In the wake of a tumultuous presidential election, many Americans who didn't side with Donald Trump were left asking themselves: What can I do to take action and make a difference? Some joined in on protests to relieve their frustrations while others started donating to organizations to offer support. But one artist, Tyler Feder, took to her sketch pad as a means of spreading a message of unity in this stressful time.
A Jewish woman, Feder explained to the Huffington Post that she felt invisible to half of the country after the election results were released. "Being aware of the enormous privilege I have because I am straight, white, cis, middle-class, and able-bodied, I knew that there were so many Americans feeling even worse than I did," she told the Post. "I wanted to use my art to help marginalized people feel visible after an election that made us feel like we didn't matter."
So she posted the following photo on her Instagram, asking any of her marginalized followers to use the hashtag #DrawMeTyler to provide her with some drawing material. And boy, did she get some material!
More than 800 users — from women of color to nonbinary individuals — posted selfies using her hashtag in hopes of having their portrait drawn. The artist expressed her gratitude for having a means of giving a voice to those who felt downtrodden after the election. "If there is any way I can use the art I do to engage my small following in the causes I feel are important, I try to make it happen. I felt that way before the election and I feel it even more strongly now," she said.
Keep reading to see some of our favorite portraits to date, and check back on the hashtag in the coming weeks if you need a little dose of love and empowerment to get you through the day.
