meet the artists behind the 2027 frankie calendar
Chinwags with the lovely lot of creatives who helped bring our joy-inducing calendar to life.
If you think it’s too early to start thinking about 2027, it’s not. Summer will come like that *clicks fingers* and then Chrissie will be here before we know it, and then all of a sudden it’s 20-freaking-27! To help us get excited – and maybe calm a few nerves about the ever-increasing speed of time – we got chinwagging with the team of rad artists who contributed their schmick artworks to the 2027 frankie calendar. Spy the chats below – oh, and don’t forget to nab a calendar (or a diary and calendar bundle) from the frankie shop or one of our friendly stockists.
MADELENE START is a graphic artist based in Adelaide/Tarntanya. She explores her creativity across illustration, comics and communication design through pigment and water-based markers.
Describe your artwork for the 2027 frankie calendar in one sentence. A hot, dry and very dusty morning adventure to the old Torrens Island Market to pick up some local fresh produce.
How do you feel about New Years’ resolutions: yay or nay? I’m undecided on New Years’ resolutions – I think they provide some great motivation during the first few weeks of the year but, for me at least, that tends to burn out. I think I like to try and pace myself a bit more and see what happens.
What’s been the highlight of your year so far? There have been so many cool things happening this year, personally and professionally – being selected for the frankie mag calendar is definitely one of them. I also started studying the Master of Design at Adelaide University and had a piece of my work used as the cover for Olivia De Zilva’s new book of poems, Sick Note, which is being published by Pink Shorts Press.
What are you hoping to leave behind in 2026? I’d really like to leave behind a bit more of my self-doubt. Each year I achieve a little more and tick off some goals which initially I thought were completely out of reach, but I still struggle with my confidence and self-doubt. Hopefully I can leave at least some of that behind in 2026.
What are you looking forward to in 2027? I’m really looking forward to seeing what’s installed for 2027 and the projects I find myself doing. Now though, I’m excited to explore the Master of Design further and maybe also spend some time starting to work towards a new body of work for a solo exhibition. I think 2027 is going to be lots of fun!
QI REN is a Tokyo-based illustrator and printmaker who creates artwork that is in conversation with food culture, urban nostalgia and everyday rituals.
Describe your artwork for the 2027 frankie calendar in one sentence. A sun-filled scene inspired by warmth, connection and the beauty of everyday life.
How do you feel about New Years’ resolutions: yay or nay? Yay, but gently. I prefer small, sustainable changes over big promises.
What’s been the highlight of your year so far? Having one of my illustrations recognised by an international award and seeing it open unexpected doors has been incredibly special.
What are you hoping to leave behind in 2026? The habit of comparing my journey to others. I’d like to focus more on my own pace and progress.
What are you looking forward to in 2027? Creating more meaningful artwork, exploring printmaking, and finding new ways to share stories through images.
LORI CAMARATA is a textile designer and illustrator based in Melbourne/Naarm who uses a background in text design to experiment with colour and faces across a variety of mediums.
Describe your artwork for the 2027 frankie calendar in one sentence. A little moment of nature in a cheery friend, perched happily on my bathroom shelf.
How do you feel about New Years’ resolutions: yay or nay? I’m not big on resolutions, but I do love the sense of renewal that comes with a new year and the changing of seasons. There’s something nice about being given a natural pause to reflect on where you’ve been, reset and think about what you’d like to make space for in the year ahead.
What’s been the highlight of your year so far? I've been finding my way back to making things just for the joy of it. I’ve had a big lull in creative projects while juggling motherhood and a few different work hats, so it’s been really lovely to carve out some space to explore different mediums and get back into painting. It feels good to have that part of my brain switched back on.
What are you hoping to leave behind in 2026? Self-doubt, hopefully. I’m learning that it never completely goes away, but I think it gets a little easier each year that ticks on!
What are you looking forward to in 2027? New creative adventures, making more time for drawing and painting, and some fun travels with my family. Hopefully with a little less overthinking and a lot more making.
ALICE BERRY is a Kiwi abstract artist who is currently based in Auckland where she explores her colourful, unexpected style of organic shapes and all things nature.
Describe your artwork for the 2027 frankie calendar in one sentence. This artwork is inspired by the gorgeous crystal, amethyst, which is believed to clear negativity and promote inner peace and wisdom. It's also the birthstone for February!
How do you feel about New Years’ resolutions: yay or nay? Kind of nay… I feel like your birthday is more of a new year to celebrate. Your own personal lap around the sun! Also, I don't like the pressure of resolutions. I make wishlists instead, and then it's okay if they don't happen.
What’s been the highlight of your year so far? I've been lucky enough to have a few island holidays this year, so all of them! I love floating around under the sun in warm ocean water. Also seeing all the marine life and coral.
What are you hoping to leave behind in 2026? With all this talk of the future, it's actually future planning that I'm trying to do less of. I’m trying to be more in the now, rather than always wanting to figure out, or know, what is next.
What are you looking forward to in 2027? Hopefully more painting, travel and just seeing what the universe has in store for me! Also, I really hope the world as a whole can find more compassion and peace.
SIMONE GODER is a Parisian illustrator who originally hails from Berlin. Small stories come to life in Simone’s work, with a focus on everyday moments and quiet connections.
Describe your artwork for the 2027 frankie calendar in one sentence. It’s all about good vibes and the childhood dream of befriending tiny bugs in a nostalgic little world that feels a bit more magical.
How do you feel about New Years’ resolutions: yay or nay? I’m a strong believer in September resolutions. Because no resolution of mine could survive January and February.
What’s been the highlight of your year so far? Riding my friend to her wedding in a cargo bike as her maid of honour.
What are you hoping to leave behind in 2026? I hope to leave behind a lot of drawings that bring positivity, nostalgia and a deeper appreciation for everyday moments.
What are you looking forward to in 2027? I’d love to begin a bigger creative project. Ideally a comic book.
BEAU WYLIE is an Australian painter and illustrative storyteller who has an adoration for misfits and curious characters, as well as a whole lot of mischief.
Describe your artwork for the 2027 frankie calendar in one sentence. I first drew Pascal while holding my two-month-old daughter in my arms in the early hours while extremely sleep deprived, and as such he's always been a mystery to me – but whatever mission he is on he carries with him my love for my children so he is more powerful than any creature in the universe.
How do you feel about New Years’ resolutions: yay or nay? I've never had much luck with New Year's resolutions – I find my strongest resolutions come during a walk outside on a sunny day at a completely random date.
What’s been the highlight of your year so far? Not a singular event but I've prioritised my mental health this year and it's helped me appreciate how small wins accumulate into bigger ones.
What are you hoping to leave behind in 2026? Being my own biggest awful critic, replying to emails tardily, and a few subscription services.
What are you looking forward to in 2027? Painting new artworks!
NARDURNA (aka Ryhia Dank) is a Gudanji, Wakaja and Kalkadoon artist who grew up in the Northern Territory and has collaborated on a slew of rad campaigns and artworks.
Describe your artwork for the 2027 frankie calendar in one sentence. This artwork captures the feeling of being home on Country, feeling the ground beneath my feet, hearing family in the wind, and reconnecting with a place that has sustained my people for thousands of generations.
How do you feel about New Years’ resolutions: yay or nay? Nay. I’ve never been big on waiting for a new year to make a change. If there’s something you want to do or change, start now.
What’s been the highlight of your year so far? It’s hard to go past seeing my work projected onto the Sydney Opera House as part of Apple’s Illuminating Creativity campaign. Working with Apple, lululemon and the Australian Open this year has been pretty surreal.
What are you hoping to leave behind in 2026? Worrying about things that are outside of my control. I’d rather put that energy into family, creativity and the work I’m passionate about.
What are you looking forward to in 2027? More time on Country, more time creating and more opportunities to share stories that connect people to place, family and memory.
FLOR FUERTES is an Argentinian graphic designer and illustrator who is currently working on her lovely illos from the Sunshine Coast/Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country,
Describe your artwork for the 2027 frankie calendar in one sentence. My dream house in a dream place that I'll own someday.
How do you feel about New Years’ resolutions: yay or nay? To be honest, I feel more nay! I think you can set a goal for yourself at any time of the year. Time will pass anyway... While a new year does feel like a refresh and the start of something new, I don't believe in the “new year, new me” cliché. Don't wait to start working on your resolutions and your dreams. Life's too short to wait for a new year!
What’s been the highlight of your year so far? I illustrated portraits for a wedding! It was a surreal experience – so wholesome. Crazy to think that I was getting paid to do what I love, it blows my mind every time I'm conscious about it! Funny thing is that I never actually thought about doing this type of work but the bride contacted me with her idea and I couldn't say no. I will always be grateful to her for opening that door for me – now I want to do it more and more!
What are you hoping to leave behind in 2026? I'd like to leave behind the fear of taking risks on decisions that make me happy.
What are you looking forward to in 2027? I'm looking forward to all the new changes my life is attracting at the moment! If all planets align and I can actually plan it, I might even get married next year.
MAGGIE STEPHENSON is a Polish-German illustrator who is currently based in Florida and working on a bunch of cool illustrations across editorial and publishing.
Describe your artwork for the 2027 frankie calendar in one sentence. An illustration about finding contentment within yourself rather than searching for it elsewhere.
How do you feel about New Years’ resolutions: yay or nay? Yay! I love a fresh start and there’s something exciting about having a specific date to kick off a new goal or habit.
What’s been the highlight of your year so far? Being more intentional about spending time with friends. I tend to get very focused on work, so making space for play has been a real highlight this year.
What are you hoping to leave behind in 2026? Overthinking and overanalysing. I’d love to spend less time stuck in my head and more time enjoying life.
What are you looking forward to in 2027? More creating, more doing and more saying yes to living. I’m looking forward to taking action on ideas instead of endlessly thinking about them.
SOPHIE CORKS is a contemporary artist based in Orange who explores motherhood, regional Australia, slow everyday moments and cricket in her artwork.
Describe your artwork for the 2027 frankie calendar in one sentence. It's Pomegranate Season is a celebration of the garden in autumn – that gorgeous moment when the mornings get a little cooler and the season quietly shifts into something new.
How do you feel about New Year's resolutions: yay or nay? Big yay! I love a fresh start. I set myself little goals across the board: personal, social, family, plus proper strategic business goals. I also look back on the year before to see what I learnt and what I want to do differently, then map out the year ahead.
What's been the highlight of your year so far? The Brisbane Affordable Art Fair, hands down. I shared a stand with two artists who are also lovely friends – I brought over 30 paintings, and sold 27 of them! The best part was getting to meet the people who collect my work and see how it resonated with them in real life. When you spend so much time alone in the studio, that connection was pretty special.
What are you hoping to leave behind in 2026? It's been a bit of a rollercoaster of a year income-wise, so a few less of the troughs would be lovely.
What are you looking forward to in 2027? More of the same, but slightly more sustainable! It's going to be a fabulous year. Art fairs, more workshops, more print launches, and who knows what else. I always set myself some big challenges for the year so let's see.
OUTER ISLAND is a collaboration between Sydney/Warrane-based fine artist Stephanie Chambers and designer Amy Ranck. The duo is obsessed with nature and native Australian creatures.
Describe your artwork for the 2027 frankie calendar in one sentence. A trio of Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoos soars across the sky on a perfect day.
How do you feel about New Years’ resolutions: yay or nay? Yay-ish? We set goals, but also do vision boards each January, so in that case we just leave it up to the universe.
What’s been the highlight of your year so far? We celebrated 10 years as Outer Island and Sydney Bird Club this year – a huge milestone for us, and with it comes reflecting on all the happy memories of the work we’ve done to connect people to nature.
What are you hoping to leave behind in 2026? Anything exhausting! We’ve been going full speed for a looong time and we have to leave the things that drain us behind so we can go in the direction of ease, flow and fun.
What are you looking forward to in 2027? More time in nature and less time in front of screens.
ZOEY KIM is a South Korean illustrator who loves drawing fuzzy things and exploring warmth through texture in her creative practice.
Describe your artwork for the 2027 frankie calendar in one sentence. A vibrant celebration of summer and friendship, where whimsical characters come together to turn a hot season into a sweet, nostalgic memory.
How do you feel about New Year’s resolutions: yay or nay? Yay and nay. I love making New Year's resolutions, but I know myself well enough to know I won't keep up with any of them. However, one thing I would definitely want to keep up is spending more time with my cat as he enters his senior age. Which means more cuddles, more playtime and more eye contact.
What’s been the highlight of your year so far? I’d have to say the launch of a children's picture book that I illustrated. I actually started my career as a graphic designer at a picture book publisher, so being part of creating a baby book has been an absolute dream come true.
What are you hoping to leave behind in 2026? I would love to leave behind my tendency to procrastinate...and my habit of waking up late!
What are you looking forward to in 2027? I’m really looking forward to slowly planning my move back to Seoul from Dubai, spending more quality time with my family, and finally settling down.
Our calendars and diaries are snatched up pretty quick, so it's best to pop over to our online shop as soon as possible. The diary and calendar cost $48.95 each (including shipping), but if you're keen on saving some dosh you can get them both as a bundle, yay! Alternatively, you can snag one from our lovely stockists.
Have a squiz at our diary and calendar this-a-way and peep our chinwag with frankie diary artist Alice Oehr. Plus, sign up to our newsletter for more goodness.