2. Draw a self-portrait with those materials.

3. In the background, add what is meaningful to you. There is no limit: family, religion, interests, values, etc.

4. After you have completed your entire self-portrait, look at it and reflect with these questions:

1. 1. What emotions did you feel in the process of creating this piece? Positive or negative, did they aid you in what you wanted to achieve with the self-portrait?

   2. Focus on the centerpiece: your self-portrait. What do you notice in how you draw yourself? What parts stood out to you? If you were to ask others about this component of your creation, would they also share the same observations as you?

   3. Now extend your vision to the background. What did you draw there? Are there any noticeable parts where you can connect it to your cultural background?

   4. After digesting your whole piece, taking it in, what have you realized about yourself?

Instructions:

1. Gather your materials! It can just be a sticky note and your office pen, or your sketchbook and some pastels—there is no limit.

2.   Select a prompt you would like to follow.

   • Stuck with choosing a prompt? Here are a few you can use below:

     •  Food

     •  Family

     • Nature

     • Home

     • Emotions (Sadness, Anger, Joy, Fear, etc.)

     • You can also use this website for prompt ideas:

       •  https://quickdraw.withgoogle.com/            

3. Now set a timer for somewhere between 5 to 10 minutes.

4. Once the timer has started, follow your selected prompt and draw away!

5. When the timer is done, you stop as well.

6. Now look at your drawing and reflect on these questions below:

   • How does this activity make you feel? Did you feel any change in mood from before you completed it?

   • What did you represent through your drawing? Have any cultural values impacted the way you portrayed it in your drawing, and if so, how?

   • If you had more time, what would you have added?

Materials:

• Anything you have! Crayons, markers, pens, colored pencils, watercolors, or even just a regular pencil and paper.

• A quiet space, if possible

• Optional: calming music, a timer, or journal for reflection

Instructions:

1. Set an intention. Before you start, take a moment to check in with yourself. How are you feeling right now emotionally, mentally, or physically?

2. Pick a material that feels right to you. There’s no wrong choice. This is your space.

3. Start drawing or painting freely. You don’t have to plan or think too much. Let your hand move naturally. You can draw shapes, colors, lines, patterns, words, or even just scribbles. Let your feelings guide you.

4. Focus on the process, not the outcome. There’s no “right” way to do this. It’s okay if your piece doesn’t “look like” anything. What matters is that you’re letting something out.

5. Pause and reflect. When you’re done, take a breath. Look at your art and think about what it might represent. You can write a few thoughts down if you want or just sit with it for a moment.

6. Optional prompt: Try drawing how a certain emotion feels in your body. What does stress look like? What does peace feel like in color?

This activity is a safe space for you to explore your inner world. Be gentle with yourself. Let art be a form of release.

Citations: 

• Shik, A. W. Y. (2013). Integrating creative art into a community-based mental health program for Asian American transition age youth. Children and Youth Services Review, 35(3), 377–383. https://doi-org.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/10.1016/j.childyouth.2012.12.002 

• Rauch, B., & Gay, M. (2018). A Hundred Thousand Lousy Cats (exploring drawing, AI and creativity). Electronic Workshops in Computing. https://doi.org/10.14236/ewic/evac18.12

• https://pin.it/F0vbvs0tt  

• Golubovy. (n.d.). 1,102,000+ person sketching stock photos, pictures & Royalty-Free images - iStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/person-sketching

• Staff, I., & Foley, J. (2025, May 27). 20 pro sketching tips to help you elevate your skills. Creative Bloq. https://www.creativebloq.com/illustration/sketching-tips-beginners-81516497