2026 Journal Kit Designs

Overview

My work for creating Journal Kits focuses on taking a different approach to everyday journaling. In this digital era, journaling is something that is private and allows for expression of creativity and thoughts without the pressure of perfection.

The journal kits will feature my surface pattern designs based on trending themes for the year, 2026, which will also align with the seasons. The main visual for each journal kit will include a pattern that will compliment the mood and colour palette for that specific theme, creating a cohesive kit.

Top Left: NeoDeco, Winter | Top Right: Laced Up, Spring | Bottom Left: Fun Haus, Summer | Bottom Right: Vamp Romantic, Fall

Design Strategy

The aim of the Journal Kits is to to create something that is tangible and is a collectible at the same time. With a background in textile design, I will use my skills in surface pattern design to create patterns for each journal that best represent the theme. Additionally, the journaling kits will allow people to enjoy journaling in their own space and time and I was inspired by other designers who create physical products to express their passions and ideas.

Since there are four journal kits, in order to best streamline the process, I worked step by step on each journal. The moodboards helped narrow down the colour palettes and pattern design direction for each kit. The fonts were specifically chosen to match the tone and I kept it to a minimum of two fonts for each kit to ensure a clean layout and balance.

*Background made using Adobe Firefly, Journal mockup made using Meshy AI

Neo Deco is mainly characterized by geometric shapes and dark, muted colours. It is a revival of Art Deco, offering a more modern twist. I chose this theme for the winter season since it creates a cozy, luxurious atmosphere, using a blend of warm and cool toned colours.

Using the moodboard and colour palette for inspiration, I made the pattern in Illustrator employing different tools such as the pen tool, shape builder, and pathfinder. The pattern design involved creating a motif for each theme, and using that motif to create a hero pattern and coordinates, which were used throughout each journal kits, including the postcards, bookmarks, stickers, journal pages, and assets.

Moodboard for NeoDeco

Process work for NeoDeco motif and pattern development

NeoDeco Journal Kit: Background made using Adobe Firefly, Journal mockup made using Meshy AI
Designs by: Uswa Ahmed

NeoDeco: Front & back cover design

NeoDeco Journal contents

NeoDeco: Postcard designs

NeoDeco: Journal page designs

*Background made using Adobe Firefly, Journal mockup made using Meshy AI

Laced Up is a trend noted for its intricate lace patterns and soft colour palettes, perfect for the spring season. The main motif for this journal design features a blend of baroque and nature inspired elements, placed together to form a cohesive and elegant pattern.

The main motif for the Laced Up journal kit features a mixture of vines combined with organic, elaborate shapes, bringing a feminine and dream like tone. The cover of Laced Up journal features the motif side by side. Special attention was given on the vines which connect the motifs and the borders of the journal.

Laced Up moodboard

Laced Up motif and pattern development, Adobe Illustrator

Laced Up Journal Kit: Background made using Adobe Firefly, Journal mockup made using Meshy AI
Designs by: Uswa Ahmed

Laced Up: Front & back cover design

Laced Up journal contents

Laced Up journal layout

Laced Up: Postcard designs

Laced Up: Journal page designs

*Background made using Adobe Firefly, Journal mockup made using Meshy AI

FunHaus is a vintage circus theme marked by its geometric shapes, particularly stripes, bold primary colours, and circus inspired elements such as tents and balloons. Since circuses are usually associated with excitement and summer, I chose this theme for the summer season.

The main motif for FunHaus was centred around a tent-shaped carousel, which would be featured on the cover of the journal. Additional elements such as pillars, stars, and balloons were also designed using mainly the pen tool in Illustrator. Since this theme would be loud and bold, I chose a red background for the journal, focusing on red and blue stripes; elements which are often seen in circus settings.

FunHaus moodboard

FunHaus motif and pattern development in Adobe Illustrator

FunHaus Journal Kit: Background made using Adobe Firefly, Journal mockup made using Meshy AI
Designs by: Uswa Ahmed

FunHaus: Front & back cover design

FunHaus journal contents

FunHaus Journal layout

Laced Up: Postcard designs

FunHaus: Journal page designs

*Background made using Adobe Firefly, Journal mockup made using Meshy AI

The Vamp Romantic style has withstood different design eras, evolving from grotesque folklore to sophisticated, romantic, or sympathetic antihero themes. The colour palette and design elements create a haunting yet intimate atmosphere, which fit perfectly with the fall theme of the journal kit.

Inspired by Medieval and Gothic architecture, the motif for this theme is marked by intricate and dramatic pointed arches, flourishes, and ornaments. The stark contrast between the white and black colours allowed more room for greens and reds to be added in the design, ensuring different variations of the patterns throughout the journal kit.