Ice Breakers are Whack

Winter is coming

Ice Breakers are Whack

Thoughts
Ella Choi
a small studio
By 
July 10, 2024

I can confidently say writing an article on the importance of icebreakers was not on my 2024 bingo card. Why would it be? Icebreakers are whack. Nine times out of ten times, they’re an unexceptional combination of two truths and a lie, what’s your favorite ____, or defaulting to the three facts we all keep in store for ice-breaking occasions. We do them begrudgingly because they’re part of the introductory phase, but here at the studio icebreakers aren’t done at the beginning of a linear “getting to know the team” process.

Our icebreakers are done once every three months at the beginning of our quarterly all-team meetings. They’re the fluffy whipped cream on top of our ice cream Sundae before we spend the next five hours digging in with our heads down, reflecting, and setting goals for the next quarter. Except, beneath the fluff, our icebreakers are a startlingly deep reflection of how well we know ourselves and the teammates around us.

Our icebreakers don’t thaw the frost at the surface, they chip away at our glaciers of identity.

The game we play is a simple who’s who (or who’s what). The creator describes each team member in some capacity without revealing their name. Then we all vote on who we think is who and at the end, the creator reveals the truth. There’s not much to it. Yet, it somehow manages to be one of the biggest all-team highlights without fail.

I had the pleasure of running the icebreaker show this past all-team. As I am a girlie of the fantasy-loving variety, I chose to have my team guess which Game of Thrones Characters they were. One of the joys of this icebreaker is that not everyone needs to know who or what the person is they’re being compared to. It’s the creator’s job to give an oral or written description of the “characters” for everyone to go off of. This is where the team knowledge really shines through. Here’s a short run-down on the results this time around:

  • Oberyn Martell a.k.a Jake: Passionate about life, makes the most difficult things look easy, and thrives in chaos.
  • Varys a.k.a Seyi: Has a hand in every pot, has a calm stead-fast demeanor, and a true dedication to the people above all else.
  • Margaery Tyrell a.k.a Sarah: Settling every issue with creativity, unafraid to make bold moves, and skilled in endless areas.
  • Ned Stark a.k.a John: Has an unshakable moral compass, deeply values relationships, puts honor above glory.
  • Arya Stark a.k.a Ella: Fiercely independent, aspires to forge new paths, loves getting their hands dirty now and then.

It’s a simple game of great versatility and repeatability. You might notice some patterns happening based on how long everyone’s known each other. If you play it too early, it’s difficult. You don’t know everyone well enough. If you play is after a few months, it’s easy. You can call upon the surface-level characteristics we see come to light in people daily. If you play it once you’ve spent a year or several years getting to know your team, it’s hard again but even more fun. The more you understand people, the greater your ability to reference the nuanced parts of their character.

This icebreaker challenges us to reflect on the characteristics we associate and (hopefully) admire about those we work with. It compels us to reflect on our own traits and how they differ from everyone else.

It asks us how well we listen to each other and how deeply we see each other.

In a six-person team, knowing matters. It should always matter regardless of team size if you want to work authentically with creatives. Get to know us. We’re sensitive. It’ll empower everyone involved– I promise.

If you feel like getting deep with your team any time soon, this method comes highly recommended from the studio. Check out some of the icebreaker topics we’ve used in the past if you need some inspiration 🧊.

  • Game of Thrones Characters
  • Famous TV and Movie Villains
  • Dungeons and Dragons Characters
  • Famous Art Pieces
  • Types of House Plants
  • Interior Design Trends
  • Famous Phrases
the-passion-equation

The Passion Equation

How logic often takes the backseat.

Read the Article
the-passion-equation

The Passion Equation

How logic often takes the backseat.

an-industry-of-anxiety

An Industry of Anxiety

It's burning us out, but you can do something about it.

Read the Article
an-industry-of-anxiety

An Industry of Anxiety

It's burning us out, but you can do something about it.

a-nation-of-anxiety

A Nation of Anxiety

Take a deep breath

Read the Article
a-nation-of-anxiety

A Nation of Anxiety

Take a deep breath

ma

The Space Between

Read the Article
ma

The Space Between

vitamins-vs-painkillers

Vitamins vs Painkillers

Are you a nice-to-have or an essential?

Read the Article
vitamins-vs-painkillers

Vitamins vs Painkillers

Are you a nice-to-have or an essential?

7-years-of-designing-for-peace

7 Years of Designing for Peace!

A poem by John B. Johnson

Read the Article
7-years-of-designing-for-peace

7 Years of Designing for Peace!

A poem by John B. Johnson

the-dark-side

The Dark Side

Where aesthetics meet comfort

Read the Article
the-dark-side

The Dark Side

Where aesthetics meet comfort

is-gen-z-lazy

Is Gen-Z Lazy?

or Are You Just Basic?

Read the Article
is-gen-z-lazy

Is Gen-Z Lazy?

or Are You Just Basic?

a-classic-return-the-balenciaga-effect

A Classic Return: The Balenciaga Effect

Is there a more creative solution than simply stripping everything down?

Read the Article
a-classic-return-the-balenciaga-effect

A Classic Return: The Balenciaga Effect

Is there a more creative solution than simply stripping everything down?

knock-knock-whos-there

Knock-Knock: Who's there?

The never ending quest for identity

Read the Article
knock-knock-whos-there

Knock-Knock: Who's there?

The never ending quest for identity

chemistry

Chemistry

The Science of Creative Success

Read the Article
chemistry

Chemistry

The Science of Creative Success

4-is-enough

4 is Enough

A four-day workweek works

Read the Article
4-is-enough

4 is Enough

A four-day workweek works

no

No!

Why this one word is complete by design.

Read the Article
no

No!

Why this one word is complete by design.

bored-maker

Bored Maker!

Why leaning into boredom is inspirational

Read the Article
bored-maker

Bored Maker!

Why leaning into boredom is inspirational

2024-olympics

The 2024 Olympics

A Brand Designer's Medal Ceremony

Read the Article
2024-olympics

The 2024 Olympics

A Brand Designer's Medal Ceremony

the-power-of-play

The Power of Play

The benefits of embracing your childlike wonder

Read the Article
the-power-of-play

The Power of Play

The benefits of embracing your childlike wonder

connecting-you-for-more

Connecting You For More

Owning the champion mindset that fights to win for the residents of Cleveland.

Read the Article
connecting-you-for-more

Connecting You For More

Owning the champion mindset that fights to win for the residents of Cleveland.

time-to-choose-a-side

Time To Choose a Side

FPO

Read the Article
time-to-choose-a-side

Time To Choose a Side

FPO

the-art-of-craft

The Art of Craft

How a little bit of you goes a long way

Read the Article
the-art-of-craft

The Art of Craft

How a little bit of you goes a long way

design-is-a-commodity

Design is a Commodity

Your identity is your most valuable asset.

Read the Article
design-is-a-commodity

Design is a Commodity

Your identity is your most valuable asset.

music-that-tastes-good

Music that tastes good

Thrill your senses

Read the Article
music-that-tastes-good

Music that tastes good

Thrill your senses

ice-breakers-are-whack

Ice Breakers are Whack

Winter is coming

Read the Article
ice-breakers-are-whack

Ice Breakers are Whack

Winter is coming

we-wont-just-do-it

We won't Just do it!

a small mantra

Read the Article
we-wont-just-do-it

We won't Just do it!

a small mantra

move-fast-and-break-things

Move fast and break things?

Rethinking the path to authenticity

Read the Article
move-fast-and-break-things

Move fast and break things?

Rethinking the path to authenticity

empowered-by-history

Empowered by History

Looking back intentionally to move forward

Read the Article
empowered-by-history

Empowered by History

Looking back intentionally to move forward

shine-like-an-emerging-creative

Shine like an emerging creative

The power of leaning into play

Read the Article
shine-like-an-emerging-creative

Shine like an emerging creative

The power of leaning into play

talk-yourself-up

Talk yourself up

Affirmations for successful living

Read the Article
talk-yourself-up

Talk yourself up

Affirmations for successful living

finding-happy

Finding Happy

Embracing a New path

Read the Article
finding-happy

Finding Happy

Embracing a New path

identity-mosaic

Identity Mosaic

Crafting a masterpiece in intentional bits

Read the Article
identity-mosaic

Identity Mosaic

Crafting a masterpiece in intentional bits

secret-weapon

The Brand Designer’s Secret Weapon

IdARCH completely bridges the gap between brand strategy and design.

Read the Article
secret-weapon

The Brand Designer’s Secret Weapon

IdARCH completely bridges the gap between brand strategy and design.

perish-the-thought

Perish the Thought!

Doubt is a mile wide, but only an inch deep.

Read the Article
perish-the-thought

Perish the Thought!

Doubt is a mile wide, but only an inch deep.

the-beauty-bias

The Beauty Bias

We've got a secret

Read the Article
the-beauty-bias

The Beauty Bias

We've got a secret

whats-your-anthem

What’s Your Anthem?

Every superhero has a theme song, and so should every creative.

Read the Article
whats-your-anthem

What’s Your Anthem?

Every superhero has a theme song, and so should every creative.

the-lonely-road

The Lonely Road

The path that makes all the difference

Read the Article
the-lonely-road

The Lonely Road

The path that makes all the difference

make-them-cry

Make them Cry!

The profound power of Clarity

Read the Article
make-them-cry

Make them Cry!

The profound power of Clarity

break-the-system

Break The System

The change we all need

Read the Article
break-the-system

Break The System

The change we all need

leading-through-cancer

Leading through Cancer!

A journey of transformation

Read the Article
leading-through-cancer

Leading through Cancer!

A journey of transformation

the-case-for-i-dont-know

The case for I don't know

You don't have to have it all figured out

Read the Article
the-case-for-i-dont-know

The case for I don't know

You don't have to have it all figured out

dodge-the-burn

Dodge the Burn

Using your passion as the compass for navigating career choices

Read the Article
dodge-the-burn

Dodge the Burn

Using your passion as the compass for navigating career choices

dang-it-its-been-a-year

Dang! It's been a year

A Journey of Design, Inspiration, and You!

Read the Article
dang-it-its-been-a-year

Dang! It's been a year

A Journey of Design, Inspiration, and You!

whats-in-a-name

What's in a name?

The first word of your story

Read the Article
whats-in-a-name

What's in a name?

The first word of your story

the-founders-dilemma

The Founder's Dilemma

The secret weapon most startup founders forget.

Read the Article
the-founders-dilemma

The Founder's Dilemma

The secret weapon most startup founders forget.

love-you

Love You!

Beyond the Work

Read the Article
love-you

Love You!

Beyond the Work

hiring-an-in-house-designer

Hiring an in-house designer

Management considerations

Read the Article
hiring-an-in-house-designer

Hiring an in-house designer

Management considerations

play-know-grow

Play. Know. Grow.

How we served the world the sporting life partner for people of colour.

Read the Article
play-know-grow

Play. Know. Grow.

How we served the world the sporting life partner for people of colour.

the-creative-operating-system

The Creative Operating System

The path to becoming one of none

Read the Article
the-creative-operating-system

The Creative Operating System

The path to becoming one of none

stay-peachy

Stay Peachy!

How the mood of the world, is captured in color.

Read the Article
stay-peachy

Stay Peachy!

How the mood of the world, is captured in color.

find-your-vibe

Find your Vibe!

Refreshing Identity Architecture to empower more partners

Read the Article
find-your-vibe

Find your Vibe!

Refreshing Identity Architecture to empower more partners

to-the-clouds

To the Clouds

Building with Sky-High Ambition

Read the Article
to-the-clouds

To the Clouds

Building with Sky-High Ambition

the-creative-assist

The Creative Assist

Trusting in others to win

Read the Article
the-creative-assist

The Creative Assist

Trusting in others to win

design-systems-matter

Design Systems Matter

The investment that improves efficiency and drives scalability

Read the Article
design-systems-matter

Design Systems Matter

The investment that improves efficiency and drives scalability

built-on-trust

Built on Trust

The intentional character trait that fuels legacies

Read the Article
built-on-trust

Built on Trust

The intentional character trait that fuels legacies

diversity-the-winning-mix

Diversity: The Winning Mix

How diverse perspectives deliver sustained innovation

Read the Article
diversity-the-winning-mix

Diversity: The Winning Mix

How diverse perspectives deliver sustained innovation

small-on-ai

Small on AI

Our standard of best practice on Generative AI

Read the Article
small-on-ai

Small on AI

Our standard of best practice on Generative AI

identity-over-data

Identity over Data

In a world obsessed with data, the most distinctive advantage comes from a deeper understanding of people.

Read the Article
identity-over-data

Identity over Data

In a world obsessed with data, the most distinctive advantage comes from a deeper understanding of people.

empathy-the-competitive-advantage

Empathy: The Competitive Advantage

Connecting with people for business impact

Read the Article
empathy-the-competitive-advantage

Empathy: The Competitive Advantage

Connecting with people for business impact

branding-on-purpose

Branding on Purpose

Building to mean more to consumers

Read the Article
branding-on-purpose

Branding on Purpose

Building to mean more to consumers

roi-by-design

ROI by Design

Building for growth, loyalty, and longevity!

Read the Article
roi-by-design

ROI by Design

Building for growth, loyalty, and longevity!

shaping-the-future-land-of-cleveland

Shaping the Future(LAND) of Cleveland

Helping Cleveland's Premiere Art & Tech Conference Thrive

Read the Article
shaping-the-future-land-of-cleveland

Shaping the Future(LAND) of Cleveland

Helping Cleveland's Premiere Art & Tech Conference Thrive

harmony-the-design-story

Harmony: The Design Story

The sum of our minds and gifts

Read the Article
harmony-the-design-story

Harmony: The Design Story

The sum of our minds and gifts

take-a-breather

Take a Breather

Because sometimes all you really need is to take a break

Read the Article
take-a-breather

Take a Breather

Because sometimes all you really need is to take a break

the-competitive-mindset

The Competitive Mindset

Bringing a competitive gaming mindset to business

Read the Article
the-competitive-mindset

The Competitive Mindset

Bringing a competitive gaming mindset to business

your-design-partner

Your Design Partner

Every brand deserves a partner who understands its rhythm

Read the Article
your-design-partner

Your Design Partner

Every brand deserves a partner who understands its rhythm

anyone-can-be-a-mentor

Anyone Can Be A Mentor!

Using mentorship to springboard others around you.

Read the Article
anyone-can-be-a-mentor

Anyone Can Be A Mentor!

Using mentorship to springboard others around you.

remote-collaboration

Remote Collaboration

How we build within to influence the world through design

Read the Article
remote-collaboration

Remote Collaboration

How we build within to influence the world through design

howl

A Whole New World to Social Commerce

Facilitating collaboration between brands and creators.

Read the Article
howl

A Whole New World to Social Commerce

Facilitating collaboration between brands and creators.

active-listening

Active Listening

Why we listen twice to speak once.

Read the Article
active-listening

Active Listening

Why we listen twice to speak once.

a-love-letter-to-design

A Love Letter to Design

If you think about it, designers are pretty much athletes

Read the Article
a-love-letter-to-design

A Love Letter to Design

If you think about it, designers are pretty much athletes

creative-checkup

Creative+Checkup

Our 2023 Summer Interns built something with the mission of empowering fellow creatives

Read the Article
creative-checkup

Creative+Checkup

Our 2023 Summer Interns built something with the mission of empowering fellow creatives

accessible-design

Accessible Design

It matters more than you know, so do it right!

Read the Article
accessible-design

Accessible Design

It matters more than you know, so do it right!

type-isnt-so-scary

Type Design isn't so Scary

The overwhelmingly beautiful process of creating a custom typeface

Read the Article
type-isnt-so-scary

Type Design isn't so Scary

The overwhelmingly beautiful process of creating a custom typeface

cyxtera2

Connecting Worlds of Data

Reflecting a seamless experience of the marriage between our physical space and digital portal.

Read the Article
cyxtera2

Connecting Worlds of Data

Reflecting a seamless experience of the marriage between our physical space and digital portal.

killer-folios

Killer Folios

Your portfolio is a secret weapon for success...

Read the Article
killer-folios

Killer Folios

Your portfolio is a secret weapon for success...

i-saved-it

I Saved it

The never ending quest for design assets...

Read the Article
i-saved-it

I Saved it

The never ending quest for design assets...

designed-to-lead

Designed to Lead

Why designers belong where critical business decisions are being made...

Read the Article
designed-to-lead

Designed to Lead

Why designers belong where critical business decisions are being made...

bring-peace

Bring Peace

Coming together to intentionally build the future...

Read the Article
bring-peace

Bring Peace

Coming together to intentionally build the future...

creative-fluency

Creative Fluency

How we combine the superpowers of Gen-Zs and millennials

Read the Article
creative-fluency

Creative Fluency

How we combine the superpowers of Gen-Zs and millennials

designers-are-scary-interviewing

Designers are Scary! Interviewing

A recap of the second edition of our amazing event, Designers are Scary!

Read the Article
designers-are-scary-interviewing

Designers are Scary! Interviewing

A recap of the second edition of our amazing event, Designers are Scary!

my-creative-marathon

My Creative Marathon

5 Marathon Training Lessons That Apply to Your Craft

Read the Article
my-creative-marathon

My Creative Marathon

5 Marathon Training Lessons That Apply to Your Craft

vulnerable-brilliance

Vulnerable Brilliance

Cultivating creativity and innovation for the long-term

Read the Article
vulnerable-brilliance

Vulnerable Brilliance

Cultivating creativity and innovation for the long-term

think-mobile

Think Mobile

Designing for the ultimate mobile experience? essential tips to keep in mind.

Read the Article
think-mobile

Think Mobile

Designing for the ultimate mobile experience? essential tips to keep in mind.

design-for-good

Design For Good

Design goes beyond looking good or being trendy...

Read the Article
design-for-good

Design For Good

Design goes beyond looking good or being trendy...

peridot

Explore the Adventurer within

Bridging the gap between the virtual and physical world, one adorable pet at a time.

Read the Article
peridot

Explore the Adventurer within

Bridging the gap between the virtual and physical world, one adorable pet at a time.

just-my-type

Just My Type

How typography helps you pass the vibe check

Read the Article
just-my-type

Just My Type

How typography helps you pass the vibe check

the-value-of-celebrating

The Value of Celebrating

Let’s do some high-fiving once in a while!

Read the Article
the-value-of-celebrating

The Value of Celebrating

Let’s do some high-fiving once in a while!

jbw2023

wunderbread

One week, one brilliant build to help you pass the daily vibe check.

Read the Article
jbw2023

wunderbread

One week, one brilliant build to help you pass the daily vibe check.

das-recap

Designers Are Scary! Recap

We hosted the first event in a free series designed to even the odds.

Read the Article
das-recap

Designers Are Scary! Recap

We hosted the first event in a free series designed to even the odds.

2023-internship

Hiring Summer Interns!

Want to spend your summer with a small studio?

Read the Article
2023-internship

Hiring Summer Interns!

Want to spend your summer with a small studio?

serendipity

Serendipity!

Most celebrated discoveries are happy accidents.

Read the Article
serendipity

Serendipity!

Most celebrated discoveries are happy accidents.

creativity-is-remixing

Creativity is Remixing

Every design is a remix of the past, present, and future.

Read the Article
creativity-is-remixing

Creativity is Remixing

Every design is a remix of the past, present, and future.

chokehold-of-9-5

The Chokehold of the 9-5

It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it!

Read the Article
chokehold-of-9-5

The Chokehold of the 9-5

It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it!

4-lessons-designers-can-learn-from-drag-queens

4 Lessons Designers Can Learn from Drag Queens

Let the music play!

Read the Article
4-lessons-designers-can-learn-from-drag-queens

4 Lessons Designers Can Learn from Drag Queens

Let the music play!

we-are-hiring

We're Hiring!

Hello, is it you we’re looking for?

Read the Article
we-are-hiring

We're Hiring!

Hello, is it you we’re looking for?

side-affects

Which Side Affects You?

An entry point for expanding our understanding of the Roe v. Wade overturn and its impact on fundamental human rights.

Read the Article
side-affects

Which Side Affects You?

An entry point for expanding our understanding of the Roe v. Wade overturn and its impact on fundamental human rights.

pet-department

Meet The Pet Department

Meet the four-legged members of the Pet Department!

Read the Article
pet-department

Meet The Pet Department

Meet the four-legged members of the Pet Department!

squrl

A Tendency for Tangents, Turned Studio Tool

An ever growing discovery engine to hold all the incredible creations we come across as a virtual studio.

Read the Article
squrl

A Tendency for Tangents, Turned Studio Tool

An ever growing discovery engine to hold all the incredible creations we come across as a virtual studio.

studio-office-hours

Studio Office Hours

Taking a look at our daily collaboration sessions

Read the Article
studio-office-hours

Studio Office Hours

Taking a look at our daily collaboration sessions

studio-retreat-2022-bring-peace

Studio Retreat 2022Bring Peace

a small studio’s first retreat! Together we reflected on what it means to bring peace.

Read the Article
studio-retreat-2022-bring-peace

Studio Retreat 2022Bring Peace

a small studio’s first retreat! Together we reflected on what it means to bring peace.

what-goes-into-building-a-design-studio

What Goes Into Building A Design Studio?

What are the key building blocks of a small studio?

Read the Article
what-goes-into-building-a-design-studio

What Goes Into Building A Design Studio?

What are the key building blocks of a small studio?

creatorplus

The Future of Storytelling

A first-of-its-kind movie experience that brings you closer to the creators than ever before.

Read the Article
creatorplus

The Future of Storytelling

A first-of-its-kind movie experience that brings you closer to the creators than ever before.

Let’s talk strategy.

Schedule a call with our Identity Architect and see if it makes sense to work together.