At the start of every year, we take a moment to reflect on the importance of stepping away from the hustle and bustle. It’s a time to reset, recharge, and seek inspiration from new places. For creatives, travel isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. It fuels our imagination, broadens our perspectives, and gives us the space we need to return refreshed, re-energized, and ready to create. This year, we decided to take our own advice and do something we’d never done before: take a cruise (Thank you, Dad).
We set sail aboard the Carnival Panorama, heading down the iconic Mexican Riviera, with stops in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Cabo San Lucas. What we found was more than just a vacation—it was a sensory awakening. From the vibrant colors to the rich history, the experience deeply influenced how we view the world around us, both personally and professionally.
Disconnecting to Reconnect: The Power of Travel
For the first time in a long while, we left our phones behind. We didn’t check emails, didn’t worry about deadlines, and didn’t let the constant buzz of notifications interfere with the moment. In doing so, we discovered something magical: true presence. For days, we immersed ourselves in the beauty of the places we visited, connecting with the surroundings and people on a deeper level. No distractions, no digital interruptions—just the time and space to embrace a slower, more intentional pace. This was the hard reset we didn’t know we needed.
Embracing Slow Travel in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Cabo
Rather than booking structured excursions, we embraced the art of slow travel—opting to explore each port on foot. We walked 15+ miles each day, meandering through the streets of each city, seeking out hidden gems, and immersing ourselves in the culture and rhythm of each destination. In doing so, we rediscovered the beauty of wandering, allowing the energy of a city to guide us toward unexpected discoveries.
Puerto Vallarta welcomed us with its charming old town, where cobblestone streets meet the sparkling ocean. The city’s vibrant art scene captured our attention, as local galleries and street artists showcased their colorful, unique works. We spent hours exploring the Malecón, the famous boardwalk that stretches along the coastline. Along the way, we indulged in locally sourced coffee, artisan chocolates, and handmade crafts that we couldn’t resist bringing back as souvenirs. The colors and textures of Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant artwork felt alive, with every hue telling a story of culture, heritage, and tradition. We were lucky enough to have family in town, so we met at their resort and spent the evening poolside as the sun went down.
Mazatlán was an unexpected standout. We wandered the iconic Blue Line, a walking path through the historic district, where beautifully preserved colonial architecture seemed to whisper tales of a bygone era. The cliffs of Mazatlán were alive with the fearless leaps of cliff divers, and the bustling bazaars were brimming with the sights, sounds, and smells of local culture. It was here that we realized just how much inspiration can be drawn from the history and heart of a place—whether it’s in the patterns of textiles, the richness of the local food, or the timelessness of the architecture.
Cabo San Lucas offered a contrast, with its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. The laid-back beach town vibe was a welcome change of pace. We explored the lively marina, found handmade textiles and pottery that spoke to the region’s craftsmanship, and soaked in the vibrant coastal atmosphere. Cabo’s striking natural beauty was a reminder of the raw, untamed power of nature and the peaceful serenity that can be found by the ocean.
The Art of Color and Design: Inspiration from Mexican Culture
One of the most profound takeaways from our trip was the bold, vibrant use of color that defined the landscapes, architecture, and art of the Mexican Riviera. The bright yellows, reds, and oranges that painted the city streets, the stunning turquoise of the waters, and the lush green jungle all spoke to the region’s rich cultural heritage. Mexican art and design are known for their unapologetic use of color, which evokes energy, joy, and a sense of community. As creatives, we were deeply inspired by how color was not just an aesthetic choice but a cultural expression.
Walking through the streets, we couldn’t help but think about how the colors we encountered in Mexico can inspire the design choices we make in our work. From the walls of Puerto Vallarta’s galleries to the textiles of Cabo, each piece told a story through its color palette. The blues of the ocean and sky blended effortlessly with the warm earth tones of the landscape, and the lively reds and yellows of the markets contrasted beautifully with the deep greens of the tropical foliage. These colors invoke a sense of harmony between nature, culture, and life itself, and we’re excited to bring this fresh energy into our design work.
Cultural Connections: How Travel Shapes Our Marketing Perspective
Beyond the visual inspiration, the trip also brought a deeper understanding of how culture and language shape the way we communicate. As we practiced our Spanish with locals, we were reminded of the importance of connection—whether it’s with a place, a person, or a brand. Every conversation we had was an opportunity to listen, to learn, and to engage with the culture in a way that we hadn’t before. By embracing the local language and customs, we gained a richer perspective on what it means to truly understand and connect with an audience.
In marketing, this experience has reinforced our belief that successful campaigns are not just about selling a product or service—they’re about creating an authentic connection with your audience. Just as we were able to connect with the people of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Cabo by understanding their culture and speaking their language, we can bring that same mindset to our work. Understanding the nuances of a brand’s audience, listening to their needs, and speaking in a way that resonates with them is key to creating campaigns that truly connect.
Recharging for What’s Ahead: A Fresh Perspective on Creativity
Coming back from this trip, we feel recharged, inspired, and ready to dive into our next creative projects with new energy and fresh ideas. The experience reminded us of why we do what we do—travel, culture, and creativity are all intertwined, and sometimes, the best way to fuel our work is to step away from it for a while. By allowing ourselves to be immersed in new experiences, we’ve come back with a new perspective on both our personal and professional lives.
We also want to take a moment to thank our incredible clients for their continued support while we were off the grid. Your trust in us allows us to take the time we need to recharge, knowing that we’re returning with renewed focus and creative energy. And we weren’t entirely alone in this—our incredible new executive assistant, Kayla, was holding things down while we were away. Her seamless support and dedication ensured everything ran smoothly, allowing us to truly disconnect and focus on our creative recharge. As we head into 2025, we’re excited to channel this inspiration into our projects, using the lessons we’ve learned from this trip to bring even more depth and creativity to the work we do.
Here’s to More Adventure, Creativity, and Inspiration
We’re already dreaming of our next adventure—where we’ll go, what we’ll see, and how the experience will shape our work moving forward. Travel is a vital part of what keeps us grounded, inspired, and ready to create, and we look forward to making more space for it in the year ahead.
Have you been somewhere that’s inspired you recently? Let us know—we’re already planning our next trip and would love to hear your recommendations!
As always, we’re ready to take on whatever creative challenge comes next—whether it’s inspired by the colors of Mexico or the stories we gather along the way. Here’s to making space for the adventures that fuel us all year long!
