Life rocks when you're climbing
At Creatik, we believe that great design happens when creativity, collaboration, and inspiration are in perfect harmony.
To keep that synergy strong, we sometimes take a break from the screens to engage in team-building activities. Last week, our team traded in their to do list for not so flattering (some would say Borat) harnesses and took on a different kind of challenge: indoor rock climbing.
As a team that’s used to solving complex creative challenges, we wanted to push ourselves beyond the usual routine. Rock climbing offered the perfect opportunity to do that. The climbing wall became a metaphor for our daily work—requiring strategy, patience, and problem-solving. Plus, it gave us a chance to build trust and communication in an entirely new way.
At the start there was definite excitement but plenty of nerves in the air. Some team members were familiar with climbing, while others had never tried it before. Regardless of experience level, everyone was ready to embrace the challenge. After a quick safety briefing and some basic climbing tips, we got harnessed up and hit the walls.
Whether someone was figuring out the next foothold or needed a boost of encouragement, you could feel the strong sense of camaraderie. The more experienced climbers helped out with advice. Just like our approach to design projects, we supported each other, problem-solved together, and celebrated every little victory.
For some of us, scaling a wall or dealing with heights was outside of our comfort zone. But much like tackling a challenging design brief, the key was breaking the climb down into manageable steps. Every successful climb became a shared achievement, as we cheered each other on, giving high-fives at the top of the wall.
What was particularly inspiring was seeing how quickly everyone’s confidence grew. By the end of the session, even the most hesitant climbers were reaching higher and pushing their limits. It was a reminder that when we step outside our comfort zones, both individually and as a team, we can accomplish great things.
The experience also gave us a fresh perspective on each other’s strengths, both on and off the wall. Some of us discovered hidden leadership skills, while others shone in their ability to offer support and encouragement. It wasn’t just about reaching the top—it was about doing it together.
As we wrapped up our climbing session and headed for well deserved “refreshments”, it became clear that the lessons from the gym would carry over into studio life. Rock climbing reinforced the importance of communication, trust, and perseverance—skills that are just as essential in design as they are in scaling a wall.
We left with wobbly muscles and some would argue longer arms, tired but exhilarated, with stronger team bonds and a renewed sense of energy. Whether it's solving design challenges or conquering a climbing wall, one thing is certain: we reach new heights when we work together.
I’d love to sign off with something about climbing toward tomorrow’s possibilities, feels predictable but hey, we’re not here to boulder around. I will say however, our team work and design skills are rock solid.
Kylie