As a visual artist, I certainly have a passion for photography—but like any professional, pushing my creativity day in and day out can take a toll. It’s incredibly important for artists to step out of the business side of their craft and reboot, just like you would a computer.

So as 2025 was coming to a close, I took my two adult children on a trip to Europe to share my love for old-world architecture and get some much-needed downtime. We started in Basel, Switzerland, where we boarded a Viking River Cruise and headed north. Over the course of a week, we stopped in six different cities across four countries and completely immersed ourselves in the culture and history of these incredible places—expanding our minds to different ways of thinking and living.

Photographically, it was so exciting for me to put something entirely different in front of my lens. There was no assignment, no marketing goal, and no deadline. Between the cobblestone streets, fortresses, Christmas markets, and incredible churches, my mind was buzzing with visually stimulating locations. And my heart was full, showing my children Europe for the very first time.

My favorite stop was Strasbourg, France, which we visited on my birthday. This town was the inspiration for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and it was easy to see why. I had never been to France before, so being able to sit at a café, enjoy coffee outdoors, purchase macarons, and visit one of the many Notre Dame cathedrals was truly incredible.

So I encourage all my fellow media creators to make sure you take time to reset your vision. Break up the grind by experiencing something visually stimulating, unique, and separate from what you do for a living. It will serve you well.