As a designer who works, for the most part, alone, I understand the importance of taking time out here and there to refuel my creativity. For creatives, taking time out is necessary. It’s so easy to fall into the routine of sitting behind your desk working for hours without a refresh. Last year, a good friend of mine (also a designer) and I decided to put at least one day a month aside during the work week to get out and reinspire ourselves. Whether we go the traditional route and visit a museum or get outside to enjoy a hike — our point is to force ourselves to make time to refuel and refresh our minds.

Here’s what we did for our most recent outing. This past Wednesday, we took the traditional route and visited The Philadelphia Museum of Art. It’s been quite a while since I visited. In fact, the last time I was there was during the Dali exhibition in 2005 (which was fantastic, by the way)! We wandered through the European Art wings (1500-1850 and 1850-1900) and then checked out the Modern and Contemporary Art wing. We had conversations about the artists, their lives, their social circles, and careers. The works are incredible and of course inspiring. I wanted to start painting on the spot.

The most influential pieces for me were the Toulouse-Lautrec works. I have a whole new appreciation for him. His work gives the viewer a real taste of what it may have been like to take part in nightlife during 1890s Paris. I absolutely loved seeing the piece, At the Moulin Rouge: The Dance. The gestural quality he captures in the movement of the dancers is just perfect. I was also taken by his lithographs. They were all very graphic and spoke to the designer in me. I left the museum with a much bigger appreciation for his work.

Our journey then took us to Heavy Bubble’s gallery space on South Street. If you get the chance, please visit! I’m so glad we did. During our visit, Rhythmic Seasons by Stella Untalan was currently showing and the work is beautiful. We had the chance to sit down with Stella herself and chat about life, art, politics and work. She is an incredible lady! We had a great time!

And finally, we ended our creative outing with a visit to Pearl on South Street which, I’m sad to report, is closing. I used to visit this store during my college days constantly. I remember when they opened! Pearl was the new place to go for your art supplies with 3 full floors of goodies! I’m sad to see them close their doors. During our final visit, I stocked up on drawing pads, pencils, and other art gear (what was left). We packed up the car and were on our way. I will miss you, Pearl.

It was a great day and I returned home with a full glass of Toulouse-Lautrec inspiration ready to go (absinthe, anyone?)! Those drawing pads have been calling my name. They’re all set for the Dr. Sketchy’s sessions I’ll be attending (now as an Art-Monkey). I have passed the baton and there are new directors, Mr. Steve Cleff and his wife Tricia!

So, there you have it. A day of inspiration in a designer’s life. I can’t stress how important it is to take time out to refuel — and to make it a part of your design schedule (not just for weekends). It’s a part of our career — keeping the inspiration flowing. Otherwise, you may fall into a rut and begin creating stodgy designs. We can’t have that, now, can we?

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