+ WHO

A $4,000 travel scholarship for New England high school seniors who’ve been accepted into a higher education program looking to pursue a creative career in Design / Photography / Illustration

WHY - Scholarship awarded annually to encourage social and environmental responsibility and cultural awareness in the next generation of artists and designers.

HOW - Submit a postcard design electronically to the NBPT Studio along with information about yourself, what you intend to study, where you would like to go and why.

+ Why I travel.

Simply put, routine and comfort zones kill creativity.

I’ve spent years and an absurd amount of money on design conferences, books, workshops, and talking with other design professionals to learn how to improve as a creative director and gain perspective. The most important realization from my reflections and immersion is this: design inspiration comes from everywhere. In fact, I’ve found that I’m at my best when I’m intentional about diversifying my day-to-day experience, rather than obsessing over design books or learning new design tools.

Design is an inherently human thing - to design something well requires empathy and understanding of the human experience. And what better way to gain an understanding of the human experience than to immerse yourself in as many versions of it as you can?

There is a perception out there that anyone who travels long-term and isn’t interested in settling down or getting a conventional job, must be running away from something. They are just trying to “escape life.” The general opinion is that traveling is something everyone should do—that gap year after college and short vacations are acceptable. But for those of us who lead nomadic lifestyles, or who linger a bit too long somewhere before reaching that final homestretch? We are accused of running away.

Yes, travel—but just not for too long. People assume that we are simply running away from our problems, running away from “the real world.” And to all those people who say that, I say to you—you’re right. I am running away. I’m running away from your idea of the “real” world. And, instead, I’m running towards everything – towards the world, exotic places, new people, different cultures, and my own idea of freedom.

I’m a wanderer because I want to experience the world, not escape problems. When I run away from office life, commuting, and weekend errands, I run toward everything the world has to offer. I want to experience every culture, see every mountain, eat weird food, attend crazy festivals, meet new people, and enjoy different holidays around the world.

Life is short, and we only get to live it once. I want to look back and say I did crazy things, not that I spent my life reading blogs or scrolling through Instagram posts wishing. People who travel the world aren’t running away from life - just the opposite. Those that break the mold, explore the world, and live on their own terms are running toward true living. So, I am not running away. I’m running towards the world and my idea of life. I hope you are brave enough to do the same!