a chinwag with 2027 diary illustrator, alice oehr

What brings you joy? For us, it’s the lovely illustrations that cover the pages and sticker sheets of our brand-spanking-new 2027 diary (on pre-sale for only two more weeks!). The rad work of artist and designer Alice Oehr, the 2027 diary is chock full of happiness-inducing illustrations to remind us of the pure joy that can be found in everyday moments. We chatted to Alice about the process of bringing the diary together, as well as the bits and bobs that fill her own cup up with joy.  

Hi Alice! Tell us about your creative practice and the art that you make. Hi! I work as a commercial artist and designer. I love to play with colour, pattern, texture and make work that deals with everyday life and familiar subjects. I love the conversation between analogue and digital techniques – I always combine both. When I get time, I love printmaking. Plus, I draw lots of food…

Which part of illustrating the 2027 frankie diary did you have the most fun with? The diary comes to life through a collection of clashing patterns, all layered on top of each other. I love doing this – clashing and layering different elements to the point where it’s a lot, but also just enough. We were all feeling a nostalgic, early 2000’s colour palette for the diary and I really enjoyed leaning into that – the finished product takes me right back there.The 2027 diary is all about joy and the things that fill our cups up. How do you seek out joy in your day-to-day life? It’s always the “little things”, and so I had those in mind when I put together my illustrations for this project. It’s small moments that you notice – sitting in the sun, coffee, observing nature, animals. I’m lucky that as a freelancer I work some odd hours, so I can often make time to have a nice moment to myself during the working week. Feeling like you’re wagging school is always joyous.

Where do you go when you’re in need of a joyful injection of creative inspiration? Nature is a big one – the trails near where I live always clear my head. But I love to look at different media for inspiration – so food, film, photography, music. It’s more often a feeling that can inspire me, rather than directly looking at other art. It reminds me of what’s possible and why it’s always worth making things. It makes me think: onwards!Do you have a favourite design in the 2027 diary? I love the mice pattern, it’s so ridiculous but definitely embodies joy for me – it’s very silly.

If you could pick a season to live in all the time, which would it be? Autumn. I love the colours, the drama of the light, and I like the “not too hot, not too cold” feeling you mostly exist in, with some extremes of the two for balance. Favourite time of the year? It’s not my favourite season, but in Melbourne the explosion of energy that everyone feels after winter is really infectious, so it’s springtime for me, leading into Christmas break. It’s social, everyone is inspired and out of hibernation. It feels good to get together again, and it feels good to be alive.

What’s on your moodboard at the moment? A lot of natural elements – flowers, shells, rocks, and also ceramic and glass vessels. Do you have a career highlight from 2026 (so far)? Making a personal series of butterflies from cut paper was a real surprise to me. I didn’t know I could do this and be so happy with them. I got to hang them in one of my favourite restaurants (Masses Bagels), which also felt great. 

What kinds of project, collaborations or pieces are you dreaming up for 2027? I’m working on a solo show currently and will be diversifying my range of workshops, hosted by myself and some friends – something to write in the diary!

frankie's 2027 diary and calendar are available to pre-order now! Plus, you'll also score bonus greeting cards when you pre-order our diary or bundle, while stocks last. To see more of Alice’s work, check out her Instagram and website. Plus, sign up to our newsletter to catch more behind-the-scenes of bringing our diary and calendar to life.