Fake Artist in New York

When to use Fake Artist in New York

Use this method to kick off a workshop or meeting with a lighthearted activity that encourages interaction and observation skills. It's particularly effective for teams that need to improve communication and collaboration.

What it solves

Teams that are too serious or lack a sense of playfulness; difficulty building rapport among team members.

How to run Fake Artist in New York, step by step

1. (2 min) Secretly assign one person as the 'fake artist'. Everyone else is a real artist. Write down a simple object or scene (e.g., a cat, a house, a tree) on slips of paper. Give one blank slip to the fake artist.
2. (1 min) Explain the rules: Each person takes turns adding one line or stroke to the drawing, without revealing the subject. The fake artist must try to blend in and guess what the group is drawing.
3. (10-15 min) Go around the circle, each person adding one stroke at a time. Repeat until the drawing is complete or time runs out.
4. (2 min) The group votes on who they think the fake artist is.
5. (5 min) Reveal the fake artist and discuss the experience. What clues gave them away? How did it feel to be the fake artist?

Materials needed

• Slips of paper
• Pens or markers
• Whiteboard or large sheet of paper (or digital equivalent)
• Timer

Facilitator tips

• Ensure the drawing prompt is simple enough for everyone to contribute, but not so obvious that the fake artist can guess it immediately.
• Encourage the 'real' artists to be subtle in their contributions to avoid giving the game away too easily.

Common pitfalls

• The drawing prompt is too complex, making it difficult for the fake artist to blend in. - Keep the prompt simple and visual.
• The 'real' artists are too obvious in their attempts to mislead the fake artist. - Remind participants to be subtle and focus on collaborative drawing.

Variations

• Use different drawing mediums (e.g., crayons, paint).
• Introduce a theme for the drawings (e.g., 'things that make us happy').
• Play multiple rounds with different fake artists.

Running it online or hybrid

Use a shared digital whiteboard like Miro or Mural. The 'artist' can draw using their mouse or trackpad.

What it produces

A collaboratively drawn picture, and hopefully some laughter and improved team connection.

Origin

From Mischief Makers Facilipedia — source

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