World Traveler, True Creative, and Outdoor Lover Will Costa | Retrospec Community Series
RETROSPEC COMMUNITY SERIES: WILL COSTA
Will Costa began his career in architectural design. His love for creativity led him to open his own business and start traveling the world with his wife. His passion for nature, travel, and beautiful aerial photos have consistently drawn us to his work. Learn more about his travels, how he balances technology, and how his Weekender integrates into his life.
R: Describe yourself, who you are, and what you do
WC: I am an architectural designer first and foremost but I have expanded my creative skills to branding, web design, and most recently photography and video production.
R: What made you decide to start traveling so frequently? Was this a goal you always had, or something that you felt compelled to do later on?
WC: When I was younger my family traveled quite frequently. I was fascinated by the architecture, landscapes and different cultures. I knew once I established my career I would continue exploring different countries. It’s always humbling to see how little some people have and how happy they are.
R: You're a true Jack of All Trades! How did you first get into so many facets of design and digital arts?
WC: Growing up I had an overwhelming desire to create. You could always find me drawing, painting and making my own toys. I also enjoyed storytelling and would often borrow my dads’ camera to make my own videos.
With that creative desire, I began to study architecture. I worked in the architectural industry for about 5 years before realizing it wasn’t creatively stimulating enough for me and I began to look for other ways to fill that void. That’s when I began teaching myself graphic and web design. From there I opened a side business which has now expanded into photography and video.
R: We’d argue that the best memories are made while adventuring outside. Is there a certain outdoor experience that stands out as the greatest memory to you?
WC: A few years back my wife and I decided to leave everything behind and get married in Italy. We explored the northern coast by hiking Cinque Terre and sailed the southern coast on a yacht. The views were breathtaking.
R: How did you first get into paddleboarding?
WC: When we aren’t traveling, you can find us spending our weekends at the cottage. We live in Canada so our summers are quite short. Between the Kayaks and canoes, a paddleboard seemed like the perfect addition.
R: Do you have any favorite spots to take your boards?
WC: The number one place to use our boards is at the cottage. The lake is very calm and quiet there. It’s a form of adventure and meditation for us.
R: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
WC: I often ask myself, "would I prefer to live in a big lively city or out in the country?" As I explored different countries I found myself much happier around water and mountains. I still haven’t found that place I would drop everything for but I do know it needs to be by the water.
R: We experience a lot of stimulation from screens, social media, TV, and the internet in general. What do you do to disconnect from all that noise? Are you someone who feels the need to disconnect from time to time?
WC: Technology and social media are definitely addicting. Disconnecting is part of my weekly routine. Either we put our phones on airplane mode while at the cottage, or we temporarily delete all social media from our phones for a few days. It is important to live your life and stop caring about what others are doing.
R: Describe your perfect weekend?
WC: Waking up to no alarm, sipping on a warm cup of coffee and looking out at the water or mountains. Followed by a hike or an activity on the water.
R: How do you take your coffee?
WC: With cream and sugar, or preferably with a shot of Irish cream.
R: Best pizza in your town?
Whichever place my wife is craving that week!
R: What are 5 things you can't live without?
WC: 1. Sun
2. Coffee
3. Phone
4. Passport
5. And, unfortunately, the internet
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