From February to May 2025, I carried out a guerrilla marketing initiative that brought together art, conversation, and brand storytelling in a very personal way. I would sit in public areas across Vancouver with a sign that read “Drawing of you for free.” This simple invitation opened the door for thousands of encounters. Each portrait took about five minutes to complete, during which time I was able to connect with the person sitting in front of me. We shared stories, exchanged perspectives, and reflected on life in the city. These moments turned each sketch into more than just a drawing.  

 

Over the course of the project I drew thousands of people from all different age groups, from as young as three months old to as old as 91. Along the way, I also introduced the people I met to RentalHunt, creating natural conversations about housing while keeping the focus on community and personal exchange. Out of the 3,000 people I drew, I took photos with 224 of them.

 

Using those photographs as references, I created a large illustrated mural designed to capture the incredible diversity of Vancouver. The finished work spans five panels and depicts a vibrant, interwoven crowd of real people. Many are depicted pursuing the activities they spoke about during our conversations. Within the mural you will find people singing, skating, drumming, photographing, reading, playing basketball, and countless other activities that reflect their individuality and personality.

 

Every figure in the mural represents a genuine encounter. Each person carries a story and a perspective that I was lucky enough to hear, even if only for a brief moment. While the mural contains only a fraction of the thousands of people I sketched during those months, it embodies the spirit of the entire initiative. It serves as both an artistic record and a community archive, a reminder of how a simple act of drawing can create meaningful human connection.

 

The completed mural is not only a celebration of the diverse and creative spirit of Vancouver, but also a reflection of what happens when art leaves the studio and enters public life. It honors the people who make the city what it is and stands as a visual testament to the idea that everyone, no matter their background, has a story worth telling

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Tools Used: Procreate