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The use of color through watercolor became a central focus for me. As a graphic designer studying fine art, I was interested in examining color, texture and type in new ways. One of the most inspiring parts of my trip was seeing Antoni Gaudi's extraordinary patterns, which influenced how I approach composition and detail. Another unforgettable experience was watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night, a breathtaking moment that continues to inspire my creative vision.

The thing that excited me most about going to Paris and Barcelona was the opportunity to carry a sketchbook every day and interact with the world around me. And that's exactly what I got to do. I would take it to dinner, stay up late drawing and bring it to every adventure and experience that crossed my path from kayaking in Spain to drawing from observation under the Eiffel Tower. I enjoyed finding different objects to represent in my sketchbook like museums, parks, shops and restaurants I visited. Even now, months after being in Paris and Barcelona, my sketchbook takes me back to each location that I interacted with; it's like a visual diary where I documented the things that resonated with me the most.

During my travels in Paris and Barcelona, I documented the places and my encounters in my artwork. I created these pieces as a way to hold onto what I didn't want to forget, essentially using my sketchbook as a second camera.

My sketchbook became a storybook of my experience. One that I can interact with to instantly transport me back to those destinations. My goal was to capture the feelings and memories of the moment through my style, whether it was bouncy, fun and incorporated inside jokes or a more somber feel that reflected the rainy day or the mood of a specific attraction.

A favorite moment of the trip was while visiting the Jardin du Luxembourg. While I was sketching statues, it began to rain, and I went to find cover. After moving under a gazebo, there was an older couple holding each other on a park bench directly in front of me — I began to sketch them. That sketch is my favorite in my book as it is a unique and intimate moment that can never be recreated.

The brilliantly designed textures of New York were a must-add to my sketches. Focusing on detail is how I envisioned bringing these scenes to life. Each sketch holds a distinct memory of the places, emotions and sights from that day. The MET, 9/11 Memorial Museum and Central Park were incredibly impactful to see.

While exploring New York City, I was struck by how much character each borough has. Chinatown, for example, had bright colors everywhere, delicious food around every corner and fruit stands that seemed to stretch half a block. In Manhattan, I completely fell in love with Central Park. I was amazed by how such a calm, serene stretch of nature can thrive right in the heart of such a dense city. Everyone seemed to have found their own little world within the park.

A couple things I learned from my travels are bring a portable charger — maps suck the charge from your phone. Hand sanitizer is a must, and so is sunscreen — the city’s glass and concrete bounce those UV rays right back at you. And lastly, if you happen to spot a cockroach in your hotel room, a little overreaction is completely reasonable.

During the trip to New York, I got to see lots of new sights along with some familiar ones from a trip I took when I was younger. My favorite part of the trip was visiting Central Park and reliving the fond memories I have of it. Central Park was very inspiring to me because even though it’s man-made, it still feels like it was always meant to be there in New York. It creates a safe haven for people to step away from the city while still being part of it and reconnecting with nature. Connecting to nature is something I’ll always enjoy and helps me appreciate the little things in life that are sometimes forgotten.