At Footprint Digital, we don’t do ordinary team days.

As a growing digital marketing agency, our work is fast-paced, strategic, and results-driven. But the way we build our team culture? That’s intentional, hands-on, and sometimes a little messy – in the best possible way!

Our latest Apprentice Challenge saw us swap laptops for lumps of clay and step into the world of pottery.

The Apprentice Challenge: Footprint Edition

Inspired by the format of The Apprentice, for years now our internal team challenges have been designed to push us out of our comfort zones, encourage collaboration, and spark a little healthy competition.

This time, the brief was simple: learn a new skill, work as a team, create something tangible, and have fun doing it. The result was a full-blown pottery throwdown.

A Day at Makerspace Colchester

The challenge took place at Makerspace Colchester, a brilliant creative hub right here in our hometown.

It was the perfect setting to step away from the office and into a completely different kind of creative environment. From the moment we walked in, it was clear this wouldn’t be a passive team-building exercise. Aprons on, sleeves rolled up, and hands straight into the clay. We were introduced to the art of “throwing” pottery on the wheel, which, as we quickly learned, is much harder than it looks.

There’s something humbling about sitting at a pottery wheel. You can’t rush it, you can’t blag it, and if you don’t centre your clay properly, you’ll know about it!

We learned how to shape bowls and cylinders, control pressure and speed, and embrace the wobble when things didn’t quite go to plan. Some creations were beautifully symmetrical, others… had personality. But that was kind of the point.

Organised by Our Head of People

A huge thank you goes to our Head of People, Charlotte Black, who organised the entire day.

At Footprint, team days aren’t just about ticking a box. They’re about investing in our people. Charlotte ensures every activity has purpose, whether that’s strengthening relationships, encouraging creativity, or simply giving everyone the chance to reset and recharge together. This wasn’t just a “day out.” It was collaboration without KPIs, creativity without client briefs, and problem-solving without Google. It reminded us how important those moments are.

Why We Do Team Days Differently

Pottery might not seem like an obvious choice for a digital marketing agency, but that’s exactly why it worked.

In marketing, we talk a lot about testing and refining, iteration, craft, and attention to detail. Pottery is no different. You adjust, you reshape, you start again when needed, and you learn by doing. It’s hands-on creativity, something we value hugely in our work.

Beyond the bowls, mugs, and slightly abstract creations, the real takeaway was simple: we had a great time!

We laughed, encouraged each other, and celebrated the wins, and the wonderfully wonky attempts. We left with clay under our fingernails and a stronger sense of connection as a team.

That’s why we do team days differently. Because building a great agency isn’t just about strategy and performance metrics; it’s about people. And sometimes, the best way to bring people together is to give them a pottery wheel and see what happens…