The story behind roam·n·gnome

A guide to the adventures that matter.

Let’s face it: life is full of adventures. Some are epic—like climbing a mountain or creating something you’re proud of. Others? They’re less glamorous but no less important—like figuring out how to be patient or mastering your morning coffee routine without spilling it everywhere. That’s where roam·n·gnome comes in.

What started as a design project with guiding stones and interactive art to help people find their way has grown into something bigger. roam·n·gnome blends art, storytelling, and creativity to inspire meaningful exploration, whether it’s out in the world or inside yourself (yes, the existential stuff too).

At its core, roam·n·gnome is about the gnome, a wandering guide who symbolizes curiosity, growth, and resilience. The ‘n’? It’s the bridge—the glue that connects roaming (exploration) with discovering who you are on the inside. Together, they remind us that all adventures, big or small, are worth it.

Through whimsical designs and experiences like "Find Your Gnome", roam·n·gnome invites you to uncover your own path. Whether you’re just getting started or deep into your journey, the gnome is here as a playful (and slightly wise) reminder that every step matters—and the adventure is yours to shape.

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Everyday Adventures That Matter the Most

Okay, so what’s an “everyday adventure” anyway?
Good question! It’s the stuff that matters to you. It could be climbing an actual mountain—or just convincing yourself to step outside and take a walk (bonus points if you find a cool mushroom). It’s about recognizing that we all face unique challenges, and every one of them is an adventure if we’re willing to see it that way.

Here’s the thing: what’s a mountain to one person might be a hill to someone else—or not even on their radar. We all have different landscapes, different obstacles, and different goals, and that’s what makes it beautiful. Life isn’t about comparing adventures; it’s about embracing your own.

The everyday adventure is learning to recognize the moments that matter most to you—the ones that help you grow, the ones that challenge you, and yes, even the ones that make you laugh at yourself. When you embrace the authentic adventures—the ones that truly matter—your everyday becomes a journey worth taking.

So, here’s the deal: life is serious enough, but it doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun along the way. Celebrate the challenges. Get curious. Let’s make everyday adventures something to look forward to.

About Ian Smith

The artist, designer, and occasional mushroom enthusiast behind roam·n·gnome.


Hi, I’m Ian. I’ve always been a creative at heart—painting, designing, storytelling—you name it. After earning my BFA in Fine Art at Green Mountain College, I took a slightly unexpected turn and spent much of my career helping people achieve their goals in clinical settings and workforce development. It wasn’t the most “artsy” path, but it taught me a lot about systems-thinking, belonging, and how we’re all navigating our own personal (and professional) journeys.

That curiosity eventually led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology, where I deepened my love for the connection between system-thinking and belonging create opportunities for growth within organizations. My best ideas often come from being outside—whether I’m hiking, running absurdly long distances, or foraging for mushrooms (seriously, there’s a whole world of fungi out there).

roam·n·gnome is the project where all my passions collide. It’s about using art, design, and storytelling to help people discover their everyday adventures and see the best in themselves. Because at the end of the day, we’re all just figuring it out—and a little whimsical adventures and creativity never hurts.