day · fixed · day 86 of 365

International Scribble Day

With a stroke of a pen, ideas come to life through scribbling. Let your creativity flow and unleash the power of the doodle!

Art & Crafts Attitudes & Emotions Hobbies & Activities45

Marketing angleinferred

Inspire creativity and self-expression in families and educators by promoting art supplies, books, and DIY craft kits tied to the theme of 'art for everyone.'

Relevance 45medium intent

Share before-and-after scribble-to-character transformations on social media to inspire participation
Partner with children's book retailers to promote Diane Alber's 'I'm NOT Just a Scribble' and bundled art supply kits
Create a user-generated content campaign encouraging families to post their scribble art creations with a branded hashtag
Offer limited-edition scribble-themed merchandise (t-shirts, notebooks) featuring customer-created designs

History

Founded by Diane Alber, International Scribble Day got its start in 2019. The day began as a nod to the children’s book written by Alber called “I’m NOT Just a Scribble.

The theme of this cute book, which was published in 2017, is that art can come in any form and anyone can be encouraged to be an artist. Other themes of the book include ideas about kindness and acceptance, as well as inspiring creativity.

With a desire to encourage people young and old to accept others as they are, the hope of this day is also that people will be inspired to be creative. Even people who don’t think they are very ‘artistic’ can have something creative to offer to the world – even if it’s just a scribble!

International Scribble Day is here to raise awareness for the important themes of kindness, acceptance and unique forms of creativity. So get on board with celebrating this important day!

How to celebrate

Read I’m NOT Just a Scribble

Get inspired for the day by picking up a copy of I’m NOT Just a Scribble, by Diane Alber, at a local library, bookstore, or the author’s website. Parents, teachers and others who work with kids can read the book to the kids in their lives and encourage them to get inspired to create their own works of art with scribbles. One of the fun types of scribble art created in the book includes making a scribble, adding eyes and a mouth, drawing on arms and legs, and then making a delightful character out of it. It’s tons of fun!

Create Some Scribble Art

A perfect way to get involved with International Scribble Day might be to create some scribble art with participation that ranges from simple to complex. Perhaps it’s just a pencil and a plain piece of printer paper. Or maybe it’s something more interesting like some scribbles of watercolor paint on a canvas. Or, for those who really want to get involved, perhaps it would be fun to create a scribble design that could be put on transfer paper and worn on a t-shirt. The options for art that can be created for International Scribble Day are almost endless!

FAQ

How did scribbling become linked to creativity rather than just a childhood activity?

Scribbling started as a child’s play but gained traction in the early 20th century when psychologists like Carl Jung explored it as a way to express subconscious thoughts. Today, adults scribble to unwind and boost creativity, proving it’s a serious tool, not just child’s play.

Is International Scribble Day celebrated in different ways across the world?

Yes! In Japan, schools celebrate by letting students fill massive posters with doodles, which they display in hallways. In France, some art communities hold “scribble jams” where artists create quick, collaborative pieces to showcase how ideas emerge in mere seconds.

Did scribbling play a role in early literacy or education?

Historically, scribbling was used as a pre-writing exercise for children. Ancient Greek and Roman educators encouraged it as a way for children to practice forming letters and understanding symbols, making it an early tool for literacy.

How is scribbling connected to memory and learning?

Research shows that scribbling during lectures or meetings can help retain information. This “doodling effect” engages our brains just enough to stay focused while still absorbing information.

Is it true that famous writers and artists used scribbling to overcome creative blocks?

Yes! Author J.K. Rowling has shared that she scribbles notes, drawings, and symbols to work through plot problems. Similarly, Vincent van Gogh often scribbled to refine his ideas and designs, showing how scribbling sparks creative solutions.

What’s the psychology behind scribbling when we’re bored?

Scribbling isn’t just mindless doodling. It’s our brain’s way of self-regulating. When we’re bored, it helps us stay alert and focused by releasing stress and calming the mind. It’s especially helpful during long meetings or lectures.

Why is scribbling considered a “universal” art form?

Scribbling transcends language and culture; it’s one of the first ways children everywhere express themselves. Kids in Africa, Europe, and Asia scribble in similar ways, proving it’s an instinctive, universal form of expression.

Are there myths about scribbling and intelligence?

Yes, there’s a myth that messy scribbles indicate a “scattered mind.” In fact, psychologists find that people who doodle or scribble often have high cognitive engagement and may use it to channel their ideas and emotions effectively.

How do schools encourage creativity on International Scribble Day?

Many schools use International Scribble Day to inspire young minds. Teachers create “doodle walls” where students can freely draw anything they like. This activity encourages kids to take pride in their creative ideas, fostering confidence.

Can scribbling help with mental health?

Scribbling provides an emotional outlet and reduces stress. Psychologists note that free-form drawing gives people a non-verbal way to process emotions, making it beneficial for mental health and self-expression.