This weekend we ran a little experiment.
An impromptu workshop with the crew.
I posted the instructions just before our crew hangout, and when we got online, we explored if we would want to take the mission individually during our two hour hangout, or make it a true team effort.
We decided to go all in and take a page out of a comic book approach.
The Brainstorm
We had great fun brainstorming our characters and see how we could come up with a story, involving a sad fish, a proud cat, a confused rabbit and a pick pocketing monkey.
Was the cat the villain?
We wanted a happy ending!
And we quickly discovered not everyone had each other character (logistics!)
We discussed f-stops (not really) and image consistency as we all have a different style and landed on using a simple color background to create the mood and the location.
White for the snowy fields where Pupu is waking up.
Blue for the fishbowl of Gordon.
Black for Mimi not being in the spotlight.
The Storyboard
We created a storyboard and a basic wireframe using good old pen and paper, and we did ask our AI facilator for a storyline, but abandoned that idea pretty fast as things got way too complex.
And then we got to work.
The Characters
Pupu, the Polar Guide
Pupu sleeps all winter under the snow.
When the sun finally returns and the Arctic begins to melt, Pupu wakes up.
As the land changes, Spring can be confusing in the bright, melting taiga, so Pupu hops across the snow to make sure everyone is awake and no one gets lost.
Mimi, the Star
Mimi has always believed the world is a stage, and naturally, she is the star. She adores attention and has a talent for making sure it finds her. While she can be a little self-absorbed and loves basking in the spotlight, Mimi’s charm and playful confidence make it hard for anyone to stay annoyed with her for long.
Mango, the PickPocket
Here is Mango, the Monkey thief. Unfortunately for him, he does not like bananas but he loves to steal things for people. What a pickpocket…
Gordon, pondering depression
Gordon, the gold fish, depressed ever since he moved from the pond outdoors into his little fishbowl.
Waiting for an adventure to come one day and take him away.
Leon, the Storyteller
Meet Leon.
Retired hitman.
Never actually got the job.
These days he spends his time under a tree, telling stories of imaginary bravery and enjoying the moment when spring is in the air.
Every legend needs a good storyteller.
Or so they say.
The Story
Our “final” copy
Is it a wrap?
No, not really.
We liked this one soo much and loved the engagement of our little Discord community that we will do this more often. For now, in 2026, expect an impromptu workshop (almost) every first weekend of the month.
Stuck In Plastic.
The creative collective of toy photographers.
