Creativity Exercise 8: Awareness, Sensory, and Experience

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 Background

Exercise 8 in Regina Pacelli's Whole Lotta Creativity Going On asks us to sit or stand a while among a crowd of people and look around.  For this exercise, I took a trip to NYC.

As a graphic design student, my first trip to New York City felt like walking straight into a living gallery. I visited with my cousin, and together, we navigated through a city that seemed to pulse with creativity, culture, and endless inspiration.


Staying in Yonkers & Taking the Metro to Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal

 

Yonkers

We stayed in an Airbnb in Yonkers, and each day we took the metro from Yonkers Station to the iconic Grand Central Terminal. Walking through Grand Central, it was impossible not to be struck by the architectural beauty and intricate details in its design. As a design student, I was particularly drawn to the terminal’s celestial ceiling and the grand arches—timeless, classic elements that merge structure with artistry.


Exploring Times Square and Experiencing “Wicked” on Broadway



Time Square



Our first stop was Times Square. Seeing the vibrant lights and larger-than-life digital billboards felt like stepping inside a design software, but on an awe-inspiring scale! Every sign, logo, and display was full of color and movement. It made me think about the intersection of advertising and art, and how each element influences the viewer’s experience.




That evening, we went to see Wicked on Broadway. The set design was a work of art in itself, bringing to life a fantasy world that complemented the storyline. It gave me a deeper appreciation for how design contributes to storytelling in theater, shaping the audience’s experience in ways I hadn’t considered before.


A Stroll Through Washington Square Park



Washington Square Park




One of my favorite parts of the trip was strolling through Washington Square Park. We encountered other aspiring artists showcasing their work, sketching, and painting. It was inspiring to see so much creativity concentrated in one space and to share insights and ideas. Watching artists bring their visions to life in a public setting reminded me of the importance of visibility and community in the art world.



Riding the Subway for the First Time



NYC Subway Ride




Our first subway ride was a bit of an adventure. The rush of people, the sounds, and the artwork inside some stations showed a different side of design—raw, gritty, and organic. Though it was intimidating at first, I appreciated seeing how design in New York exists not just on the surface but everywhere, even underground.


Bird’s Eye View from the Empire State Building



Empire State Building




Finally, we visited the Empire State Building. Seeing New York City from above was surreal. It’s one thing to experience the city at street level, but from up high, it looked like a meticulously arranged grid, a testament to the design and planning that went into creating such a vast and vibrant space.



Conclusion: Inspiration and Motivation in Every Corner


This trip wasn’t just a sightseeing adventure—it was a journey through spaces and experiences that reminded me of why I chose to pursue a career in design. New York City is a canvas, and every block holds a story that can spark new ideas. For me, this was only the beginning, and I can’t wait to bring these new perspectives into my work.



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