Where Writing Meets Art
60/40 Playspace is an educational project facilitated by writer Daniel J. Cecil and artist Shayna Schapp.
Designed as a sanctuary for creative exploration, our workshops blend engaging writing exercises with hands-on art prompts. By bringing these two mediums together, we create a dynamic, supportive environment where ideas flow freely and unexpected connections happen naturally.
Our workshops
The 60/40 Philosophy
What does 60/40 mean? It’s our secret formula for creative freedom: 60 percent effort, and 40 percent letting go. We believe the magic happens when you show up, put in the work, and then deliberately release the need for control. By emphasizing play and process over rigid end results, 60/40 Playspace takes the pressure off making "good" art so you can rediscover the simple joy of creating.
No Experience Needed, Just Curiosity
Whether you’re a creative person looking to break through a block, or someone who hasn't picked up a paintbrush since grade school, you belong here. Our bite-sized lessons are built for every skill level. The goal isn't to stress over technical mastery, but to join in, experiment, and have fun. By the end of the night, you’ll walk away with a completely original piece of work you made yourself.
Meet Daniel
Daniel J. Cecil is a writer and teacher in Amsterdam. His work has appeared in The Rumpus, The Heavy Feather Review, The LA Review of Books, Barrelhouse, Miracle Monocle, and The Stranger among other notable publications. His fiction has been nominated for a pushcart, was long listed for the Dzanc Fiction Prize, short-listed for the Yes Yes Books open reading period, and has received the support of several residencies.
Daniel teaches travel writing and literature for Emerson College at their Limburg campus and is the founder of Honing House, an English-language, community-centered, and empathy-led educational resource that was built for writers all over the world.
Meet Shayna
Shayna Schapp is a queer Artist Educator based in Amsterdam. She has over 20 years experience working at the crossroads of creativity, pedagogy and social justice. Most notably, she spent 10 years as a core instructor with Interactive/Media/Design (I/M/D) at The Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, and 6 years as the Community Art Developer for LEAD, an after-school arts program in Amsterdam.
Shayna’s artistic focus is photography and drawing. Her work has been in solo and group exhibitions in the USA, NL, and UK, is part of public and private collections, and has appeared in publications such as Versal Journal, Pigeonhole, and SMART Papers.