We might think that creativity is a talent and not something everyone can have, but luckily that is not true. Creativity is a muscle that you can train!
Everyone wants to come up with an outstanding creative idea – the next AirBnB, Uber or Instagram, but often our creativity ends the moment we reach out for a pen. Below you will find our selection of our favorite exercises for stretching the creative muscles that we tried in workshops and loved! They can be practised on your own or introduced during the next ideation session. What is the best, most of them take no longer than 7 minutes, require just a pen and paper and are not only useful, but also lift up the mood. Let’s get in it!

Exercise #1: 30 circles
Thirty Circles by IDEO is one of the greatest warm up exercises you can begin your ideation session or a workshop with. It is simple, fun and at the same time has a hint of challenge. You can do it alone or with a group of participants and adjust the difficulty by changing the time frame. The goal is to push the limits of your creativity and fill up the sheet of 30 empty circles with as many recognisable objects as possible in the given time. We used 3 minutes and then spent a few extra discussing the outcome.
Tools: Thirty circles sheet for each participant and pens
Participants: Solo or groups of any size
Time: 3 min + discussion
How to:
- Take the Thirty Circles sheet and a pen.
- Draw recognisable objects in as many circles as possible. That could be a pizza, clock, apple, etc. Set the timer for 3 minutes.
- Once the time has ended, discuss the outcome with the participants (we broke them in pairs). How many circles did you fill up? Are there any recognisable patterns or are any of the ideas related, fx. several planets or different sport balls. Was the task challenging? Did you or someone “break the rules” by combining circles or using them in an unexpected way?
Tips and tricks:
If you have tried Thirty Circles several times or just would like to spice it up, you can change circles to squares, or make a combined sheet of both.
The exercise is great not only for the warm up, but it also shows how different our ideation processes can be. Take a look at how many of the ideas were completely different and how many were variations of the previous ones? Thirty Circles highlights the balance between fluency (the speed and quantity of ideas) and flexibility (how different or divergent they are). Combining these two elements, allows us to get the widest array of ideas to choose from.

Exercise #2: Squiggle birds
Squiggle birds is a quick 5 minutes exercise that is powerful enough to convince even the least artistic-confident people that they can draw. It is meant for a warm up and confidence boost before ideation, drawing or even logical thinking and focus requiring sessions.
The Squiggle Birds exercise shows how quickly our brains can grasp patterns and make connections, and how little effort it takes to turn random squiggles into recognisable objects. Just as the previous exercise, it can be done solo, but is so much more fun in a group.
Tools: paper and pens
Participants: Solo or groups of any size
Time: 5 minutes
How to:
- Grab a sheet of paper and a pen. If you are a facilitator, you could work on a whiteboard along with participants. Mention that you do not need to be an artist to be able to draw and in a few moments everyone will see how simple it is.
- Use a minute to fill up the paper with several random squiggles – better bigger in size and no less than 5.
- Now, start turning squiggles into birds. Think what are the main characteristics of a bird (beak, tale, legs) and start adding them. First, draw a beak which is a simple triangle – make variations in size and position. Then, do the same with tale, which is also a triangle. Finally, add legs that are made out of sticks. That is how simple it is!
- Take a look at the drawings and spend a minute discussing how easily the brain finds patterns.
Tips and tricks:
You can add another level to this exercise by choosing to draw more elements of a bird (wings, a hat, hair, etc.) or exchanging the papers to finish up each others birds. You could also introduce storytelling – each participant could present the personality of one of their birds.
If you are a facilitator, your job is not only to explain the exercise, but also show how the brain fills in the gaps and how easy it is to convey an idea through visuals.

Exercise #3: Alternate Uses
Alternate uses is an exercise that encourages divergent thinking – the ability to generate ideas or solutions from a single idea or a piece of information. This skill is thought to be one of the most important factors of creativity.
The Alternate Uses exercise requires you to come up with as many ideas as possible of how to use a given item, with a limit of 3 minutes. A great thing about it is that the more you practice, the easier it gets, because your mind starts to apply this way of thinking to any situation of life automatically.
Tools: Notebook or a sheet of paper for each participant and pens
Participants: Solo or groups of any size
Time: 3 minutes + a few extra for presenting
How to:
- Grab something to write on and a pen.
- In 3 minutes, note down as many ideas as possible of how else you can use an everyday object – during our workshop we chose a brick. Fx. if the normal use of the brick is to use it for building, then alternate uses could be: use it as a grill, for self defence or even color it as your buddy, just like a Wilson ball in Cast Away movie.
- Select several participants or ask each (if the group is not too big) to present their favorite usage of the item.
Tips and tricks:
If you are using this exercise in the workshop – do not overcomplicate. Use a simple object that everyone knows, such as a hairdryer, chair, fork, etc.

Exercise #4: Impossible objects
This exercise is inspired by Michael Michalko’s book Thinkertoys focuses on divergent thinking. Impossible objects is a great way to test the imagination and see where it can take you. And even though imagination is not the same as creativity, coming up with unseen and new concepts definitely connects both.
In this exercise you will need to connect two objects and come up with an unusual combination or a hybrid. Presenting and sharing ideas might become the best part of the whole exercise, so let’s test it out!
Tools: A sheet of paper for each participant and pens
Participants: solo or groups of any size
Time: 5 minutes + a few extra for presenting
How to:
- Think about an object in your minds.
- Pair up and grab a sheet of paper
- Now, in the groups share what objects did you and your partner came up with. Then begin the ideation – what could be the hybrid that comes out of combining the two items.
- Try to imagine the item and describe it in as much detail as possible: what is it used for, what material is it made of, what color is it, ect. Then, draw a picture of it (better bigger in size).
- When the time is over, each group should present their hybrid, show the drawing of it and if there is enough time, discuss it.
Tips and tricks:
We used this exercise to highlight the benefit of creative constraints and prepare participants for further, more complex ideation requiring tasks.
Impossible Objects seems like a silly exercise, however, it encourages our minds to make connections and work hard while coming up with new creative ideas. It is another fun way to train our creativity and create an impact on the way we think on a daily basis.

Exercise #5: Blind Portraits
Blind Portraits is a well known exercise widely used by art teachers to develop the communication between eyes, brain and hand. Surprise or not, outside the art classes it is not less popular and serves as a great warm up, as well as an icebreaker allowing people to get to know each other in a fun way. The task is simple – draw each other without looking at the paper. The result is not what matters here, the whole focus lays in observation of what surrounds us and the ability to notice details. You will also be forced to look at your object and get comfortable with the people around.
Tools: Paper and pens
Participants: at least 2
Time: 5 minutes + a few extra for presenting
How to:
- Get in pairs and sit or stand, so you can see each other. Grab a pen and paper.
- Focus on the eyes or some part of the object and begin drawing. There are two main rules here: keep the continuous line and do not look at the paper! Concentrate on how your hand moves in relation to the objects face. Continue observing and adding details until the time is over.
- When finished, look at the drawing and see how did you manage to capture the details and feel the space on the paper. Exchange drawings with your partner.
Tips and tricks:
Often people think that they cannot draw only because they are not trained to really look at what they see. This exercise is a great way to practise the hand – eye – brain coordination and become better at it.
A blind portrait can be a nice starting exercise for workshops and events where people will have to interact and work with each other further on.

Exercise #6: One + One = One
We can all agree that one + one is two, but mixing a drop of water with another drop of water will still produce only one drop of water. Similarly goes for the ideation process – connecting two ideas or concepts together at the end we will have one idea or a concept. Being creative involves the same steps – combining from the first look unrelated ideas and coming up with something new. In this exercise, participants will have to let their minds free to wonder and create yet undiscovered ideas.
Tools: Paper and pens
Participants: Solo or groups of any size
Time: 7 minutes + extra for presenting
How to:
- Pair up if possible. Get paper and a pen.
- Individually, come up with an object which name begins with the same letter as your surname.
- Now, combine your object with your neighbors object to create a business opportunity: a product or a service. Ex. Toothpaste + Zebra = a zebra shaped toothpaste dispenser for kids that squeezes out portions (a product); custom designed and themed tools for dentists working with children (service/experience). Think about the concept in detail – what purpose does it serve, who uses it, how does it look like, etc.
- Once the time is up, share ideas between groups and discuss the outcome.
Tips and tricks:
People can come up with the most unexpected ideas and the more varied backgrounds/ages/hobbies they have, the more fun it gets. Therefore, make sure to mix up the groups and put some time aside for presentations.
Another way of making this exercise according to its creator, Michael Michalko, is to write down the name of the object people come up with on a sticky note and post it on their forehead. Then ask people to mingle around the room and find another object to combine with theirs.

Exercise #7: Martians have landed
Imagine Martians have landed in the parking lot. They do not understand the human language, but you would like to present yourself and tell them what you do. The first tool we use when we want to explain something is words. And even though they came from images, that does not mean that words are more advanced than graphics. This exercise underlines the importance and practicality of being able to express yourself in a visual language and shows that everyone can do it! Also, it can be a nice icebreaker allowing people to get to know each other better.
Tools: Paper and pens
Participants: Solo or groups of any size
Time: 5 minutes + extra for presenting
How to:
- Grab a piece of paper and a pen.
- Setting the scene: Martians are eager to learn about your job – explain it using symbols and drawing in 5 minutes. Use icons, schematic drawings, timelines or anything that can make it clear. Do not use any words.
- Present your drawing to the group and make them guess what it is that you do for a living.
Tips and tricks:
Martians have landed is an adapted version of an exercise from Thinkertoys book and we found out that it requires quite a bit of creativity, but it is also very involving!
Often at the beginning of the workshop or event, participants introduce their names and the role – then, during the presentation part they already know what jobs others have. In this case, the task to explain a job can be replaced with a hobby or participants can be asked to skip presenting their roles at the beginning of the event.
Exercise #8: 10 ideas in 10 minutes
10 ideas in 10 minutes puts a lot of stress on using creative constraints and pushing ideation to its best. This is a problem based exercise that can be adapted in many ways – used as a brainstorm to find solutions for an actual problem or as a warm up with a fictive scenario. The purpose is to come up with unique solutions and increase the innovation potential. Let’s get started!
Tools: Paper and pens
Participants: Solo or groups of any size
Time: 10 minutes + extra for presenting
How to:
- Team up in groups of 2-3. Grab something to note on.
- In 10 minutes come up with AT LEAST 10 ideas of what could be the solution to the problem. Let the ideas flow, the more the better. If you get stuck – try to build up on each other’s ideas. Most important – no judgement allowed.
- When the time is over, choose one idea per group and present it to others.
Tips and Tricks:
Always start with a problem statement and stick to the time. Finally, don’t forget that all the crazy and wild ideas are encouraged!

Exercise #9: Make your sandwich
Make your sandwich is an icebreaker/ideation exercise that fires up the creative thinking. It is fun and personal as you get to present yourself in a unique way. Make your sandwich is quite literally about building up a visual sandwich of your personality, where you can outline the characteristics, things you like or dislike about yourself. The power is in your hands and only you get to choose ingredients. The purpose of this exercise, introduced by Jon Steinback, is to practise the divergent thinking, get to know each other and have fun!
Tools: Paper and pens
Participants: Solo or groups of any size
Time: 5 minutes + extra for presenting
How to:
- Take a pen and a piece of paper. This exercise is about personal traits, so no need to team up.
- Spend 5 minutes building up your sandwich. It can contain anything you like – from real food to house objects – anything that describes your personality. The sandwich should be visual, therefore you will need to draw, but you can add words on a side or make a scheme as well.
- Finally, give a name to your sandwich.
- After 5 minutes, present the outcome to your neighbor explaining what ingredients and why did you choose.
Tips and tricks:
Let your mind free and make the wildest sandwich ever – there should be no limits or judgement in this exercise! Stick to the time limit and prioritise the ingredients – choose personal traits that describes your personality the most.
These are the exercises we tested and loved the most. Each of them has a specific purpose, whether it is for getting to know each other, to do an icebreaker, to kickstart the ideation process or simply to warm up. Trying them might not bring the next business idea, but it will definitely strengthen your creativity and ideation skills, as well as put you and the participants in a more relaxed, playful mood. We encourage you to give them a try before the next ideation session, during the workshop or an event and see what effect they bring!