My Creative Vision for 2026: What I’m Designing This Year
As I step into 2026, I’m doing so with more clarity, confidence, and intention than ever before.
For a long time, my creative work lived in bursts — designing when I had time, following inspiration wherever it led, and saying yes to too many ideas at once. While that season taught me a lot, this year is different. 2026 is about focus. It’s about designing with purpose, building cohesive collections, and creating work that supports both my creativity and my life.
This post is a behind-the-scenes look at my creative vision for 2026 — what I’m designing, what I’m prioritizing, and how all of it fits together.
A Year Built Around Collections (Not One-Offs)
One of the biggest shifts in my creative process this year is my focus on collections instead of individual designs.
In 2026, I’m creating three full surface pattern collections, each with its own mood, color story, and product direction. Designing this way allows me to think more like a brand and less like a one-off artist — which opens the door to licensing opportunities, stronger product assortments, and more cohesive storytelling.
You’ll see each collection show up across multiple touchpoints:
Pattern licensing
Print-on-demand products
Coordinated stationery and accessories
Marketing visuals and content
Everything is connected — intentionally.
My Design Style for 2026
At the heart of everything I create is my love for modern, clean, and expressive design.
This year, my work is centered around:
Bold yet wearable color palettes (with a strong nod to warm, earthy tones)
Simplified florals and abstract shapes
Geometric influences balanced with organic movement
Designs that feel elevated, joyful, and usable in everyday life
I’m designing patterns that feel just as good on a notebook or tote bag as they do in a licensed product line.
Designing With Real Life in Mind
One of the most important parts of my 2026 vision is designing within my real life — not around it.
I work three focused days a week, and instead of trying to do everything, I’m choosing to do fewer things well. That means:
Intentional design blocks
Fewer, more strategic product launches
Clear creative seasons instead of constant output
This approach keeps my creativity sustainable and allows me to show up consistently without burnout.
Beyond Patterns: Building Creative Tools
In addition to my artwork, 2026 is also a year of designing creative tools.
Drawing from my 20 years of experience in retail, merchandise planning, and buying, I’m continuing to create digital planners and calculators that help other creatives turn ideas into profitable products. These tools are designed to be simple, practical, and immediately usable — the kind of resources I wish I had earlier in my own journey.
You’ll see these tools woven naturally into my business alongside my artwork, not separate from it.
What You’ll See This Year
Here’s a snapshot of what’s coming in 2026:
Three original surface pattern collections
New print-on-demand product drops
Expanded pattern licensing opportunities
Thoughtfully designed digital tools for creatives
Behind-the-scenes content sharing my process and progress
Every piece builds on the last. Nothing is random.
Designing a Business That Feels Like Me
More than anything, my creative vision for 2026 is about alignment.
I’m designing work I’m proud of.
I’m building a business that supports my family.
And I’m allowing myself to grow at a pace that feels intentional and sustainable.
If you enjoy following the creative process — from sketchbook to finished product — I’d love for you to stay connected. You can explore my latest designs in the shop or join my email list to follow along as these collections come to life throughout the year.
Here’s to a focused, creative, and beautifully designed 2026.
XOXO,
Shabya
Stay Connected
If you love modern surface design, creative planning, and seeing how artwork turns into real products, I’d love to stay connected.
Explore my latest designs in the shop
Join my email list for behind-the-scenes updates, launches, and creative tools
Follow along on Instagram for studio life and works in progress