Storytelling can be a design tool—and together, we want to explore how, from object to story to publication: In this workshop, we’ll explore the idea of the object biography. This concept—tracing an object’s life through different stages, events, and relationships—was first introduced by Russian writer Sergei Tretiakov in 1929. From its origins to its owners, its journeys to its mysteries—every object has a tale to tell.

In this workshop, we invite participants to dive into this concept through a variety of creative writing, storytelling, and graphic representation techniques. Writing is an essential tool for designers to communicate ideas, unlock new insights, and present themselves, yet it is often neglected in art and design education. Many designers feel uneasy about writing—but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. That’s why we’ll begin with hands-on creative writing exercises, using playful and experimental approaches to generate ideas and narratives.

Soon, we’ll explore objects from the Domaine de Boisbuchet—including items from Alexander von Vegesack’s collection, found objects, or remnants from previous workshops. Through the object biography technique, participants will craft narratives around these artefacts. But the process won’t stop at writing. Once we’ve shaped these stories in words, we’ll bring them to life visually, experimenting with frottage, sketching, relief printing, scanning, or risograph printing.

The workshop will culminate in a showcase of our work—a small exhibition, a reading performance, or a collaborative zine. The participants will leave with new confidence in writing, storytelling, and new methods to reflect their design work.