I’ve discovered that the best ideas rarely happen under artificial light. Living on the Cornish coast means I can step out of the studio and into fresh air at a moment’s notice. A short walk along the beach often does more for my creativity than another hour staring at my screen.
There’s something about breathing in salty air that clears the mind. Watching the tide come in and out reminds me that ideas need time to form and settle. If I force a concept too hard it stalls, yet if I give myself space to think, whether it’s a stroll by the shoreline or a quiet coffee somewhere where I have a view of the sea, the solution usually comes naturally.
When you care about your work it’s tempting to keep going long after your energy dips. I’ve been there, sending late night emails and tweaking designs until the early hours. Now I deliberately build in breaks, a quick cold water dip, a moment sitting on the beach or simply watching the waves helps me return to my Mac with fresh focus and enthusiasm.
Clients often tell me how quickly I grasp their story and turn it into engaging visuals. That confidence comes from knowing when to step away and recharge, it means I approach every project with a clear head, ready to listen closely and craft authentic, meaningful design.
After each narrative workshop I lead, I take myself outdoors to breathe in that salty air and let everything we’ve uncovered really sink in. Those quiet moments of reflection form the true foundation of the work I create, and they spark the inspiration I bring back to the studio.
If you ever find yourself stuck on a brief or staring at an empty Adobe Illustrator artboard try swapping your screen for sand underfoot, give yourself permission to pause, breathe in the salty air and let your thoughts drift, you might be surprised how often that simple reset leads to a design breakthrough.
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