How Working Abroad Fuels My Creativity as a Graphic Designer


I’m a firm believer that creativity thrives on curiosity. It’s why I ask so many questions at the start of a project, why I pull ideas apart before piecing them back together, and why I take time to play, explore, and experiment in my work.

I’m currently working as a freelance graphic designer, while travelling throughout South East Asia. It makes sense that living and working abroad has only strengthened my graphic design practice, helping me approach branding, illustration, and visual identity with fresh perspectives.

Daily Observations and Graphic Inspiration

One of the best habits I’ve initiated while traveling is keeping a daily journal filled with sketches, typography studies, and graphic compositions. Whether it’s an old hand-painted sign with beautiful letterforms, the way colours interact in a market stall display, or an unusual logo designs, these details all become part of my mental (and documented) design library.

Observational drawing and photography help me analyse how branding works in different cultural contexts. The use of bold sans-serifs in modern Japanese signage, the textured, layered posters in market alleyways, or the playful hand-drawn logos of small businesses in Taiwan all influence the way I think about composition, balance, and hierarchy in my own design, branding and social media design work.


A World of Design References

Every country has its own approach to graphic design, branding, and cultural design. Some places prioritise minimalism and negative space, while others embrace vibrant maximalism and layered textures. Seeing these contrasts firsthand—rather than through Pinterest and Behance—has made me a better designer, especially when working with ethical clients, charities, and impact-driven organisations that need branding to resonate across different audiences.

I find inspiration everywhere:

  • Street art murals in Georgetown, Malaysia that interact with the physical city space creating a powerful social message about the city’s culture and past
  • Meticulously composed Japanese packaging where typography, illustration, and colour harmonise perfectly
  • Geometric tile patterns in Lisbon that influence modern, minimalist branding concepts
  • Spacial design and wayfinding in metro stations of Japan, Taiwan and Malaysia


JAM Osaka: From Observational Sketches to Screen Printing

One of my favourite experiences while traveling was spending time at JAM in Osaka, a hidden away treasure trove of a screen printing studio (the amound of beautiful screen and riso-printed ephermera here was mindblowing). I’d already been collecting sketches of hand-painted signage, packaging design, and hand-penned illustrated signs, so I had an inspiring jumping off point.

At JAM, I was able to turn those observations into t-shirt designs, translating the rough charm of hand-drawn signage into screen-printed graphics. Seeing the process from sketch to print reinforced how collecting references like this feeds both personal and professional projects.

It’s easy to overlook the details of everyday design—the way ink fades on a decades-old sign, the quirks of a hand-drawn menu, the imperfect but characterful brushstrokes of a mural—but these elements often hold the most inspiration. Having a growing archive of these references means I can pull from real-world inspiration rather than relying solely on digital mood boards, bringing more depth and authenticity to my branding and illustration work.


Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia: A Creative Hub

One place that stands out is Georgetown, Malaysia. It’s a city full of cultural design influences, from colonial architecture to modern street art. The Hin Bus Depot—an old bus station transformed into a creative hub—has been one of my favourite places to explore. Originally an art exhibition space, it has evolved into a thriving visual identity and branding showcase, where artists experiment with typography, illustration, and mixed media installations.

Seeing these grassroots creative spaces reminds me how much design is about connection—whether it’s for a social impact campaign, a charity rebrand, or a small business visual identity.


Freedom to Experiment

When working on branding and graphic design projects, there's always a specific goal, whether it's launching a campaign, creating an illustration for an ethical brand, or designing a visual identity for a charity. But in my personal creative practice, traveling gives me the freedom to play—to sketch patterns inspired by temple walls, test out new typography styles, or reinterpret social media design trends through a cultural lens.

Having the space and time to explore design without constraints ultimately makes my client work stronger. It keeps ideas fresh, allows me to see branding beyond Western aesthetics, and helps me craft graphic design solutions that feel intentional and considered.


Balancing Work and Play as a Freelance Designer

Living abroad has also shifted how I structure my work. Knowing that when I wrap up a project, I can step outside into a new city, explore a market, or visit an art gallery keeps me motivated and engaged. Having sunshine on tap and new cultural references on my doorstep makes the creative process feel energising rather than repetitive.
Looking for a Design Partner in 2025?
I love working with ethical businesses, charities, and organisations focused on social impact. Whether you need branding, visual identity design, or social media graphics, I bring a global perspective and curiosity-driven approach into every project.

Here’s what one of my recent clients said:

"Immy did a great job! If we were not 100% satisfied with something (which is normal!) she always adjusted accordingly and came up with great new ideas which always nailed what we wanted. Even though our briefs might not have been as clear as they should have, Immy knew what to do. Sometimes, it seemed she knew what we wanted even though we couldn't properly explain it."


If you're looking for a freelance designer in 2025, let’s chat. Drop me an email to book in a call—I’d love to hear about your project.


©impyink 2024                                 curious, playful designer