Category: Design

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Creativity, solitude and surfing

Solitude has long been recognized as a catalyst for creativity. In a world that breathe on constant interaction and noise, finding quiet moments to retreat inward can unlock a new level of focus and imagination. When we are alone, we are free to explore ideas without distraction, allowing thoughts to wander, evolve, and connect in unexpected ways. For many creatives, solitude becomes the space where their best work is born, free from the constraints of external pressures.

In my own creative journey, solitude has always been an essential part of the process. As a designer, I find that the most innovative ideas often come in moments of quiet reflection, away from the fast-paced environment of client meetings or project deadlines. Whether it’s sketching concepts or diving deep into the design process, I need that space to fully immerse myself in the work. Solitude, for me, is not about isolation; it’s about creating room to think deeply, without distractions, and let creativity flow naturally.

How Surfing Aligns with Solitude and Creativity

Surfing has always been an extension of this need for solitude. There’s something profoundly meditative about being out on the water, surrounded by nothing but the ocean. It’s in those moments—waiting for the next wave, feeling the rhythm of the sea—that my mind becomes clear, and ideas start to form effortlessly. Surfing strips away the noise and allows for pure connection, both with nature and with myself. It’s a space where creativity seems to flourish, as if the calm of the ocean unlocks something deeper within.

The Balance of Solitude and Connection

While solitude is vital to my creative process, it’s also about balance. Too much solitude can lead to stagnation, while too little can dilute the depth of creative thought. My time surfing provides that balance—it’s the perfect blend of solitude, movement, and nature, which fuels my creativity. For those seeking to unlock their own creative potential, I believe embracing moments of solitude, whether through meditation, nature, or simply carving out quiet time, can provide the clarity and focus needed for great work to emerge.

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Hello, olá—about Wilson Gheur

I’m a graphic and interactive designer deeply connected to all things creative. From concert posters to websites, from books to complex interactive projects, I’ve spent my career merging my love for art, history, and technology into professional designs.

Tradition and Innovation
My design vision is influenced by a diverse range of sources: Toulouse Lautrec’s posters, the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans and F1 cars from the seventies, Saul Bass’s extensive portfolio, films by Bergman, Kurosawa, and Tarkovsky, Herb Lubalin’s groundbreaking typography, Moebius, Pop Art, road signs—these, and so much more, guide my creative approach. Add the precision of Swiss Graphic Design mixed with the rebellious aesthetics of David Carson, Vaughan Oliver, and Chris Ashworth, and you’ll get a sense of what design means to me.

But I'm always on the hunt for what's next. When used right, technology can expand the limits of creativity. This belief led me to graduate in Interactive Design at the Academy of Art University, in San Francisco, CA, and fully embrace the digital world at the start of my career. In recent years, I’ve been avidly exploring the intersection of AI and design—not just to stay current and relevant but to forge my way forward toward the future of design.

Designer, Surfer, and Environmental Advocate
When I’m not immersed in design, you’ll often find me heading to the coast to catch some waves or exploring new surroundings, whether it’s the natural landscape or hidden corners of the city. This is where and when I put it all together—for me, it's a crucial, unavoidable part of the creative process. I've always felt a deep connection to the environment, and it's a theme that often finds its way into my work. Whether through sustainable design practices or advocating for remote work to reduce our carbon footprints, I'm focused on making a positive impact.

My Vision
After more than twenty years in San Francisco, leading design projects for some of Silicon Valley’s most prominent players, I’m now building a new design studio, Estúdio Alto da Glória (eag.des.br). This studio will be a fluid space bridging San Francisco and Curitiba, Brazil, where creativity and technology converge. My goal is to bring together like-minded creatives who share my passion for design and innovation. Together, we aim to create a hub for modern design that is not only visually striking but also meaningful—design that sparks conversation, inspires change, and engages our audience in a dialogue about the future.

I'd love to connect with others who are on the same path. Whether you're a fellow designer, a potential collaborator, or someone who appreciates good design, I'm always up for a chat. Let's create.