Hi Vanessa! Tell us a little bit about your creative practice and the art that you make. I’m an artist and textile designer who creates quirky, whimsical, sweet artwork. I’m inspired by my travels and the gentle moments of life. My work is mostly done using gouache and watercolour, and I use Procreate and Photoshop to refine my artwork. I’ve been doing this for a little while now after I transitioned from graphic design, and I’ve been fortunate to work with some wonderful Australian brands and also pursue my own artistic endeavours with exhibitions and artist residencies. This year, I also launched a textile studio with my longtime friend Harmony Print Studio, so that keeps me very busy as well!The 2026 diary is an ode to scrapbooking and junk-journalling. What kinds of bits and bobs do you like to collect? I’ve travelled to Asia a lot these past few years, and recently went to Taiwan, Seoul and Tokyo! I love all the stationery and beautiful graphics that you can find literally everywhere. I think some of the most bits-y things I’ve collected have probably got to be little chopstick papers with cute phrases on them, and of course some pretty dried flowers for my vases at home.

What would your teenage-self think of the lush diary you’ve helped bring to life? My teenage self would not be able to comprehend this! I grew up being the biggest fan of frankie and loved reading it and was so inspired by the illustration and art in there. frankie is one of the reasons why I was so inspired to be a designer in the first place! I think teenage-me would have loved to get her hands on the frankie diary and would have filled it with all of her activities and assignments – and put some sticker photos in there as well.You explore ideas of heritage, home and identity through your art. What inspires these explorations? My parents moved to Australia from Malaysia when they were in their 20s – I was born here and grew up here with my two sisters. Growing up, I always struggled with feelings of identity and belonging. During the pandemic, I really reflected on my place within the culture and how I felt not quite Australian but not quite Asian. I suppose the artistic exploration was a means to learn more about myself and accept that there aren’t two different parts of me – rather, those two aspects of me together makes me who I am! Art is really my outlet to understand myself and share these thoughts with the world.

What’s on your moodboard at the moment? At the moment, it would be David Hockney, 2000s graphics, Marimekko and cherries!Do you have a favourite design in the 2026 diary? My favourite design from the diary has to be the pretty print that consists of the ovals holding strawberries, flowers and birds. That print I created when I was at Studio Kura in Itoshima for an art residency in 2024. At the time, I really slowed down and documented the birds in the sky, the delicious strawberries and the wildflowers. I love that print because it is sweet and it reminds me that quiet moments in life are often the most precious.

If you could live in one season forever, which would it be? Definitely spring. I’m always way too cold in winter and I tend to not function well in the heat! Spring, to me, represents new beginnings, hope and growth. It is also always the perfect time for floral inspiration!Do you have a career highlight from 2025 (so far)? Is it ok to say frankie diary 2026? I’m so grateful! I also have a textile show coming up soon! So that’s also a highlight for me as well.

What kinds of projects, collaborations or pieces are you dreaming up for 2026? I would love to work on more stationery products and have the opportunity to work on textiles for a children’s wear brand! I also would love to work on some illustrations for publications!

frankie's 2026 diary and calendar is available to pre-order! Plus, you'll also score bonus greeting cards when you pre-order our diary or bundle, while stocks last. To see more of Vanessa's work, check out her Instagram and her website.