It’s a calm summer morning in 2032. Though my alarm hasn’t even rung, I’m already awake, sipping a cup of coffee at Heathrow. I’m about to take off on another adventure—this time to Milan, Italy. It’s become a routine now: once a week, I board a flight to some new city or country, whether for work or simply to indulge my wanderlust. Today’s agenda? A new project—a fresh identity for an exclusive tennis club. Could there be a more perfect combination? Tennis, design, and the allure of a new destination.
By 9 a.m., I landed in Milan. The familiar bustle of the airport greets me, but there’s no rush in my step—I know this place well. With my luggage in hand, I head straight to my hotel for a quick check-in. The city hums with life, but I have work to do first.
The tennis club awaits, there’s an undeniable energy here, one that pulls me in as I meet with the club’s board members for a brainstorming session. They greets me enthusiastically, “We want something that embodies our love for tennis and camaraderie.”
I guide the discussion, opening up to ideas of movement, competition, and the grace that tennis demands. The dialogue is vibrant—we discuss bold, vibrant colors inspired by the city’s rich artistic heritage and unity. As our ideas swirl together, it becomes clear that this is more than just a branding exercise; we’re creating something that represents not only the club but the spirit of Milan itself.
After hours of fruitful collaboration, the session naturally transitions into a few rounds on the court. My competitive streak kicks in as we rally back and forth, though, predictably, I lose the match. But the camaraderie, the joy of playing, and the sheer energy shared on the court make every second worthwhile.
With the day’s work complete, I slip into a more relaxed rhythm, wandering the cobbled streets of Milan. The Duomo rises ahead of me, its intricate spires catching the late afternoon light. I stand for a moment, admiring the grandeur of this architectural masterpiece, while around me, life pulses—tourists capturing photos, locals hurrying by, and street performers filling the air with music.
As the evening sets in, the golden hour washes over the city, turning the streets into rivers of amber light. I stroll through Brera’s narrow lanes, captivated by the boutiques displaying handcrafted treasures, and pick up a small piece of local craftsmanship as a souvenir—something to remind me of this moment. The day winds down with a Negroni in hand, the Navigli canals glistening in the fading light as I reflect on what’s been a perfect blend of work, play, and discovery.
Milan has embraced me today, not just as a designer but as an explorer, a wanderer finding joy in the intersection of creativity and life’s simple pleasures. As the city quiets down, I know this is only the beginning—of this project, of many more travels, of stories yet to be written.
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