a space to think together—on creativity, attention, and work that matters.
In 2011, I visited a design conference in Singapore.
Leading creatives and artists were sharing their works, stories, and wisdom.
At that time, I was working on my final thesis. It was also a time when I felt completely lost.
I couldn’t think of what to do after my studies.
Should I go back to my job as a fashion graphic designer?
Should I apply to an ad agency?
Apply to an ad agency?
No way felt right.
Continue reading “Do What you Love”
While my parents and brother drove me to the Düsseldorf airport I stared out the window and thought, “What am I doing? I just want to go back home. I want to chill on the couch, play Pro Evolution Soccer with my brother, or hang out with friends. That’s all I want to do right now.”
Instead, I was about to embark on an adventure on the other side of the planet.
I longed for this day for years, and I was so nervous. I never traveled alone before and never thought I would find the courage to do so.
But here I was now. I clutched my backpack nervously, not knowing what to expect.
The journey started in Sydney and ended in Beijing after four and a half months. And it changed everything.
Traveling alone, handling situations, and making all decisions myself brought me closer to myself.
I got along well among strangers, in unknown places, in solitude, and with myself. This realization was the missing spark to finally pursue my dream of becoming a freelance illustrator.
Solo traveling is the ultimate way to poke our comfort zone. Physically and mentally.
If you ever thought of traveling all by yourself, I would like to encourage you to. I know it takes courage. But it’s worth it.
And if you decide to embark, may I give you some advice?
Set a specific goal you would like to achieve during your journey.
A mission can be your compass and push you to interact with people and unfamiliar environments.
My mission on the trip was the final thesis for my study—I made a design report about creativity on the other side of the world.
I gathered as many creative findings and information as possible and presented them in a book.
Traveling with a mission forced me to contact, visit, and interview artists, designers, and ad agencies throughout my journey.
I explored art exhibitions in every city and village I crossed, collected local design magazines, and searched for visual treasures and anything that caught my attention.
Thirteen years later, I still say that traveling alone was one of the best decisions I made in my life.
And again, I encourage you to take the leap if you feel the urge to travel, too.
You will explore unknown territories, externally and internally.
And you’ll unlock skills, capabilities, and attitudes that will change and enrich you and your future.
If solo travel is just too challenging for you, it’s totally understandable. There are other ways to sneak out of your comfort zone and strive for solitude:
The Walk
Take a walk in the woods. No company, no phone.
The Coffee
Sit down in a local café. Again, no company, no phone. Just you, your drink, and your eyes.
The Trip
Spend a weekend in an unfamiliar city. Book a room, get on the train, and wander through the streets.
Try it, and feel free to share your experience with me.
“I hate Plan B.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger once said this in a speech, and it hit me hard in the stomach during a time of doubts and vagueness. I knew exactly what he meant.
His message is clear: If you have a goal—go all in. No safety net. No compromises.
Sounds inspiring. And risky.
Continue reading “Plan B & Plan b”