Travel to Illustrate, or Illustrate to Travel?

Do I travel to illustrate, or illustrate to travel?

A very serious inquiry, indeed.

Yes, an inquiry made by yours truly. But lets just move along. Ok.

You see, I think one of the gifts in life is the ability to travel. 

*and I'd like to preface, traveling at the smallest scale - like taking a hike, walk, or nice jaunt - is part of said gift. 

For about ten years now I've been blessed with many trips. And for the sake of time, I'll summarize what happens ON EVERY TRIP - whether its intentional or not. From the treks beginning to end - I guarantee I've found something to sketch, illustrate, and turn into a little story. It's a big part of what I look forward too, while travelling.

What stories or scenes can I puzzle together? What new wildlife did I see? Is there any history or architecture I can incorporate?

Not to sound too sarcastic, towards myself really - but its astounding, right? Someone with a creative mindset likes to create what they see? That's unheard of, lol.

To be simply said and honestly put.

It's an enjoyment for me to admire my surroundings, especially when they're new.

Taking little snippets and tidbits of where I'm at and gleefully portraying them in my illustrations is not only sentimental, but I'm happy to acknowledge it's what people generally like to see. 

Which makes my job all the better.

So!

Do I go out to these places to sit and draw, intentionally travelling to inspire an illustration? Absolutely, sometimes a good little road trip is needed.

Does a trip without the intention of sketching inspire new stories for a book, or inevitably deliver quick little illustrations sometimes for sentiments sake? I guarantee it will!

So this question, that was posed by myself. For myself. Answered itself. 

I do travel to illustrate, and I illustrate to travel. 

The End.