CreaZine Vol. 6 - Falling Leaves, Old and New

Creative Basho
Nov 3
7 min read

Updated: Nov 6

Last month in October, we experimented with how we can use AI to streamline the process of prototyping a 3D toy.

Our community had their opinions on using AI in the creative space (See the next article for the tea 🍵). I also have my own opinions of course, but this article isn’t much about AI and more about ‘creating.’

As I worked together with the Creaba team to prepare for the Prompt & Play workshop, I found myself asking a simple, but heavy question.

What does it mean to ‘Create?’

I. What Does it Mean to 'Create?'

Article by: Mika

Here are some of the answers I thought of.

To create is to bring something into existence

Textbook dictionary definition of the word ‘create.’ For me, this would translate to transforming an idea into a tangible form.

For example, I would have an idea about a potential original character from the Attack on Titan World. She would be x cm tall, with y hair color and z eye color.

Those ideas are all in my head. While I have a concept, I wouldn’t say I created her just yet.

Its only after a write it down in my computer, or sketch out the idea would I say I created her.

But again, some people would say I’ve already created her by the time my ideas materialized in my head. So, feel free to disagree.

To create is to express

Entering subjective space now (Opinions be warned!)

For me, to create something is to express something. Ideas, opinions, aspirations, aesthetic preferences, all kinds of things.

My character as generated by Adofaer from the story seed I wrote

For me, creating that Attack on Titan OC (Which I did make during the Prompt & Play workshop using Adofaer) was to express the thought of ‘what if this kind of character existed in this world?’ Maybe even my own aesthetic preference of a strong, independent woman in the anime’s art style.

But yes - To create is to express.

What do you usually express when you are creating something?

To create is to fulfill a purpose

Not all creations need to have a deep, philosophical message.

Your flower sketches during a 4pm lecture doesn’t have to serve any utilitarian purposes, but I imagine it was to alleviate that sense of boredom as the lecturer talks for hours ends.

We create because we want to fulfill a certain goal or purpose. It doesn’t have to be grand or world changing.

It just has to be yours.

To create is to … simply create

I can keep writing about all the other ways on what it means to ‘create.’ (Not that I want to tbh, its a lot of thinking).

But I think at the end of the day, what it means to create is simply, to create.

No need to think much about it; what the world would say, or how it would serve a greater good.

Just create something. And if you can look at it, and feel a sense a of contentment from it …

That’s already enough.

Everyone's toys from the Prompt & Play event

What about you? What does to ‘create’ mean to you?

How to Plan for a Controversial Topic | Prompt&Play event recap

Article by: Annie

Creaba workshops are designed for students and working professionals who are curious, thoughtful, and not afraid to challenge the status quo. So when we decided to host a workshop on AI, we knew we couldn't just present it as the next big thing and expect everyone to nod along. Many of our members take pride in their craft: their ability to ideate, iterate, and bring ideas to life with their own hands and minds. AI in this context isn't just a tool; it's a question mark.

From the beginning, our partner Adofaer's purpose was clear: to empower everyone to bring their characters into 3D toys, with the support of AI technology. But we needed to make sure our community could see that for themselves. The goal wasn't to convince anyone that AI is good or bad. Instead, we created a space where people could explore the answers for themselves. And what better way, was to ask our community on Discord! (join from here)

We shared our community's opinions with Adofaer early on, and together we quickly turned that feedback into new features and workflows that directly reflected our found insights. Another key decision we made based on community feedback was positioning Adofaer as an AI assistive tool, not a generative tool, and building the entire workshop philosophy around it. The fact that Adofaer was willing to listen, adapt and trust us, and trust our process made us excited to move forward with this topic. Just as we wanted to give our community a chance to express their views, we also wanted our partner to show that they had listened. And they did.

During the workshop, we heard gasps:

"Ahhh kawaii!" (omg so cutee)
"Sugoiiiii!" (amazing!!)
"Nanka chotto ne..." (hmmmm it's not quite right)

People were exploring, experimenting, and expressing their most genuine thoughts. We didn't just demo a product. We walked participants through what it means to "create," and then what it means to "create with an AI tool." Together, we questioned AI's capabilities: What can it do? What can't it do? Where does the human stay in control?

AI shouldn't be a black box where we simply feed inputs and accept outputs (Anantrasirichai & Bull, 2020). The real value of AI emerges when it's designed as part of a thoughtful workflow that incorporates feedback loops and human oversight. That's why Creaba designs experiences that let people form their own informed opinions, and why we'll continue working with organizations like Adofaer, who are pushing the edge of innovation with intention and a human-centered approach.

Reference:

Anantrasirichai, N., & Bull, D. (2020). Artificial intelligence in the creative industries: a review. Artificial Intelligence Review, 55, 589 - 656. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10462-021-10039-7.

Partner Insights - Exclusive interview with Adofaer

Article by: Adofaer Team (Stephy and Min)

Q. What was your vision for Adofaer and the Prompt & Play workshop?

My vision for this event was to see how creativity and AI could come together to create something truly tangible, something you can almost hold in your hands.

For me, Adofaer is not just about technology, it’s about helping people see their imagination, making creativity visible and real. I also wanted participants to realize that they all have unlimited creative potential, that designing a toy can be both personal and expressive.

Q. Why did you decide to partner with Creaba?

Partnering with Creaba started quite naturally.

I first met Annie during my very first workshop, and we stayed in touch afterward.

Later, I joined the Manifestation Jam #2, was sinspired by the atmosphere that was warm, open and full of energy.

Everyone in the Creaba team genuinely cares about people, you can feel that they are passionate, kind, and thoughtful. They bring such good energy into every interaction, and I knew right away that they were the perfect partners for something like this.

I really appreciate how Creaba creates a space where creativity feels both free and meaningful, and that made this collaboration even more special.

Q. What did you think about the event?

The atmosphere was incredible.

It was amazing to see how quickly they understood the workflow. After just a short demo, they were already exploring on their own; trying different styles, adding ideas, and customizing freely.

Every person had a completely different interpretation of their world, and that diversity was so inspiring. It reminded me that creativity really is a universal language - people don’t need much instruction; they just start creating.

Seeing participants use Adofaer live was incredibly inspiring.

Their reactions helped me see things I’d never noticed before, what felt natural, what felt confusing, where we could make the experience smoother. It reminded me that creativity doesn’t depend on perfect tools, it just needs a warm, open space to begin.

Q. Anything you’d like to see done differently next time?

One thing I’d love to add next time is some advanced editing techniques where we can dive deeper into fine-tuning and material details. But more importantly, I’d love to include a co-creation session.

Imagine this: we start with a shared base character, and each participant adds something small. Maybe a pattern, a hairstyle, a color accent, or even a tiny accessory that reflects their personality or culture.

By the end, we’d have a toy that carries a piece of everyone’s imagination. I think it would be such a beautiful way to show how creativity connects people.

Q. What are you most excited to build moving forward?

Looking ahead, I simply hope to keep exploring how AI and creativity can grow together, not to replace human imagination, but to give it more ways to express itself.

I want more people to experience what it feels like to design their own toy, to see a personal story, a small idea, slowly turn into something real.

One of my biggest dreams is to bring this co-creation experience to more places and cultures, where everyone can add a small piece of themselves into a shared design. I think that’s where the real beauty of creativity lies, in collaboration, in the stories we build together.

Moving forward, I hope to make Adofaer more intuitive, more human, and easier to play with — a place where design feels natural to everyone, even those who’ve never tried it before.

Q. Anything you’d like to share with Creaba team and community?

And I really want to thank the Creaba team, working with you has been such a meaningful experience. You brought so much care, thoughtfulness, and positive energy into everything. With your support, I saw how much potential there is when technology meets genuine human creativity.

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