After graduating I set off and spent a year travelling around Asia, it was the most influential year I’ve had so far. Experiencing so many different cultures and new ways of life sparked something within me, as I got further into my travels I got into the swing of things, finding the best ways to immerse myself in local cultures.
Throughout my travels I volunteered, whether it be in hostels painting murals for a free bed or working on farms. I enjoyed my times volunteering, it allowed me to slow down and spend longer periods in one place, meaning I got to fully know the area and build connections and make friends of whom I’m still in contact with now. Travelling solo taught me about the importance of instinct and intuition, enabling me the time to grow as a person.
With excitement literally round every corner, chaotic streets and something in the air that after a year I still couldn’t quite put my finger on what specifically created the charm. There was so much to take in, I often found myself spending a couple hours with a sketchbook sat with a cup of coffee to capture where I have been. Since being back, I unwind by finding a corner in a cafe and it may come as no surprise but I’d be found with my sketchbook and coffee, only the streets are a little more in order and my surroundings more familiar.
I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with artists across Asia. One of the most valuable things I gained on my travels was a sense of identity as an artist. Being so open and introducing myself as a designer brought new opportunities such as this street mural in Kuala Lumpur which is my favourite mural I’ve completed to date.
I spent 6 weeks living with a remote indigenous Lahu village in the north of Thailand. Everyone in the village was generous, welcoming and refreshingly content. There was such a strong community in the village that came with immense trust and respect, I learnt more about alternative ways of living during my time on the farm than ever which is invaluable to me.
Challenges including language barriers were faced (some people didn’t even speak Thai) but we all got by with gestures perfectly fine. The Lahu culture is so beautiful and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to volunteer on the coffee farm and experience life in the village.
Alongside freelance work, I set out with some personal projects including these stickers, I saw my stickers as a stamp, leaving my mark in every location visited. The sticker was designed using a 30×30 Lino print
I’ll leave you with a few photos that summarise the last year
Tash Elliott 