Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about escaping the daily grind, packing your laptop, and working from somewhere beautiful and inspiring? I know exactly how you feel. The constant deadlines, client calls at odd hours, and the same four walls closing in on you day after day.
I promise you, it’s not just a fantasy. Making the leap to become a “digital nomad” copywriter isn’t just possible—it’s potentially the most transformative professional decision you’ll ever make. In this post, I’ll share exactly how I moved to Spain for three months while maintaining (and actually growing) my copywriting business, the practical lessons I learned, and how you can create your own international copywriting adventure.
Why Spain Changed Everything About My Copywriting Career
In 2012, I made a decision that would forever alter both my personal and professional trajectory. After establishing myself as a freelance copywriter in Los Angeles, I decided to take my business completely remote—not just to a different coffee shop or co-working space, but across the Atlantic to Barcelona, Spain.
The catalyst was meeting someone from Barcelona who would later become my girlfriend. Having never been to Europe before, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to expand my horizons while continuing to run my growing copywriting business. The beauty of our profession is that with a laptop and reliable internet connection, we can work from virtually anywhere.
The Logistics: How I Made It Happen
Making such a significant move required careful planning, but was surprisingly straightforward:
- Housing: I was fortunate to stay with my girlfriend’s family in Barcelona, which eliminated accommodation costs and provided immediate cultural immersion
- Client Communication: I maintained contact with clients via Skype, avoiding expensive international calling fees
- Work Setup: My “office” consisted of my laptop and whatever table or desk was available that day
- Storage: I parked my car in long-term storage and ended my month-to-month rental in LA
- Packing Light: I brought just one suitcase with two weeks’ worth of clothes
- Business Structure: I was already managing several other copywriters remotely, which made the transition smoother
The most important preparation was setting proper expectations with clients. I informed them of my move and adjusted my availability to accommodate the time difference. Surprisingly, most were supportive and impressed by my flexibility.
How Spanish Culture Transformed My Creative Process
What I didn’t anticipate was how profoundly Spanish culture would influence my copywriting work. The change in environment sparked new creativity and productivity I hadn’t experienced before.
The Spanish Approach to Time and Work-Life Balance
In Spain, I quickly noticed a fundamentally different relationship with time:
- Longer, meaningful meals: Three-hour lunches weren’t considered indulgent—they were normal
- Later workdays: The rhythm of life operated on a different schedule than the American 9-to-5
- Decompression: The overall pace allowed my mind to relax and creativity to flow naturally
- Quality over quantity: Work wasn’t measured by hours logged but by what was produced
This cultural shift profoundly impacted my writing process and output. I structured my days around this new rhythm:
- Morning writing sessions: Work from breakfast until early afternoon (around 1:00 PM)
- Extended lunch break: Often accompanied by stimulating conversation and perhaps a beer or glass of wine
- Afternoon work block: Continue writing and handle client communications until 4:00 or 5:00 PM
- Evening exploration: Discover the city center, Gothic Quarter, or nearby beaches
The result? I found myself more productive in Spain than I had ever been in the United States. Something about having cultural experiences to look forward to each day energized my work rather than distracting from it.
The Creative Benefits of Cultural Immersion
Copywriting thrives on fresh perspectives and unique insights. Living in a different culture provided exactly that:
New Linguistic Patterns
Though I didn’t speak much Spanish initially, being surrounded by different linguistic patterns influenced my English writing. Spanish’s rhythmic qualities, emotional expressiveness, and structural differences gave me new ways to approach copywriting challenges.
Visual Inspiration
Barcelona is a city of extraordinary architecture and design—from Gaudí’s otherworldly buildings to the efficient grid layout of the Eixample district. This visual stimulation provided fresh metaphors and frameworks for explaining complex ideas in my copy.
Conversation as Research
Extended Spanish meals are built around conversation. These lengthy discussions exposed me to different viewpoints, storytelling techniques, and persuasion styles that I incorporated into my copywriting toolkit.
How This Experience Expanded My Copywriting Business
Beyond personal growth, my time in Spain directly benefited my business:
Portfolio Diversification
The international perspective I gained allowed me to write more effectively for global brands and markets. Clients seeking copy that would resonate across cultures began specifically requesting my services.
Unique Selling Proposition
My international experience became a differentiator in a crowded copywriting marketplace. I could legitimately claim a global perspective that many US-based writers couldn’t.
Inspiration for New Services
The creative stimulation led me to develop new service offerings, including cross-cultural marketing consultancy and international brand positioning.
Networking Expansion
I connected with European agencies and clients, expanding my network beyond US borders and creating opportunities I would never have encountered otherwise.
Practical Tips for Copywriters Considering an International Move
If you’re inspired to follow a similar path, here are practical considerations based on my experience:
Technology Requirements
- Reliable laptop: Your primary work tool must be dependable
- Cloud backups: Implement redundant backup systems for your work
- Communication tools: Set up Skype, Zoom, or other platforms for client calls
- VPN service: For accessing US-specific websites and services
- Power adapters: Essential for international travel
Client Management
- Time zone planning: Create a schedule that accommodates overlapping work hours
- Clear communication: Set expectations about your availability and response times
- Project management: Use tools like Asana or Trello to maintain workflow visibility
- Milestone-based delivery: Structure projects around deliverables rather than hourly availability
Financial Considerations
- International banking: Understand currency exchange and international transfer fees
- Tax implications: Consult with an accountant about tax obligations while working abroad
- Cost of living research: Understanding local expenses helps with accurate budgeting
- Payment scheduling: Align client payments with your financial needs abroad
Work-Life Integration
- Structured flexibility: Create a routine that balances work and exploration
- Productivity metrics: Focus on output rather than hours worked
- Cultural immersion time: Schedule dedicated time for experiencing your new location
- Local connections: Build relationships with locals and other digital nomads
The Long-Term Impact on My Copywriting Career
My three months in Spain wasn’t a one-time adventure. That initial experience sparked a five-year journey working as a traveling copywriter across multiple continents. From Shanghai to Croatia, Germany to Romania, I continued refining my craft while experiencing diverse cultures.
Each location offered new insights, approaches, and perspectives that enhanced my copywriting abilities. This nomadic period became the most formative of my professional life, leading to:
- Specialized expertise in international markets
- Higher-value client relationships with global brands
- A distinctive brand identity as a worldly, adaptable copywriter
- Creative techniques influenced by diverse cultural exposures
- Confidence in handling diverse projects across industries and markets
Is International Copywriting Right for You?
While the freedom to work from anywhere is appealing, this lifestyle isn’t for everyone. Consider these questions before making a similar move:
- Do you thrive in new environments or prefer established routines?
- Can your business operate effectively with potential connectivity challenges?
- Are your clients flexible enough to accommodate different time zones?
- Do you have the financial stability to handle unexpected costs abroad?
- Are you comfortable navigating unfamiliar cultures and potentially language barriers?
How to Start Your Own International Copywriting Adventure
If you’re inspired to try international copywriting, you don’t need to immediately commit to months abroad. Consider:
- Trial runs: Work remotely from a different domestic location first
- Short international trips: Test your setup and workflow during a two-week international visit
- Digital nomad communities: Connect with established communities in places like Bali, Lisbon, or Medellín
- Co-living spaces: Use specialized accommodations designed for remote workers
- Gradual transition: Start with a month abroad and extend if it’s working well
Conclusion: The Unexpected Rewards of International Copywriting
What began as a three-month experiment in Barcelona became the foundation for the most fulfilling phase of my copywriting career. Beyond the obvious perks of experiencing new cultures, foods, and landscapes, working internationally fundamentally changed how I approach writing.
The perspective gained from seeing how different cultures communicate, persuade, and connect has made me a more versatile, insightful, and effective copywriter. It’s a competitive advantage that continues to differentiate my services years later.
If you’re feeling the limitations of your current environment or simply craving new creative inspiration, I encourage you to consider taking your copywriting business abroad—even temporarily. The professional growth you’ll experience goes far beyond what any course, book, or local workshop can provide.
The world is full of lessons for those willing to listen, and as copywriters, our ability to absorb and articulate those lessons is our most valuable skill. Sometimes, the best way to sharpen that skill is to place yourself in entirely new contexts where you’re forced to see the world—and your writing—through fresh eyes.