Inspiration Is Everywhere, If You Know How To Look

This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.

Meet Chris Sorichetti (@thecsorichetti) from Ontario, Canada, a freelance visual content creator and marketer who runs his own agency, and also works for one of Canada’s larger telecommunication companies.

What are your main passions and how do you cultivate them?

I am a visual junkie. I love great design and anything visual, including photography and video. I look for inspiration online, in magazines and in daily life.

I am also trying to grow a men’s group that I have on Facebook. We’re a group of 1000 local men who, for the most part, are dads. We’re sharing stories, providing support and motivation. We speak about everything parenting, health, sports, daily life and dad jokes.

How did you first develop an appreciation for style?

My appreciation for style started at a young age when I became fascinated by how visuals could influence the way we see things. I remember being drawn to anything visual – album covers, magazine layouts, and how branding or advertising could instantly communicate a feeling. That curiosity led me into photography, graphic design and marketing, where I realized that style isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, functionality, and emotion. Over the years, working in design has reinforced my belief that style is both intentional and timeless. Whether in branding, interiors, or fashion, style is about making an impact that resonates.

What does “being well-dressed” mean to you?

Being well-dressed is more than just wearing expensive or branded clothes—it’s about balance and personal expression. As a designer, I see style as a visual language, where fit, color, and proportion work together to create harmony. Whether in fashion or branding, the details matter—how textures complement each other, how a silhouette enhances presence, and how the right choices communicate confidence.

Being well-dressed means knowing what works for your body, lifestyle, and personality while presenting yourself with authenticity.

What does your ‘daily uniform’ look like?

My job allows me to work remotely, so I don’t require anything overly tailored for my day-to-day. Habitually though, I still look out my clothes every night and have them ready to go. Typically, I wear a shirt (t-shirt if I have no video calls, a collared shirt if I do) and comfortable but well-fitted jeans. If I need to go to the office, I dress for what I preach. My outfits are well-designed for what I’m doing that day and always look professional.

How do you find inspiration in your work?

Inspiration is everywhere but comes at the strangest times. I have been driving to the office, and something on my commute will catch my eye. On the train ride home, I’ll see some graffiti and try to grab a photo before we pass it. I scroll sites like Instagram and Pinterest for images.

I’m very visual, and a cool photo will catch my attention before a written paragraph. I still love magazines, though I don’t read as many as I used to. But I still love flipping through the paper pages instead of scrolling on my iPad. I get a lot of ideas while biking. It may not be something I see, but my mind wanders as I ride.

If inspiration hits me, I will stop and get a photo of it. My backyard also helps. It’s calm, surrounded by nature and rarely has any noise from the neighbourhood. There, I can sit back and just enjoy what’s around me. It helps me be calm and lets my mind wander.

How do you find time to unwind and slow down?

I’m a cyclist, and though I don’t do it enough, escaping all distractions and taking a long bike ride allows me to slow down and detach from my everyday life. I guess it’s not really slowing down, but it’s the best break from the day that I can think of. Aside from that, our summers are short in Canada, so we will do our best to relax in our backyard, overlooking our garden and the forest that wraps around our house.

What has been your most memorable or adventurous trip, and what made it so special?

About 20 years ago, my wife and I travelled to Italy and Scotland, an experience that left a lasting impression on me as a designer. We started in Rome, immersing ourselves in the architecture, galleries, and historic landmarks like the Vatican and St. Peter’s Square. The history, sheer artistry, and age of everything were staggering—every detail told a story–and it’s definitely something we don’t have here in Canada.

Exploring Scotland’s cities and the Highlands only deepened that sense of history with the rugged landscapes and timeless narratives. The trip was unforgettable, blending visual inspiration with cultural depth, and I hope to return to both countries in the future.

What advice would you give your younger self?

If I were to see my younger self, I would tell him to keep pushing. Pursue my passions and don’t stop. Learn to listen to your gut and listen to feedback. Be open to learning and understanding things that may not interest you but could be good for me to understand. Be persistent, adaptive and never stop moving. Learn to be risky, and don’t be afraid to fail. Also, be open to change, try new things and step out of your comfort zone.