Stefan Marx x Lufthansa
Relaxed and Creative Above the Clouds. 4 Travel Hacks from Stefan Marx.
As an artist, Stefan Marx travels all over the world to find inspiration, to draw – and to hit the reset button along the way.
He shares his best travel hacks with Lufthansa Insights.
Stefan Marx is world-famous for his typographic art, and he is extremely interested in aviation. A perfect match with Lufthansa! He has already designed a Lufthansa lounge in Miami Beach for Art Basel and has created images inspired by air travel. Most recently, he has designed loungewear for Lufthansa First Class guests that bears the slogan IT'S YESTERDAY SOMEWHERE ELSE, which is a meditation on the feeling and perception of time when traveling. Here, he reveals his personal tricks and tips for relaxed flying.
1. Getting Creative at the Airport
I try to avoid very early morning flights. Since I like spending time at the airport and drawing, I get there much earlier than necessary anyway. I know some terminals pretty well by now and usually sit in my favorite spots, preferably with a view of the tarmac, and make drawings. There are good places to linger in almost all airports. If it's my first time at an airport, I start by exploring it in detail. And it’s very important to recognize that creativity needs space, which is why I always work through as much of my to-do list as possible before long-haul flights. That way, I have a clear head and don't have to think about what still needs to be done during the flight.
2. Travel Light, but Have the Essentials with You
I'm one of those people who also checks in smaller pieces of luggage, because I like experiencing the area after security as carefree as possible. I usually have a few snacks with me, fruit or something salty. Otherwise, I look forward to the airline's food. What belongs in my personal amenity kit? A few personal items for my well-being, as well as drawing supplies: a pad of paper, my favorite pens, and a small notebook that I always carry with me anyway. On longer flights, I also carry noise-canceling headphones, an eye mask, and a change of clothes.
3. The Right Clothes for Every Situation
When it comes to clothing for traveling by plane, comfort is paramount. On night flights, I like to wear a hoodie, loose T-shirts, and comfortable pants. When it's time to sleep, I put on the pajamas provided by the airline. I'm already looking forward to my first flight in the loungewear I designed for Lufthansa First Class, which features the slogan IT'S YESTERDAY SOMEWHERE ELSE. It's super comfortable and just feels great.
4. Just Let the Jet Lag Happen
Most travelers try to get rid of jet lag as quickly as possible. To be honest, I love jet lag. If I have the time, I just give in to it: sleep when I'm tired and go out when I'm awake. Not being able to fall asleep at three in the morning in Japan is great! Then, I just wander the streets and see what's going on. When I get home, I do the same; the jet lag goes away on its own – faster than I'd like ...
About
Stefan Marx is a renowned German artist known for his minimalist drawings and typographic works. He combines pop culture, everyday observations, and personal reflections to question social norms. Most of his works are in black and white. They are exhibited worldwide and have appeared on album covers, T-shirts, and even skateboards.
Source: Lufthansa / www.lufthansa.com