For instance, I enjoy stories about people who have done remarkable things – especially unknown, unlikely people who have done remarkable things.  History is full of people like this and their stories are truly inspirational.   Some of the most remarkable accomplishments are of famous explorers who discovered lands and countries where you and I live today. 

I took some time to research these individuals and I tried to create different humidor models that envelop their whole life as a theme.  I surmised a design by either creating a design that has reference to the architectural elements of their time, or creating a design out of the subtle character I could see in each individual’s life.  Sometimes a humidor is created as a symbol of an accomplishment (like The Carter Humidor).  Sometimes it is not just ‘all out there’ but it is very practical and functional also.  For instance, my Adventurer 6 is a response to my need of having a sturdy and durable travel humidor without the utilitarian look of molded plastic.

Quite often the materials that I use translate into the overall design of the humidor.  There are so many unique materials out there that can be incorporated into humidor design.  In a previous segment I spoke about exotic woods, and some of the unique woods that you can obtain.  I love to use other materials, like English Bridle Leather, slate, Stingray leather, Abalone, even bone, brass, bronze or silver leaf.  I tend to stay with natural materials, as I find there is so much beauty derived from nature itself. 

The most important component to humidor design is not just the appearance.  In each design I make sure that the humidor has a very distinct purpose, and that is preserving your cigars.  There is nothing worse than an artful piece of a humidor without any functionality.

When a client approaches me with a design, I usually ask a lot of questions.  Sometimes the client leaves it up to me to create a unique design from a handful of concepts, and sometimes they want to expand upon something they have seen.

In the design process, I take advantage of modern technology, and I initially model all of my designs on a 3D modeling program.  This gives me the opportunity to work with the design’s functionality, and the artistry at the same time.  It also allows me to produce a virtual rendering of the humidor for the client to see and approve prior to being crafted.  Modeling the humidor in 3D gives me an opportunity to apply different wood textures that show which exotic woods go well together.

Overall, I find that the more I take time to ponder life and events, and spend time with the people and events around me, the more I am inspired creatively.  Sometimes the business of life tends to rob me of life itself.  It is difficult to take time out, as there are so many demands and expectations on your our lives.  But creativity is not inspired unless we take time to ponder, and be pensive.  And the ironic part, is that memorable times are usually not planned or fabricated – they happen unexpectedly, and at the least recognizable times. But to in order to have memorable moments in life, one needs to allow the opportunity for these moments to surface. 

Great humidor designs come out of these times of spontaneity and adventure.

Take time today and each day to spend with your families and your loved ones.  Be adventurous, and do things that are spontaneous.  This will pave the way for creativity and memorable events in your life.  

As Alfred North Whitehead once said:  “Art flourishes when there is a sense of Adventure”.

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