Traveling is a Great Source of Inspiration
Routine can sometimes cause your brain to work on autopilot and stop looking for new ideas, resulting in creative block. By travelling and breaking a routine it's like a shock to the brain, that can allow one to become inspired again. When traveling I am always keen to take note of new and interesting colour combinations, textures, and patterns on anything from local produce to historical structures. Labels and packaging design of products are also full of interesting examples of typography and layout. Even walking down the street can be a solid source of inspiration as they are often filled with a fascinating clash of past and present. Below are some photos documenting my recent trip to Italy, Belglium, and the Netherlands.
Rome, Italy
View of the Temple of Saturn at the Roman Forum
Brick pattern on a structure in the Roman Forum
The Roman Forum was the centre of day-to-day life in Rome for centuries. Many of the oldest and most important structures of the ancient city were located on or near the Forum and the surviving remains offer a lot to learn from.
Found type on storefront
Found pattern
Orvieto, Italy
Pattern on the Orvieto Cathedral
Orvieto is a charming little town just 90 minutes outside of Rome. The historic section of the city is perched on top a steep hill with beautiful views, gorgeous buildings, and an aura of history. Strolling down the alleys you’ll find well-preserved Gothic and medieval buildings.
Cinque Terre, Italy
View of Manarola
View of Vernazza
Florence, Italy
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Venice, Italy
Ponte della Costituzione designed by Santiago Calatrava
Labels of some wine we had in a bar in Venice.
With its endless maze of cobblestone streets, there is lots to explore and be inspired by in this city.
Brussels, Belgium
La Grand-Place
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Van Gogh Dreams Exhibit
A visit to Amsterdam isn’t complete without a visit to the Van Gogh Museum. The Van Gogh Dreams exhibit was a very captivating installation uses light and audio to create a sensory experience that takes viewers to Van Gogh’s time in Arles in the south of France.