As we enter 2025 and start planning our travels for the year, let’s consider the words of travel writer Pico Iyer:
“If travel is like love, it is, in the end, mostly because it’s a heightened state of awareness in which we are mindful, receptive, undimmed by familiarity, and ready to be transformed. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs, never really end.”
Iyer captures the essence of travel as a journey of heightened awareness, mindful openness, and transformation. But let’s delve deeper into how travel inspires us, particularly those with creative sensibilities.
Traveling Creatives: How Their Unique Hyper-Sensitivity Fuels Inspiration
Creatives — designers, artists, architects, writers, chefs, and musicians — share a common trait: an insatiable hunger for inspiration. For many, this craving is a primary source of motivation. While following established methods may lead to practical design solutions, the spark that transforms practicality into brilliance often lies in the point of inspiration.
Inspiration, of course, is highly subjective. Some may find it flipping through magazines or simply standing under the spray of a shower. But travel — removing oneself from the familiar — has long been a proven catalyst for sparking new ideas and offering fresh perspectives.
The question is, are Creatives more sensitive to the essence of their surroundings during travel? And if so, can others benefit from this heightened sensitivity?
Vernacular Flavor: Anthony Bourdain, and the Power of Inspiration
First, let’s define “vernacular flavor.” It refers to the unique characteristics of a place, shaped by its local culture and regional heritage. From food, architecture, and music to matchbooks, street art, and signage, vernacular flavor profoundly influences how travelers experience a location.
Are Creatives more attuned to this vernacular flavor than their left-brain counterparts? The late Anthony Bourdain — chef, writer, and iconic travel host — would likely say yes. Bourdain, known for his deep appreciation of local culture, once shared this insight during The Mind of a Chef:
“I write in the morning. I wake up, and before I have any time to think about the million and one reasons to not write, I start writing. And I write as much as I can… If you’ve written yourself into a corner, the rest of the day you’re thinking, ‘How do I get out of the corner?’ That can be fun if you have a life, but you need a life!”
For Bourdain, inspiration stemmed from his hyper-awareness of his surroundings. This heightened sensitivity allowed him to uncover unique insights that resonated deeply with audiences. Bourdain, a celebrity chef, writer, and Creative, developed this skill through years of education, professional experience, and cross-disciplinary exposure, enabling him to perceive the world in extraordinary ways.
Music City: Looking Beyond the “Woo-Girls” for Inspiration
As a designer, I’ve always been intrigued by the relationship between travel and inspiration — how experiencing the distinct qualities of an unfamiliar place can fuel creativity and spark fresh ideas.
During a recent trip to Nashville, I encountered more than I expected. Beyond the honky-tonks and the bachelorette party “woo-girls,” I discovered a convergence of offbeat Southern culture, a vibrant foodie scene, and a rich, diverse music community. It reminded me of the unexpected yet delightful collaboration between Jack White and Loretta Lynn on Van Lear Rose — surprising, yet perfectly harmonious.
My initial expectation was to find a modern Southern influence in Nashville, and I wasn’t disappointed. There was the urban core with striking postmodern architecture, inventive twists on Southern cooking (like curry-infused dishes), and iconic attractions like the Johnny Cash Museum.
But the most inspiring discovery for me was Hatch Show Print. This century-old letterpress shop has shaped the visual identity of early country, rock, and blues musicians. Their time-honored style is as quintessentially American as the music it celebrates. Hatch Show Print embodies the vernacular flavor of Nashville and stands as a testament to the power of craft and tradition in inspiring creativity.
The ‘Creative’ Advantage
Yes, Creatives are especially attuned to the unique flavor of their surroundings. Their “hyper-sensitivity” enables them to notice details, patterns, and nuances that others might overlook. Whether it’s the colors of a sunset, the rhythm of city life, or the typeface on an old sign, they find inspiration in the world around them. If you know a Creative, ask them about their favorite travel destinations. Watch their eyes light up as they describe a city’s distinctive qualities — from local cuisine and music to hidden gems and quirky souvenirs.
Better yet, plan a trip with a Creative. Experience the world through their lens, and you’ll gain a new appreciation for the beauty, culture, and inspiration that travel offers. Much like a great love affair (thank you, Pico Iyer), you’ll be transformed — and happy you took the journey.
