Is it possible to be a real digital nomad designer?

You are not bilingual, that's not a good start

If you want or need to work abroad as a designer, the first lesson I learned is that being "fluent" in the local language is absolutely essential. In Italy, for example, solo se parla italiano. And if you tell me it’s the same in France, I couldn’t agree more.

To truly integrate into a country, you must master its language—the present, past, and conditional tenses should be your best friends. Why?

Because even something as simple as going to a co-working space can make you feel like a four-year-old struggling to communicate. And trust me, that’s not a comfortable feeling. Saying, "It’s raining today," might be a step, but it won’t get you far in conversations with your colleagues.

Even asking for WiFi in a café can turn into a frustrating two-hour ordeal if you’re unable to get a clear answer or decipher a simple password. Mastering the language isn’t just about professional success—it’s about navigating daily life with confidence and ease.

You haven't a good setup

You won’t have an ideal work setup, and it will affect your productivity. More often than not, you’ll find yourself working from a small screen, in an uncomfortable position, surrounded by noise. Hard to focus, right? As a designer, having high-quality equipment—a well-calibrated screen and an ergonomic workspace—is essential for creativity and efficiency. Our profession isn’t suited for working from a coffee table, a public bench, or a noisy environment. While other roles like developers or social media managers might manage in such conditions, even they would struggle at times…

Inspiration is everywhere

You experience all the challenges of working as a nomad, but aren’t you also surrounded by places so inspiring that they ignite a new creative spark? Rome, for example, is the most fascinating city I have ever seen. I truly believe that anyone can find, in the place of their dreams, an energy powerful enough to overcome the struggles of daily life. However, it’s essential to stay grounded—if you want to do your best work, carefully consider your setup, your adaptation strategy, and, above all, immerse yourself in the local language. Work tirelessly on integrating with the culture, blend in as much as possible with the community, and soon, you will no longer feel like a nomad, but rather a true creative shaped by the country itself.