At ZAP we thought it’d be fun (and risky) to throw a bakeoff challenge. It wasn’t just about testing our baking skills—it was a chance to boost teamwork, lift our spirits, and get our creativity flowing in a totally different way. Here’s how the bakeoff turned into a surprising way to connect and spark fresh ideas.

At first, a bakeoff in a studio full of designers might seem a little out there. We’re more used to pixels and typography than measuring cups and mixing bowls. But the idea really took off as a fun way to bring our design mindset into something hands-on. It wasn’t just about baking—it was about collaborating, thinking outside the box, and, of course, having a good time!

We started off by putting names in a hat, drawing out who would go up against who, creative…right? The rounds were between 2 people every 2 weeks, the first round the bar was set high by Luke, who was voted winner for his delicious chocolate coffee cake against Ollie’s double chocolate cookies.

In this round, Jo pulled off a sweet victory with her decadent chocolate orange cake, leaving James’s lemon meringue pie in the dust.

Despite James’s valiant effort (and questionable decision to bake at 8pm on a Sunday), Jo’s cake had the edge. I mean, who wants to be baking at that hour anyway?

Enter the ultimate chocolate showdown!

Georgia and Victor went head-to-head with Kinder Bueno brownies battling it out against a rich bourbon cake. It was a serious sugar rush, but Georgia claimed the win – although let’s be real, both cakes were practically demolished by Team Cameron. (Cameron is the team!)

Scott vs. Becca, aka, Scott’s children vs. Becca’s children.

Scott came in with a crunchy Crunchie cake, while Becca whipped up her classic fruit cake. In the end, Becca’s fruity creation triumphed, earning her the win!

Part 1 of the semi finals!

Becca came out swinging with a jaw-dropping lemon & blueberry Victoria sponge, securing her place in the finals with a sweet victory.

Part 2 of the semi finals!

Georgia wasn’t about to let Becca have all the glory! She fought back with her irresistible winter berry Victoria sponge, clinching the win and sending her straight to the finals.

The grand finale! After 7 long weeks of anticipation, the moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived, and the stakes couldn’t be higher!

To spice things up (and maybe make it a little unfair), we challenged Georgia and Becca with the ultimate ‘Cake or Fake’ task. This is where the fun begins – they had to make a cake that looks like an actual object. Talk about a creative twist! It gave everyone a chance to play around with new ideas without the pressure of real clients or projects. Just pure, playful experimentation.

Becca went for a bold Guinness cake, while Georgia got creative with a loaf cake. The level of detail on both cakes was absolutely next-level – Georgia’s was a showstopper, and Becca’s was equally stunning!

While taste played a big part in the judging, the creativity, presentation, and teamwork also held weight in our decision-making. Each team member gave their score out of 5… and the suspense built… drumroll, please… Georgia clinched the victory with her incredible loaf cake! What a finale!

During this bake off each bake showcased the incredible variety of talents that our studio possessed. It wasn’t just about the final product—it was the process that encouraged collaboration and creative thinking. we bounced ideas off each other, tried new techniques, and even encountered unexpected challenges that required us to think on our feet, much like when tackling a tricky brief. This unexpected intersection of design and baking helped foster a deeper appreciation for the creative problem-solving that occurs in both realms.

What really stood out about the competition was the way it brought the team together. In our everyday work, we’re accustomed to working independently, often with headphones in and screens on. The bakeoff, however, required us to step out of our individual silos and collaborate in a totally new and uncharted territory.

Teams not only had to plan their recipes but also delegate tasks, manage time, and support each other throughout the process. Designers who were more comfortable with the artistic side of things found themselves learning about the technical aspects of baking, while those with experience in the kitchen got a chance to share their knowledge. It was a perfect blend of skills

At the end of the day, the bakeoff wasn’t just about creating the perfect pastry—it was about enhancing the teamwork, creativity, and bond within our graphic design studio. It proved that sometimes, the best way to spark fresh ideas isn’t through another brainstorming session but through something as simple as a shared experience, a pinch of friendly competition, and a whole lot of flour.