By Aileen Wisell
As a graphic designer, inspiration comes from everywhere—colors, textures, architecture, and even the way light falls across a landscape. For me, growing up in New England has been a continual source of creative energy. From the rugged coastlines of Maine to the bustling streets of Boston, this region offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication that informs my work in ways I could never have imagined.
Growing Up on the Coast
I spent much of my childhood in Portland, Maine, a place where the sea meets history and every corner tells a story. There’s something about the interplay of water, sky, and stone that leaves a lasting impression. Walking along the coastline, I would notice the textures of weathered docks, the colors of lighthouses, and the patterns in the sand after a low tide.
These observations have shaped the way I approach design. I’m drawn to contrasts, balance, and the unexpected details that make a piece of work feel alive. In my logo and branding projects, I often incorporate subtle textures and organic shapes inspired by the natural world—elements that might be easy to overlook but make a design resonate on a deeper level.
Lessons from Cape Elizabeth
After Portland, I briefly lived in Cape Elizabeth, another coastal gem in Maine. While my time there was short, it further reinforced my love for the natural rhythm of New England’s landscapes. Kayaking along quiet bays and paddleboarding on calm waters gave me time to reflect and observe. Nature teaches patience, attention to detail, and an appreciation for simplicity—all qualities that are essential in good design.
Being near the water also reminds me of the importance of space and clarity. Just as a coastline provides a boundary between land and sea, thoughtful design requires breathing room. I try to apply this principle in my work by ensuring that layouts feel balanced and that each element has purpose. It’s a subtle influence, but one that informs everything from typography choices to color palettes.
Finding Inspiration in the City
Eventually, my career and personal life brought me to Boston, Massachusetts, where I now reside. The city is a stark contrast to the coastlines I grew up with—vibrant, dense, and full of movement. Boston’s architecture, from historic brick buildings to sleek modern towers, provides endless inspiration for structure, symmetry, and visual storytelling.
Designing in an urban environment has taught me how to adapt. In Boston, clients often look for bold, dynamic visuals that stand out in crowded markets. Here, the focus is on impact and immediacy, while in coastal-inspired projects, there’s often more emphasis on subtlety and nuance. Learning to move fluidly between these different approaches has made me a more versatile designer.
Combining Nature and Urban Energy
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is combining the calm, organic inspiration of New England’s coastlines with the energy and sophistication of its cities. Whether I’m creating a website, a logo, or a full brand identity, I look for ways to merge these influences. Soft, natural tones may be paired with sharp geometric shapes; organic textures might meet clean, minimalist layouts. The result is design that feels grounded yet modern, familiar yet innovative.
Why New England Matters in Design
New England’s charm lies in its contrasts. There’s the historical alongside the contemporary, the wild alongside the cultivated, the quiet shores alongside bustling streets. For a designer, this environment is a playground of ideas. It teaches flexibility, observation, and the ability to find beauty in the unexpected. It also reminds me that design is not just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a connection between people and ideas.
Being inspired by your surroundings doesn’t mean copying them; it means translating the qualities you admire into visual language. The textures of Maine’s coastlines, the vibrant rhythm of Boston streets, and even the colors of my own garden all inform the work I do for clients. Each project carries a little piece of where I’ve been and what I’ve experienced, giving designs a sense of place and personality.
Conclusion
New England has shaped who I am as a designer. From the quiet shores of Portland and Cape Elizabeth to the dynamic energy of Boston, my surroundings continue to inform how I see, create, and solve design challenges. For me, inspiration isn’t confined to a studio desk—it’s in the way sunlight hits a brick wall, the curve of a sail on the water, or the balance of modern and historic architecture. By paying attention to these details and incorporating them thoughtfully into my work, I strive to create designs that are not only visually appealing but also meaningful, memorable, and distinctly inspired by the region I call home.