Wandering Through Wonder: How My Travels to Ireland, London, and Edinburgh Sparked Creative Inspiration

Ireland, Kerry Cliffs

 There’s something magical about stepping off a plane in a new country — the air smells different, the pace shifts, and your senses heighten as the unfamiliar becomes an adventure. This past month, I had the incredible opportunity to travel through Ireland, London, and Edinburgh, and I can honestly say the experience stirred something deep in me — as an artist, designer, and storyteller. 

Ireland: The Quiet Power of Nature and History

Our first stop was Ireland, and it immediately enveloped me in its rugged beauty. The rolling green hills, ancient stone walls, and hauntingly beautiful ruins seemed to whisper stories of the past. Standing on the Kerry Cliffs, and the Cliffs of Moher, watching the Atlantic crash below, I felt both small and deeply connected to the air, wind, sky, and land. I took countless photos of the contrast of rich greens and aqua blue of the sea crashing below. Ireland reminded me that simplicity, when rooted in story, can be incredibly powerful — something I want to bring more into my future design work.
The rich mythology and folklore found in Irish culture also sparked some early ideas for a potential illustrated series — maybe a collection of modern interpretations of Celtic legends or a visual storytelling project exploring forgotten places and their hidden histories.

London: Energy, Edge, and Creative Possibility

London didn’t exactly welcome me with open arms. In fact, it started off rough — I lost my brand-new phone coming off the Tube from the airport. One moment I had it in my handbag, the next it was gone, swallowed by the chaos of travel and the crowds of the Underground. That sinking feeling of loss, mixed with jet lag and the disorientation of being in a new city, definitely set a challenging tone for the first day and a half.

But once the dust settled — once I accepted that some things were out of my control — the city began to leave its impression on me in unexpected and inspiring ways.

London is a place of contrasts: gritty and polished, historical and cutting-edge. Its energy is unmistakable. Just walking the streets became a form of creative stimulation. From the eclectic boutiques, vibrant murals, historic architecture, and the Borough Fresh Food Market  to the curated elegance of exhibits at the Tower of London, British Museum and the National Gallery, I found inspiration in the layered complexity of it all.
I stumbled upon a few galleries and installations that played with typography, motion, and immersive environments, each one nudging me toward new ideas for my own work. London reawakened my love for bold visual storytelling — art that’s not afraid to say something, to take up space, and to innovate. I came back with lots of photos on my husbands phone, notes, and concepts for a short-form video piece that blends graphic design, animation, and spoken word, all sparked by the city’s raw creative pulse.
What started as a frustrating hiccup ended as a pivotal chapter in my journey — a reminder that sometimes inspiration is found not despite the setbacks, but because of them.

Edinburgh: Mystery, Mood, and Artistic Melancholy

My final stop was Edinburgh, and it was everything I hoped for and more, and I wish I had more time there to explore. The Gothic architecture, winding alleys, and the ever changing weather gave the city a dreamy, almost cinematic feel. It was like walking through a living painting. I felt deeply inspired by the dark romanticism of the city — it stirred my interest in revisiting some older, more personal work and exploring deeper emotional themes through layered visuals.
The city’s artistic heartbeat — from its bookstores and local art shops to its historic sites like Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Museum — left me thinking about the importance of narrative in every creative field. I even wrote a few short poems and journaled more than I have in years.
I managed to convince my husband to do an Outlander tour on our last day so I could visit some of the famous scenes that made me fall in love with Scotland. It did not disappoint and the tour guide was hilarious. 
My nana is from Glasgow, Scotland and I could hear her accent everywhere while in Edinburgh. I wish I was able to stay longer to explore this beautiful country. Alas, my family awaited us at home and we were starting to experience a bit of sticker shock. Everything is double over there! A small coffee was $8 CAD! 

Coming Home, Changed and Charged

Travel is one of the greatest gifts for any creative — it shakes you loose from your patterns and feeds your curiosity. This journey through Ireland, London, and Edinburgh left me creatively recharged and full of ideas I’m excited to explore.
In the coming months, I plan to:

• Develop a mini-series of digital illustrations and  paintings inspired by Irish landscapes and folklore.
• Start a motion graphics experiment influenced by the visual storytelling techniques I saw in London.
• Create a mixed-media zine or personal art journal with sketches, poems, and visual mood boards from Edinburgh.

I’m reminded that inspiration isn’t just something you wait for — sometimes you have to go out and find it. And sometimes, it's waiting for you in the misty streets of a foreign city.