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# How I run my creative workshops, step-by-step
- URL: https://www.unbore.com/how-i-run-my-creative-workshops-step-by-step/
- Published: 2026-02-25T20:14:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-01T15:34:23.000Z
- Description: Here's the framework I use in workshops to help tech companies generate new ideas every time.
- Author: Shlomo Genchin
- Tags: Career

I’ve run creative ad workshops with companies like Artlist, Semrush, and Amdocs.

Here’s the framework I use to help tech companies generate new ideas every time:

## tl;dr

![](https://embed.filekitcdn.com/e/qipYm8nwsqDjYWrjJfA1oU/jBPDQQeubAPLxAWMTLjuE/email)

Let’s break it down.

## Preparation

“The crux of a brilliant workshop lies in what you do beforehand.” – Rob Fitzpatrick

Before the workshop, I:​  
☑ Ask the team leader to choose a brief.  
☑ Learn about the participants (e.g., role, experience, vibe).  
☑ Create one ad example for the company.

## Intro and Goals

*10 min*​  
​  
☑ Meet the team and set expectations.  
☑ Walk through the agenda.  
☑ Lay down the rules:

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/56/7c/567cd7c2-834c-4b5b-a024-a798f2ebbdf8/content/images/2026/03/1772379262978-image-5.jpg)

## Warmup: Create Meme Ads

*15 min*

Creating meme ads is easy, and that’s the point. It helps me do two things:

• **Break the ice:** A quick win gives instant gratification and helps everyone loosen up.

• **Shift perspective:** People often take their product too seriously. But a board full of memes helps them see the fun side.

​  
Checklist:

☑ List relatable pain points surrounding the product. I use GPT for this.

☑ Create a FigJam or Miro board with empty meme templates and your pain points.

☑ Show one example, then let the team fill in the rest by connecting pain points to memes.

![](https://embed.filekitcdn.com/e/qipYm8nwsqDjYWrjJfA1oU/nqMC1WWYUavEMyQ6JsjKua/email)

## Group Exercise I: Analogies

*15 min*

Analogies help me break free from the boring product screenshots and open up a universe of fun visuals and stories.

​  
Checklist:

☑ Explain how analogy ads work and show examples.

☑ Come up with pain-focused analogies for each “enemy” from the previous exercise.

☑ Find a visual for each analogy.

![](https://embed.filekitcdn.com/e/qipYm8nwsqDjYWrjJfA1oU/ifQzPUBi7HDHZZHhqBWWrg)

Learn how to create analogy ads in my course, [Boring Products, Fun Ads.](https://thecreativemarketer.net/course/?ref=unbore.com)

## Group Exercise II: Side-by-Side

*10 min*

Most side-by-side ads are based on analogies, too.

Take your pain analogy, add a positive analogy next to it – and voilà, you’ve got an ad.

![](https://embed.filekitcdn.com/e/qipYm8nwsqDjYWrjJfA1oU/eGMA4cKA4f4VVHxoYErkr3)

Free recipe: learn how to create [side-by-side ads.](https://thecreativemarketer.net/side-by-side-ads/?ref=unbore.com)

Checklist:

☑ Prepare pairs of sticky notes in two different colors.

☑ Create as many side-by-side ads as possible.

![](https://embed.filekitcdn.com/e/qipYm8nwsqDjYWrjJfA1oU/g5Mof6hzHoi9JCrgkwu2J8)

## Break

*15 min*

Breaks are the most important (and most overlooked) part of any workshop. I learned that the hard way.

Back when I was just starting out, I was so enthusiastic that I didn’t even notice people desperately needed to grab coffee or go to the bathroom. *Breaks are non-negotiable.*

It’s also a great opportunity to get some quick feedback and adjust accordingly.

## Partner Exercise: Steal Like an Artist

*20 min*

Every new idea is just a mix of old ideas.

​  
Checklist:

☑ Teach how to [“steal” ideas ethically.](https://preview.convertkit-mail2.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVjcmVhdGl2ZW1hcmtldGVyLm5ldC9zdGVhbC1hZC1pZGVhcy1saWtlLWFuLWFydGlzdC8=?ref=unbore.com)​

☑ Provide a list of [inspiring ad libraries.](https://thecreativemarketer.net/my-complete-toolbox/?ref=unbore.com#%f0%9f%93%ba-ad-copy-collections)​

☑ Ask them to find ads and visuals that they like and come up with new ones. Have them work in pairs.

![](https://embed.filekitcdn.com/e/qipYm8nwsqDjYWrjJfA1oU/qT8QzVek2n3VijbCF14dLp)

## Solo Exercise: Headline Writing

*15 min*

​  
Checklist:

☑ Explain your favorite headline techniques. (For example: [\[Cliché\], but \[Twist\]](https://thecreativemarketer.net/the-cliche-but-twist-formula/%E2%86%97?ref=unbore.com))

☑ Start the first step together. (In this case, generate a list of relevant idioms and phrases with Perplexity.)

☑ Have each person write as many headlines as possible.

![](https://embed.filekitcdn.com/e/qipYm8nwsqDjYWrjJfA1oU/v6Bj7ZBuveTQJTgxxmpEL5)

## Break II

*20 min*

## Screening

*20 min*

Vote for the best ideas, leave the rest behind.

​  
Checklist:

☑ Go over the team’s ideas.

☑ Have everyone vote for the best ones. No voting for your own.

☑ Move the ideas with the most votes to a separate tab.

![](https://embed.filekitcdn.com/e/qipYm8nwsqDjYWrjJfA1oU/4VaX6yCAT74ddsvMk7MCSA/email)

The screening process. Each participant has their own stamp.

## Execution

*40 min*

One person, usually a designer, shares their screen, and we polish as many ads as possible. Tip: Start with the quick wins, the ideas that got the most votes and are easy to produce on the spot.

![](https://embed.filekitcdn.com/e/qipYm8nwsqDjYWrjJfA1oU/o5PUbFbQNPTnvCsBykpTq4/email)

With the Melio team after a very productive workshop.