Working with lots of nature centers and state parks we are always looking for ways to encourage visitors to “get out” and experience the natural resource at hand. Pennsylvania State Parks had one of the best slogans that I’ve seen. It read, “Welcome to Pennsylvania, now get out.” I loved it. I don’t think that I need to go into all the specific reasons why our clients want their visitors to “get out,” but generally you could say some benefits would include relaxation, inspiration, wonder, and discovery.

As designers and creators, I think we should also embrace this philosophy and “get out.” All too often we are “too busy” with deadlines, the next project, and really just doing what we do. After a while the food (ideas, inspiration, personal experience, etc.) that fuels our creativity and design aesthetics begins to run low, replenished only by what we know.

So what am I saying? I’m saying that if your desire is to continue to grow and become better at what you do, make it a priority to set that pen down, step away from the computer and “get out” to see what other artisans in your field are doing. I’ll be the first to admit that this is easier said than done. I have always struggled with this. (Not the desire to see what others are doing, but the part where I actually make the time to “get out.”) Through observing and experiencing the work of others, whether or not you are conscious of it, you are exposed to elements which will influence how you “see” things. Amazingly, that “expired food” you have been digesting will be replaced with fresh fruit and vegetables.

For example, this summer my family and I took a little trip to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. While there, I made it a point to stop by one of the visitor centers. In that 45 minute stop, I took in a lot. I saw things that inspired me, things that taught me what not to do, and even something that gave me a simple creative solution to displaying interchangeable and updateable graphics. Bam! Fresh blueberries, strawberries, AND raspberries, figuratively speaking.

So, the next time an opportunity presents itself for you to “get out,” flick that little devil on your shoulder telling you, “you don’t have time,” to the side. You will be better for it. Welcome to life as an artist, now get out.