WARNING to all future friends, employees or co-workers: You will never shut me up about this trip, I apologise in advance.
For the past nine months, I've embraced a life less ordinary. I dropped my work commitments and temporarily bid adieu to university, embarking on an incredible journey around the vast and diverse landscapes of Australia. Now that I've returned home, it's the perfect time to reflect on what this remarkable journey has taught me.
One of the most profound experiences during my travels was building my freelance design career while on the road. The ability to work remotely allowed me to hone my communication skills and develop the capacity to collaborate effectively across various time zones. It was a journey of self-discovery and professional growth. I learned to adapt quickly to new environments and to leverage technology to stay connected with clients and partners, regardless of our physical locations.
Travelling in a van across Australia introduced me to a multitude of communities, cultures, and landscapes. This rich tapestry of experiences broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of people from all walks of life. This newfound empathy has not only enriched my personal life but also played a pivotal role in my professional journey. It's allowed me to create designs that are not only visually appealing but also considerate of accessibility and inclusivity, catering to the unique needs of different communities.
Perhaps the most significant transformation during my van life adventure was my growing appreciation for travel and the allure of a flexible working schedule. I realised that life is about more than just the typical 9-to-5 grind. The freedom to explore at my own pace and immerse myself in the beauty of Australia's landscapes was truly liberating. This newfound passion for travel and flexible working hours has breathed fresh life into my career, inspiring me to create designs that capture this essence of adventure.
Living on the road also allowed me to form a profound connection with nature and the incredible wildlife of Australia. The pristine beaches, lush rainforests (when they say Daintree is where the rainforest meets the reef, they weren't kidding), and arid deserts served as constant reminders of the beauty of the natural world. This connection has seeped into my design practice, influencing my choice of colours, textures, and themes. I strive to infuse my work with the same sense of awe and appreciation that I experienced while hiking in the rain, swimming with manta-rays and whale sharks in Ningaloo, or experiencing the major changes in the flora with every 5 hour drive.
Life on the road is inherently unpredictable, and this unpredictability has been a powerful teacher. From earlier 2023 where my life felt riddled with stress, this trip has definitely taught me to embrace uncertainty and to find beauty in the unexpected. Surprisingly, it's also led to a significant decrease in my overall stress, anxiety, and unease. The simple act of living in the moment and adapting to ever-changing circumstances has been therapeutic to say the least.
Check out some of the mad pics below. As I said earlier, you will never shut me up about it.
My nine months of van life adventures in Australia have been a transformative journey that has shaped both my personal and professional life. I've grown as a designer, developed a deeper understanding of humanity, discovered the value of flexibility, connected with nature, and learned to embrace life's unpredictability. These lessons have not only made me a better traveler but also a more empathetic and adaptable professional. I look forward to incorporating these newfound insights into my design practice, creating work that not only reflects my experiences but also resonates with a wide range of audiences.
As I share my experiences through this blog, I hope to inspire fellow professionals and traveler's to embrace life's adventures, seek personal growth, and find beauty in the unexpected. After all, life is a journey, and the lessons we learn along the way shape us into the people we are meant to become.
