We’ve all been there—staring at a blank page, waiting for inspiration to strike. Whether you’re a writer struggling with the first sentence, a designer stuck on a concept, or a team leader searching for fresh ideas, creative blocks can feel frustrating and demoralizing.
These blocks happen for many reasons: perfectionism, burnout, or simply the pressure of producing something “great.” But creativity isn’t just about talent—it’s a practice, one that thrives in environments where experimentation and play are encouraged.
That’s why taking a break from screens and structured tasks to engage in hands-on creative activities can be a powerful way to reset. Engaging in low-pressure, tactile exercises like collage-making and freewriting helps bypass overthinking and allows intuition to take the lead.
A recent Cut Loose Collage Narratives workshop, a collaboration between fiction writer Megan Tady and myself, was designed to do just that—help participants break through creative blocks using a mix of words and images.
The Collage Narratives workshop was an immersive, hands-on experience that combined writing and collage to spark storytelling. We started with warm-up exercises to loosen creative muscles, followed by guided prompts that encouraged instinctual storytelling through mixed media.
Participants used collage techniques to build visual narratives, then translated those visuals into short written reflections, bridging the gap between image and language.
The results? Engaging, personal, and sometimes surprising stories emerged—stories that may have remained untapped had participants relied on one creative mode alone.
Key Takeaways from Participants
The impact of the workshop was best captured by those who experienced it firsthand. Here are some key themes from participant feedback:
Engaging and Balanced Facilitation – Attendees appreciated the structure of the workshop, calling it a “great balance of introducing ideas/topics, writing, collaging, talking and sharing.” This mix kept participants inspired and engaged throughout the session.
Collage and Writing as Complementary Tools – Many participants noted that switching between the two helped unlock creativity. One participant shared, “The integration of collage-making with writing was exactly what I needed—and it was also tremendous fun!”
A Supportive and Encouraging Space – The workshop fostered an environment where participants felt comfortable experimenting. One participant reflected, “I love the energy and enthusiastic support that both Michael and Meg offered. It was a warm, welcoming environment that was perfect for encouraging creative experimentation.”
Overcoming Creative Hesitation – Several attendees discovered a new approach to their creative work. As one noted, “It provided me with a new angle from which to approach an ongoing creative project of mine.”
How Organizations Can Benefit from Collage Narrative Workshops
Organizations can benefit from integrating this type of creative exercise into their team culture. Creativity isn’t just for artists; it’s a crucial skill for problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation.
- Break Through Creative Ruts – By stepping away from traditional brainstorming methods and engaging in a hands-on process, teams can generate fresh ideas and perspectives.
- Foster Collaboration – The mix of writing, art-making, and discussion builds stronger team connections in a relaxed, inspiring setting.
- Reduce Stress and Encourage Play – Engaging in art-making without pressure helps individuals reconnect with their creativity and return to work feeling refreshed and motivated.
One participant summed it up best: “The art helped the flow of the writing and vice versa, which I know was the point!”
If you’re looking for a way to help your team unblock creativity, re-energize, and think in new ways, a Cut Loose Collage Narrative Workshop is the perfect solution. Let’s bring storytelling and creative exploration to your workplace.
Get in touch to book a session for your team today!