open · Team Building, Icebreaker · 15–20 min · 10-50 people · medium energy

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.

When to use Portrait Exercise

Use this exercise at the beginning of a workshop or team-building session to break the ice, encourage interaction, and create a lighthearted atmosphere.

What it solves

Initial awkwardness or hesitation in groups, difficulty connecting on a personal level.

How to run Portrait Exercise, step by step

  1. Divide the group into two equal halves: 'artists' and 'models'. (2 minutes)
  2. Arrange models in an inner circle facing outward, and artists in an outer circle facing inward, each artist facing a model. (3 minutes)
  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)
  4. Start the music and begin the drawing rotations for 4-5 rounds. (5 minutes)
  5. Switch roles and repeat the exercise. (5 minutes)
  6. (Optional) Annotate the portraits with personal insights, superpowers, or communication styles. (5-10 minutes)
  7. Share the portraits in a gallery walk or group discussion. (5-10 minutes)

Materials needed

  • White paper or cards
  • Colored pens (different colors for each participant are ideal)
  • Timer
  • Music

Facilitator tips

  • 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.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants feeling self-conscious about their drawing skills. Emphasize that the goal is connection, not artistic perfection.
  • Uneven group sizes. Adjust by having a facilitator participate or creating a small group of three.

Variations

  • 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.

Running it online or hybrid

Use breakout rooms and digital whiteboards for drawing and sharing. Ensure participants have drawing tools available.

What it produces

A collection of collaborative, often humorous, portraits.

Origin

Adapted from Mischief Makers — source

Build a session around Portrait Exercise

METODIC places Portrait Exercise inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

Generate a session with Portrait Exercise · Try METODIC free