Creative workshops offering hands-on experiences like ceramics, jewelry making, and painting are gaining popularity as a counter-trend to digital overload. People are seeking immersion and tangible creation, finding satisfaction in making something with their own hands.
The longing for creative immersion is seen as a digital antidote, offering an escape from constant screen time and “doomscrolling.” Participants report mental benefits, finding focus and relaxation in the process of creating.
This trend is also becoming a new status symbol, where handmade items are valued more than designer brands. Committing to a time-consuming creative process and achieving imperfect results is now seen as a sign of surplus and mental presence.
In Copenhagen, workshops like Yonobi ceramics are thriving, attracting individuals seeking to get out of their heads and into their fingers. Participants describe the experience as mentally beneficial, allowing them to switch off and focus in a way they cannot otherwise achieve.
For some, engaging in arts and crafts is a potential life-changing experience, leading them to consider career changes and prioritize creative expression. The popularity of ceramics and other crafts is evident in the growing number of workshops and high demand at folk high schools.
The creative trend is also seen as a social gathering point, especially for young people seeking sensory experiences and connection beyond the digital world. Creative activities offer a form of therapy, promoting mental well-being and providing a space for self-expression without pressure.
Despite the cost of materials and studio time, participants find the experience worthwhile, valuing the opportunity to disconnect from their phones and immerse themselves in a creative process.