Autumn has officially arrived, and I’m feeling the cozy sweater weather mood! There’s something about the crisp air, the golden leaves, and the slightly shorter days that instantly gets me into the spirit of staying indoors, wrapped in a warm knit, and embracing creative work. For me, autumn is a time of reflection and creation. Working from home these days has allowed me to indulge in this mood, especially during the mornings when my little one is at school.
Mornings are my most productive time, and lately, I’ve been using them to work on new illustrations, review my travel journals, both the text and sketches, and slowly plan exciting new projects for the future. It’s a peaceful routine that keeps me grounded and lets my creativity flow freely. With a hot cup of coffee beside me, I dive into worlds I’ve explored through my maps—each line and detail a memory of an adventure once taken, or a dream of new travels ahead.
After a few hours of work, I usually break for a quick walk in the park. It’s a refreshing way to clear my head, and I always end up bringing back new ideas with me. In the afternoon, when my boy is back home, we spend some time together playing or exploring the park before heading home around six. These moments remind me to balance creativity with family time, especially as the daylight starts to dwindle.
Speaking of daylight, there’s one thing about autumn that always throws me off a bit—the time change. Most people may not know this, but here in Spain, we change the clocks twice a year, and the autumn switch is coming up soon. It’s always a bit terrifying for me. It’s not just about losing that precious daylight (though it is!), but also about how it affects the body and our routines. The days seem to shrink so fast after the clock falls back, and there’s this overwhelming feeling that the year is quickly closing its doors, pushing us headfirst into the holiday season.
Yes, Christmas is right around the corner! And with that comes the intense (and often tedious) work of preparing for the season. As a small business owner, this means diving deep into marketing, creating sales campaigns, and ensuring that my shop is ready for the holiday rush. It’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work, and while it’s not always the most exciting part of running a creative business, it’s an important season to focus on. After all, it’s one of the busiest times of the year, and I want to make sure that my maps bring joy to as many homes as possible.
For those of you looking for unique gifts this year, I’d love to suggest the option of a gift card from my shop. It’s a great way to let your loved ones choose a map that speaks to them personally, especially if you’re unsure which destination might hold the most meaning for them. Another great idea is my printable maps. These are not only budget-friendly but also a wonderful option for children who are curious about the world outside. My World Wonders series, in particular, is a favorite among young explorers. It features landmarks and famous places from all over the globe and is perfect for decorating kids' rooms or classrooms. Who knows, you might just inspire the next great adventurer with these prints!
And while you’re shopping for others, maybe it’s also time to get something for yourself. After all, we could all use a little reminder of the world’s beauty and vastness, especially as we cozy up inside during these shorter days. Whether it’s a map of a city you’ve visited or a place you dream of going, these prints can bring a sense of adventure and nostalgia into your home.
So, as the days grow shorter and we settle into the final months of the year, I invite you to embrace the cozy sweater weather with me. It’s a time for slowing down, reflecting, and preparing for the end-of-year festivities. But it’s also a time for creativity, for planning new adventures, and for making sure you’re ready to celebrate the season ahead—whether with gift-giving, decorating your space, or just taking a moment to appreciate the journey we’ve all been on this year.
For now, I’ll be busy at my desk, working on my next illustration and trying not to think too much about the looming time change. But I’ll be ready to face it with my warmest sweater, a hot drink, and hopefully a few more beautiful maps to share with you all.
