Ever considered ditching the daily grind to pursue your passion while globe-trotting? This is a page out of illustrator, designer, and creative consultant Lily Blackwood's life since 2016, as she revels in the thrills of travel while fulfilling her artistic dreams.

It's 2016. Lily Blackwood is unattached, resides solo in New York, and is entirely engaged in the publishing field. However, something seems off. Despite her liking for her job and employer, the city's cost of existence juxtaposed with her education loan repayments was proving strenuous. Add to this, her aspirations of being an illustrator kept persistently cropping up. So, what does she do? Resigns and sets off to traverse the globe.

At first glance, this may appear impulsive, but it was an outcome of a brewing discontent. Lily, an illustration major at college, had landed in design and marketing due to their stability. "The fascination for sketching was still alive in me, and I strongly yearned to produce my unique art pieces. But after taxing days at work, it was impossible to muster the time and vitality for portfolio work," she says.

Feeling stuck in a monotonous cycle, she decided to shift gears. A drastic shift. One that would give her some breathing room to chalk out a new scheme. However, without any financial backup, luxury of time was a scarce commodity. This was until she stumbled upon the perfect opportunity.

MF Could you share with us your transition from being a full-time publisher to a globe-trotting illustrator and designer?

LB I was already practicing yoga and meditation to manage my anxiety when I stumbled upon a six-month voluntary service as a graphic designer at an Indian yoga school, trading my skills for meals, lodging, and yoga. This change occurred extremely rapidly; I took the bull by the horns, applied for the position, quit my stable job, cashed my last paycheck, and jetted off to India. Post the completion of my service, I finally found the time, the environment, and the self-assurance to start my own creative venture. I stationed my laptop at a cozy cafe in the Himalayas and began hunting for clients.

MF How has your continuous travel influenced your creative path?

LB Since then, I have been on a perpetual journey. After India, I traversed through various countries in Asia, including sojourns in Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali. These trips allowed me to expand my portfolio and scale my business without significant financial strain. With an increasing income, I moved to locations with steeper expenses, like Hong Kong, Las Vegas, and Portugal. 51 countries later, I am eager to find out my next destination!

MF How has your constant travel shaped your artistic design and strategy?

LB Traveling broadens a person's perspective; in my instance, it has widened my creative intuition. I have always been fascinated by how various colors and lights interact to define a place's distinctiveness. While traveling, I noticed each country's unique color shades, even the color of their skies was distinct. For example, Mexico intoxicated me with its high colors. I would lose track of time, enraptured by the vibrant pinks and yellows of the cityscape, intoxicated by colors! Early into my journey, I initiated a labor of love, designing an illustration for each country I've been to, capturing fleeting crystallized moments that represented the heart of each location. This subsequently morphed into a series of travel prints which drew the attention of clients from travel and lifestyle sectors, leading to commissioned work.

MF You've had quite an adventurous trajectory, both metaphorically and in reality. How did you tackle the trials brought about by the pandemic while maintaining your creative activities?

LB Indeed, it's been an interesting journey. I ended up in Vietnam on a vegetable farm during the lockdown. It was a one-of-a-kind experience, and luckily, the pandemic did not severely affect me. My partner and I seized the opportunity offered by the deserted countryside to explore by motorbike, which sparked a great deal of my artistic output during this period.

MF Fascinating! How did you determine your next residence following the initial disorder of the pandemic?

LB Well, after a brief stay with my family in London, we chose to establish a primary residence closer to Europe. Instead of reverting to the UK, we settled for an apartment in Lisbon. It has become our haven, enabling me to adeptly balance my travelling with professional obligations.

MF A judicious choice. How did you adapt your creative methodology, especially given remote work complications?

LB It had its share of obstacles, particularly concerning my conventional illustration techniques. Scanning manually drawn figures in rural zones was tricky! But, I adjusted by incorporating digital applications like Procreate, enhancing my workflow without compromising on the quality. In addition, services like The Printspace facilitated my product sales automation, allowing me more creativity time.

MF Seems like you've discovered some efficient methods. How else have you managed your artistic career amidst travels? — LB Well, technology has proven to be invaluable. I've relied on numerous applications to monitor time zones, evaluate Wi-Fi speeds, and even reserve virtual meeting spaces. When things become too demanding, I've utilized virtual assistants for administrative work, thus enabling me to concentrate on what I'm passionate about – producing art and cultivating client relationships.

MF Impressive! It seems you've successfully navigated the issues. Thank you for sharing your story with us, Lily!

LB Not at all! It's certainly been an eventful journey, but I wouldn't change it.

MF Lily, your exceptional insights into managing a creative career and travel are truly enlightening. Could you provide any guidance for those contemplating a similar lifestyle?

LB Indeed! One critical aspect not to be overlooked is time zones. If your clients hail primarily from one region, staying in locations with similar time zones could ease communication. Europe or South Africa, for instance, are great choices to stay attuned with UK-based clients.

MF A vital observation indeed. And how about selecting the perfect destinations for digital nomads?

LB Beginning your journey in digital-nomad-friendly countries can be transformative. I personally rely on Nomadist to pick places with dependable internet, short-term accommodation, and collaborative workspaces. These basics simplify the shift into a mobile lifestyle.

MF Excellent guidance. How about actual tips for maintaining connectivity while on the move?

LB Of course! One can’t overlook the importance of a mobile phone. Ensure it's unlocked before you exit your home country, and switch to using local SIM cards for improved connectivity. Also, having dedicated work hours is vital. The thrill of traveling can be overwhelming, but discipline ensures your work is not compromised.

MF Absolutely. How do you ensure a balance between work and exploration during your journeys?

LB It’s all about striking the right balance. Set aside exclusive time for work, yet also allow plenty of time for exploring. After all, the primary reason for traveling is to explore, isn’t it? Adventures invigorate creativity, so don’t dismiss it.

MF Lastly, how do you manage client communication concerning your whereabouts?

LB Openness is paramount. I consistently keep my Instagram profile updated with my current location, ensuring clients and followers are aware of my whereabouts. It aids in preserving trust and transparency in my client relationships. For instance, as of now, I’m relishing the beauty of Chiang Mai, Thailand!

MF Thanks, Lily, for sharing these priceless tips. They'll undoubtedly assist budding digital nomads in steering their creative careers while traversing the globe.

LB It's a joy! I hope to influence others to initiate their unique creative expeditions.