Finding Creative Inspiration Beyond the Studio

After spending the past few months immersed in portfolio preparation, website planning and refining collections, taking a step away from the studio turned out to be exactly what I needed.

This June, my husband, son and I spent two wonderful weeks travelling through South Korea and Japan. As my husband is currently working in Saudi Arabia, the holiday was a welcome opportunity for us to spend some much-needed time together as a family. While family time was the real priority, I soon found myself doing what many artists probably do naturally, quietly observing the world through creative eyes.

Before we travelled, I had even shared my Lotus Flower Koi collection on LinkedIn as a small nod to the journey ahead. Looking back now, it feels rather fitting that a collection inspired by Japanese aesthetics was the last one I posted before experiencing the country for myself.

I imagined returning home with dozens of photographs of Mount Fuji and stories centred around one of Japan’s most recognisable landmarks. Although we enjoyed occasional glimpses of the mountain from our hotel window, the day we travelled through Hakone, visiting Ōwakudani, Lake Ashi and the surrounding countryside, thick mist and low cloud kept the famous views hidden from sight. Ironically, it was only on our final morning before leaving Japan that Mount Fuji finally revealed itself one last time.

Looking back, I realised the trip had inspired me in ways I hadn’t expected. Rather than returning with the photographs I had imagined, I came home collecting colours, textures, craftsmanship and new artistic tools that will undoubtedly influence my work far more than any single landscape ever could.

Inspiration That Came Home With Me

One thing I have learnt over the years is that inspiration doesn’t always come from the obvious places. While famous landmarks and beautiful scenery certainly leave lasting memories, I often find myself drawn to the quieter details. Beautiful packaging, carefully crafted stationery, traditional art materials and the way everyday objects are presented can be just as inspiring.

Before travelling, I had spent time researching art supplies that were unique to South Korea and Japan. I eventually decided to bring home a small selection that I hope will become part of my own creative process rather than simply souvenirs sitting on a shelf. Among them were Mijello Mission Gold Class watercolours from South Korea, a beautifully hand-stitched Japanese watercolour brush, a traditional Japanese calligraphy brush and a selection of textured brushes that create interesting stippled and expressive marks.

I have no doubt that these new tools will encourage me to experiment in different ways over the coming months. Whether they influence a future surface pattern collection directly or simply encourage me to explore new textures and techniques, they already represent something far more valuable than a holiday purchase. They are a reminder that every creative journey leaves us with new ideas to explore long after we have unpacked our suitcase.

Sometimes Inspiration Finds You

Before leaving for Japan, I had imagined returning home with countless photographs of Mount Fuji. We had planned a wonderful day exploring the Hakone region, travelling on the Romance Car, crossing Lake Ashi aboard the pirate ship and riding the ropeway over the sulphur vents at Ōwakudani. Unfortunately, the weather had other ideas. Low cloud and mist followed us throughout the day, hiding the famous mountain almost completely from view.

At first, I felt a little disappointed. Mount Fuji is one of Japan’s most iconic landscapes, and I had looked forward to seeing it in all its glory. Looking back though, I realised the trip had already given me far more than one photograph ever could.

Then, on the morning we were due to leave Japan, I looked out of our hotel window and there it was. Quietly standing above the clouds as if saying goodbye.

It felt like a fitting reminder that creativity doesn’t always arrive when we expect it to. Sometimes the most memorable moments appear unexpectedly, often after we have stopped searching quite so hard.

Returning Home with Fresh Eyes

As much as I enjoyed discovering new art materials and experiencing the creativity woven into everyday life throughout South Korea and Japan, one of the greatest gifts the holiday gave me was perspective.

Stepping away from my studio, computer and growing portfolio to-do list reminded me that creativity isn’t only found at a desk. It lives in conversations shared over dinner, beautifully wrapped purchases, carefully crafted objects, peaceful gardens and the excitement of discovering something completely new.

Returning home, I unpacked more than new paints and brushes. I came back with fresh ideas, renewed enthusiasm and a notebook already filling with thoughts for future collections.

Last month I wrote about preparing my portfolio and taking those first steps towards sharing my work with art directors. Those plans haven’t changed. If anything, this trip has reminded me why I began creating in the first place and why it’s important to keep moving forward, one collection at a time.

Studio Note

You’ll notice there’s no recipe this month!

Between travelling through South Korea and Japan and settling back into everyday life afterwards, there simply wasn’t much time spent in my own kitchen. We enjoyed some incredible food throughout our holiday, particularly the Korean noodle dishes, and I’m already experimenting at home to see if I can recreate some of our favourites. If I manage to produce a version that’s worthy of sharing, I’ll happily include the recipe in a future studio blog.

Looking Ahead

As I settle back into my studio, the new brushes and paints are waiting patiently beside my sketchbook, along with a notebook full of ideas gathered throughout the trip. There is still plenty of work to do on my portfolio and the next stage of sharing my collections with art directors, but it no longer feels quite as overwhelming as it did before I left.

Sometimes stepping away from the studio is exactly what helps us see it more clearly when we return. I’m looking forward to seeing where these new ideas, observations and experiences lead over the coming months.