Why You Should Draw When You're on the Road

One of my favorite parts of traveling is the way it frees my imagination. I’m a pretty creative person— from writing stories to playing my three instruments, I thrive on the right-brain activities— and a change of scenery does wonders for my head. Although I rarely write anything on the road other than my blog, I’m inspired for months afterward.

Another way travel boosts my creativity is that I have time and excuse to draw. Doodling at a hostel room or a café is one of the best ways to get people to talk to you, as long as you don’t look too absorbed. I have a fair sketching hand. I learned a long time ago that I would never put in the effort to excel at art, but I find it very relaxing, a happy escape to a place that is all about lines and spaces and visual ideas.

My dad is an artist, so I was receiving instruction from the day I could pick up a marker. Anytime someone says, “I wish I could draw,” I always respond, “Practice every week for nineteen years and you can.” (Yes, I know, I rant about this a lot. But still. Art is not voodoo. It’s a lot of hard work, just like any other skill.)

I love the things I draw when I travel. Although my best art has often been drawn at home, the pictures that make me smile the most were all born when I was on the road.

Originally, it was just a picture of a man and woman. Then I realized the suit
didn't look right. This made me mad. So I gave the woman a pistol. Obviously.

The next time you visit somewhere, even if it’s a day trip, I encourage you to pick up a pencil and draw or freewrite or do something creative that you wouldn’t normally do. It’s a unique way of taking pictures that help you remember the place you were at, what you were doing, and why it was so awesome.

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