Quick Sketch Trading Post
Draw a doodle, trade it, and tell the story
Game Overview.
Participants sketch a simple image based on a prompt, trade drawings with a partner, and invent a story about the new doodle they received.
Objectives
- ✓Encourage quick creative thinking without perfectionism
- ✓Help participants build on each other’s ideas
- ✓Create a moment of laughter before serious work
What You'll Need
- •Paper or digital whiteboard space
- •Pens or stylus tools
- •Prompt list such as "draw your weekend in shapes"
Preparation
- 1Select prompts that can be drawn in under one minute
- 2Decide how the trading will work (pass to right, random pair, breakout swap)
- 3Encourage people not to erase-imperfections make stories better
How to Play
STEP 1
Draw Fast
Give everyone 60 seconds to doodle based on the prompt.
STEP 2
Trade Sketches
Have participants exchange drawings with someone else.
STEP 3
Invent the Story
Each person creates a short narrative explaining the sketch they received.
STEP 4
Show & Laugh
Share the doodles and stories with the whole group.
Pro Tips
- Remind everyone that stick figures are perfect-no art degree needed
- Use gallery view or a document camera to display drawings remotely
- Pair this with upbeat music to keep energy high
- Offer bonus prompts for people who finish early
Variations
Storyboard Edition
Have groups combine multiple doodles into a comic strip.
Customer Sketches
Prompt people to draw a customer journey step and trade to interpret it.
Mystery Box
Hide the prompt until the timer starts for a true improv feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if someone does not want to draw?
They can jot words or geometric shapes instead; the trade partner still builds a story from it.
How big should groups be?
Pairs work best, but you can also have trios rotate drawings.
Can we save the sketches?
Yes-photograph or export them to create a fun retrospective slide.
Tags
Similar Games You Might Like.
Two Truths and a Lie
A Classic Ice Breaker Game for Any Setting
Each person shares three statements about themselves - two true and one false. Others guess which statement is the lie. Perfect for helping people learn interesting facts about each other.
Human Bingo
Interactive Ice Breaker for Large Groups
Participants receive bingo cards with different characteristics or experiences. They must find people who match each square and get their signatures. First to complete a row wins!
Virtual Background Challenge
Perfect for Remote Teams and Online Meetings
Participants choose creative virtual backgrounds that represent something about themselves. Others guess the meaning behind each background choice.