The Challenge
I wanted to create Smug Pug Ink’s first-ever illustrated calendar — something functional, collectible, and bursting with the humor, color, and heart that define the brand. The challenge: craft twelve (thirteen, including the cover) unique illustrations that celebrate the spirit of pug life through every season.
The process
Each month began as a Procreate sketch exploring a tiny seasonal story.
​
Spring blossoms bring flower-crowned pugs and muddy pawprints; summer explodes with flamingo floaties and melting. snacks; autumn layers pumpkins, scarves, and skeleton tees; and winter twinkles with tangled lights and festive chaos.
​
I developed cohesive color palettes and a retro half-tone shading technique so the thirteen illustrations feel connected, yet distinct, then formatted them for crisp, high-resolution printing via Printful's 11"x17" layout.
The Outcome
A Pug for All Seasons 2026 Calendar launched as a limited preorder on smugpugink.com and quickly became a fan favorite. It bridges art and product — equal parts cheeky, cozy, and beautifully designed for everyday joy.
-start-w-sun-11x17-front-69094a38c30e3.jpg)
-start-w-sun-11x17-front-2-69094a38c3d06.jpg)
-start-w-sun-11x17-front-3-69094a38c4919.jpg)
-start-w-sun-11x17-front-4-69094a38c5564.jpg)
Reflection
This project marked a milestone for Smug Pug Ink — a full-year collection in print that celebrates everything lovable, lazy, and loud about pugs.