Q&A With Lisa Congdon, Artist & Illustrator

Going through illustrations by Lisa Congdon feels similar to sorting through an ancient coin collection or nostalgia shop.

When we first came across her work, it was love at first sight. We immediately fell for Lisa Congdon and her typography of the travel quotes that we already knew and loved. Throw in her creative illustrations and a knack for mixing media, and you’ve got our new favorite artist. The way others write about their travels, or take amazing photographs, Lisa creates snapshots of her experiences based on what interests her. Going through her illustrations of a given destination feels similar to sorting through an ancient coin collection or nostalgia shop; you get a glimpse of something that meant something to someone else, unique in place and time. Unlike a traditional painting of the Eiffel Tower, we get a colorful composite of Nordic street signs. And you know what? We love it.

Below are some fun facts we learned about Lisa, and a slideshow with some inspiring illustrations from her book, which comes out in 2014!

Your Hometown: 

Oakland, California, USA.

Weapon of choice (artist medium): 

Mixed media.

Fun Fact:

I have a collection of vintage airline tags that is pretty extensive! I also have a collection of vintage Russian ID cards.

You’ve lived in the Bay Area and New York…your favorite?

Bay Area! The weather here is magical, and the people are kind and creative. I love New York too, but the Bay Area will always be my home.

The vacation to go down in history: 

Scandinavia. I traveled to Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Iceland by myself in 2012.

Where have you been all our lives?

Thailand, Mexico, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, France, Finland, Iceland, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Canada, Austria, Croatia, Great Britain and the Netherlands.

Your favorite travel quote:

“I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

Look out for Lisa’s book, Whatever You Are, Be a Good One: 100 Inspirational Quotes Hand Lettered by Lisa Congdon, it’s coming out in 2014!

Photo credit for Lisa’s photo: Leslie Sophia Lindell Photography.

Lena Kazer

Lena is a Chicago native, her travel style consists of red cowboy boots that make her feel like she can take over the world. She adores Peru and can't travel without her journal to draw or write in.