The Problem of Creative Confidence
When I began teaching at the American University of Yangon in 2018, I noticed something surprising: many of my students, despite their interest in creative fields like architecture and graphic design, felt stifled by societal expectations and a curriculum that prioritised traditional academic disciplines. They were acutely aware of their lack of creative confidence, and this became the catalyst for my annual creative workshops—a space where students could “prototype” their creativity, even if only for a short time.
The Inspiration: Collage-Making as a Tool for Exploration
These workshops were inspired by an exhibition and talk I attended by architect Takeo Muraji, whose work left a deep impression on me. Muraji-san used collage-making as a tool to understand his clients’ subconscious desires. By asking clients to create collages from magazines and newspapers, he translated their hidden preferences into architectural designs. This method resonated with me because it wasn’t just about creating buildings—it was about uncovering the layers of a person’s identity and translating them into something tangible. It reminded me of Swiss psychologist Carl Jung’s theories about the unconscious mind and the power of symbolic expression. Jung believed that art, dreams, and symbols could reveal aspects of the psyche that words alone could not. In a way, Muraji-san’s collages were a form of Jungian exploration—a way to access the unconscious and bring it into the light.
Adapting Collage-Making for Creative Exploration
I decided to adapt Muraji-san’s collage-making technique for my workshops, but with a different goal: to use it as a tool for self-discovery and creative expression. Students were given magazines, newspapers, and other materials and asked to create collages that reflected their thoughts, preferences, and aspirations. The results were fascinating. As they worked, students began to uncover aspects of themselves they hadn’t fully realised before. Some discovered a love for bold, vibrant colours; others were drawn to minimalist, structured designs. For many, the act of creating something tangible—a product that existed outside of themselves—was a revelation. It was as if they were seeing their inner world reflected back at them for the first time.
Key Insights and Takeaways
The workshops weren’t about turning students into artists or designers; they were about giving them the tools to explore their creativity and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Through collage-making, students were able to:
- Express themselves symbolically, tapping into their unconscious mind in ways that verbal communication couldn’t achieve.
- Discover hidden traits and preferences, gaining insights into their own identity and creative potential.
- Build creative confidence, as they saw their ideas take shape in a tangible form.
- Share and reflect, presenting their collages to their peers and engaging in discussions about their work.
One of the rewarding aspects of the workshops was seeing students realise that creativity isn’t a fixed trait—it’s a skill that can be nurtured and developed. For some, the workshops confirmed their interest in pursuing creative fields; for others, it was simply a chance to explore a side of themselves they hadn’t been able to before.
Why This Matters for Me, Designers, and Educators
This experience reinforced my belief in the power of interdisciplinary thinking. By blending methods from psychology, and education, we can create experiences that foster creativity, self-awareness, and growth. Collage-making, inspired by Takeo Muraji and informed by Carl Jung’s theories, is a testament to this approach. It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t confined to a single field—it’s a universal human capacity that can be unlocked through the right tools and methods.
Try It Yourself: How Collage-Making Can Enhance Your Practice
If you’re a designer looking to expand your creative toolkit, collage-making can be a powerful method to:
- Uncover user insights: Use collage-making in user research to understand clients’ or users’ subconscious preferences and desires.
- Brainstorm ideas: Create collages to explore new design concepts or visual directions for a project.
- Foster team creativity: Facilitate collage-making workshops with your team to encourage creative thinking and collaboration.
- Reflect on your practice: Use collage-making as a personal exercise to reflect on your design philosophy, values, and aspirations
If you’re looking for a way to unlock your own creativity or help others do the same, I encourage you to try collage-making. Start by gathering materials—magazines, newspapers, scissors, and glue—and set aside time to create a collage that reflects your thoughts, preferences, or aspirations. The key here is not to overthink it; let your intuition guide you. Once you’re done, take a moment to reflect on what your collage reveals about you. You might be surprised by what you discover. And if you’re an educator or team leader, consider using this method to foster creativity and self-awareness in your students or colleagues. Creativity is a journey, and collage-making is just one tool to help you along the way.