Sketching At Protests

Reportage sketching is visual illustration of events, people, processes, protests, wars, and other news-worthy ventures, often offering deeper insight into people, places, viewpoints, or circumstances. One way I delve into reportage is by sketching at protests. I’ve only sketched at three protests in the last few years, and I dug out my old sketches to share here.

On January 21st, 2017, after President Trump’s inauguration, women around the world made their voices heard at the Women’s March. It was a cold day at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, but a march and protest were planned. I had never gone to a protest and was frankly scared to try it. But I went, and came away with some interesting sketches and insights. Here is my journal entry about my trepidation and how the event changed me.

I took a cheap sketchbook and pen, adding color later at home. I like to sketch a few people and then some of what the speakers were saying, as well as signs I noticed.

Here is the second page of this spread:

A year later in 2018, I was back at the State Capitol for the Parkland High School shootings protest: “March For Our Lives”. This was a very emotional protest as many people shared words about friends they had lost in the shootings. Here are some of the people, signs, and comments I captured in pen.

Here is the second page of that spread:

Here are some thoughts that were shared from speakers, and my reflections at the bottom of the page. The top quote above the yellow box on the right pierced my heart: “Never again should someone have to attend 17 funerals in one week.”–a M.S. Douglas high school survivor. Parents and students shared their hearts, and it was emotionally wrenching.

Some tips I have for doing this kind of reportage sketching–

1. Go with a friend if possible or tell someone where you will be.
2. Plan your route ahead of time– parking, take public transportation, etc…
3. Dress for the weather!
4. Take limited sketch supplies and bring water or a snack if you need it.
5. Stand and sketch, as people will move around you. If you need to sit, be aware of your surroundings. If you can sit with your back against a pillar or something solid, all the better.
6. Watch for the emotion of the crowd. My experiences were peaceful crowds, but gauge the emotion, if it starts getting really angry or violent, get out of there!
7. Respect your comfort level in the situation, if you get uncomfortable, it’s OK to move or leave. Always be aware of your surroundings.

The next two sketches are from the International Women’s Day and 5051 protest in St. Paul at the State Capitol last Saturday. The first 50501 protests were on February 5th, 2025 (50 Protests, 50 States, 1 Movement) and “were a decentralized rapid response to the anti-democratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic allies.” I attended the one on March 8th, as it was warmer than February! Leaders warmed up the crowd with chants and then speakers (mostly women) shared their stories, views, and concerns. I noticed several people with Ukraine flags, so I sketched some of those. I sketched in ink and added colored pencil and gray Tombow markers at home.

Here’s the second sketch:

Reportage sketching is challenging and fun. I hope to sketch at more protests this year, and share what I see. If you are interested, take a step and find an event you care about and try doing a sketch. It’s amazing how you start with one, and then want to do more!