Expand Your Horizons (June 2022 Desktop Wallpapers Edition)

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Cosima has been an editor at SmashingMag since 2013. Whenever she’s not writing articles for the weekly Smashing Newsletter, she’s probably working on a … More about Cosima ↬

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What could be a better way to welcome June than with some colorful inspiration? Well, we might have something for you: wallpapers created with love by artists and designers from across the globe.

There’s an artist in everyone. Some bring their creative ideas to life with digital tools, others capture the perfect moment with a camera or love to grab pen and paper to create little doodles or pieces of lettering. And even if you think you’re far from being an artist, well, it might just be hidden somewhere deep inside of you. So why not explore it?

For more than eleven years, our monthly wallpapers series has been the perfect opportunity to do just that: to break out of your daily routine and put your creative skills to the test. And, well, creative folks from across the globe once again took on the challenge this month and created unique and inspiring wallpapers for June 2022.

The wallpapers in this collection come in versions with and without a calendar and can be downloaded for free. As a little bonus goodie, we also compiled some designs from our wallpapers archives at the end of this post. Maybe you’ll spot one of your almost-forgotten June favorites, too? A big thank-you to everyone who shared their designs with us — this post wouldn’t exist without you!

  • You can click on every image to see a larger preview,
  • We respect and carefully consider the ideas and motivation behind each and every artist’s work. This is why we give all artists the full freedom to explore their creativity and express emotions and experience through their works. This is also why the themes of the wallpapers weren’t anyhow influenced by us but rather designed from scratch by the artists themselves.
  • Submit a wallpaper!
    Did you know that you could get featured in our next wallpapers post, too? We are always looking for creative talent.

Editor’s Note

In this month’s post, you will notice that some of the wallpapers are dedicated to Ukraine and its traditional embroidery patterns found in different regions of the country. As a design community, we can’t be silent in these times. It’s our obligation to help as much as we can, and so we are donating all proceeds of the “Interface Design Checklists PDF” to support Ukraine.

We have already donated 16,944.73 EUR (US$ 18,663.86) to Aktion Deutschland Hilft e.V. and will continue to donate to other organizations as well. A heartfelt THANK YOU to our wonderful community for all of their help and support! 💞

Create Your Own Path

“Nice weather has arrived! Clean the dust off your bike and explore your hometown from a different angle! Invite a friend or loved one and share the joy of cycling. Whether you decide to go for a city ride or a ride in nature, the time spent on a bicycle will make you feel free and happy. So don’t wait, take your bike and call your loved one because happiness is greater only when it is shared. Happy World Bike Day!” — Designed by PopArt Studio from Serbia.

Create Your Own Path

Old Kyiv

“This picture is dedicated to Kiev (Kyiv), the capital of Ukraine. It is loosely based on a 13th century map — this is what the center of Kyiv looked like ca. 900 years ago! The original map also included the city wall — however, I decided not to wrap the buildings into the wall, since in my dream world, a city would not need walls.” — Designed by Vlad Gerasimov from Georgia.

Old Kyiv

World Environment Day

“On June 5th we celebrate World Environment Day — a moment to pause and reflect on how we impact Earth’s health. A few activities represented in this visual include conserving energy and water, shopping and growing local, planting flowers and trees, and building a sustainable infrastructure.” — Designed by Mad Fish Digital from Portland, OR.

World Environment Day

Summer Chamomile

“Our designers were inspired by the lightness and innocence of June, as well as the desire to use bright colors. More calendars are here.” — Designed by MasterBundles from Ukraine.

Summer Chamomile

Ukrainian Embroidery

Vlad Gerasimov from Georgia designed a series of wallpapers in which he explores traditional embroidery patterns found in different regions in Ukraine and the stories behind them.

Kherson

“This picture is dedicated to the Kherson region. Forms of fruits, flowers, leaves close to nature are typical of Kherson region. Viburnum motifs are usually found on women’s shirts, it is a symbol of beauty. Oak motifs are most often seen on boys’ shirts, they are a symbol of strength, development, and life. So, the boys wore a miraculous amulet of life-giving power of some kind.” — Designed by Vlad Gerasimov from Georgia.

Ukrainian Embroidery: Kherson

Mykolaiv

“This picture is dedicated to the Mykolaiv region. A large number of embroidered products of Mykolaiv region is characterized by floral ornaments. The symbol of the triangle, which is found on embroidered shirts, has long been associated with the element of fire, where fire represents the striving for freedom. The main colors were mostly red, blue, black, and yellow.” — Designed by Vlad Gerasimov from Georgia.

Ukrainian Embroidery: Mykolaiv

Kirovohrad

“This picture is dedicated to the Kirovohrad region. From ancient times in Ukraine poppies were consecrated. People and cattle were sown with them. People believed that the poppy has a magical power that protects against all evil. Poppy motifs can be seen on the shirts of the Kirovohrad region.” — Designed by Vlad Gerasimov from Georgia.

Ukrainian Embroidery: Kirovohrad

Ternopil

“This picture is dedicated to the Ternopil region. Embroidery of Ternopil region is characterized by rich, dark, up to black, colors. Made of wool, thick, almost without gaps, the ornaments completely cover the sleeves of women’s shirts. Floral motifs are often found on the shirts of Ternopil region, in particular marigold flowers, sunflowers, mustard.” — Designed by Vlad Gerasimov from Georgia.

Ukrainian Embroidery: Ternopil

Sumy

“This picture is dedicated to the Sumy region. Geometric and plant-geometrized patterns were embroidered on the shirt from Sumy region. Most often there is an embroidered pattern called broken branch. This pattern has its ancient and deep meaning and depicts the creation of our Galaxy.” — Designed by Vlad Gerasimov from Georgia.

Ukrainian Embroidery: Sumy

Looking At The Stars

“This month we travel to the stars. We find a planet and we sit down to observe the universe.” — Designed by Veronica Valenzuela from Spain.

Looking At The Stars

I’m So Good

Designed by Ricardo Gimenes from Sweden.

I’m So Good

Awesome Summer Sunflowers

“Sunflowers are one of the symbols of Ukraine. There is especially a lot of them in the south, where the fighting is now taking place. Our designers were inspired by our nature and belief in our victory and therefore created this calendar. More calendars are available at https://masterbundles.com/. Welcome!” — Designed by MasterBundles from Ukraine.

Awesome Summer Sunflowers

Mr Broccoli Doesn’t Like You Either

Designed by Ricardo Gimenes from Sweden.

Mr Broccoli Doesn’t Like You Either

Summertime

Designed by ActiveCollab from the United States.

Summertime

Oldies But Goodies

Ready for more? Below you’ll find a little best-of from past June editions. Please note that these wallpapers don’t come with a calendar. Enjoy!

Travel Time

“June is our favorite time of the year because the keenly anticipated sunny weather inspires us to travel. Stuck at the airport, waiting for our flight but still excited about wayfaring, we often start dreaming about the new places we are going to visit. Where will you travel to this summer? Wherever you go, we wish you a pleasant journey!” — Designed by PopArt Studio from Serbia.

Travel Time

Summer Party

Designed by Ricardo Gimenes from Sweden.

Summer Party

Dancing In The Summer Moonlight

“If you’re happy and you know it, show some dance moves, because summer is finally here!” — Designed by ActiveCollab from the United States.

Dancing In The Summer Moonlight

Summer Coziness

“I’ve waited for this summer more than I waited for any other summer since I was a kid. I dream of watermelon, strawberries, and lots of colors.” — Designed by Kate Jameson from the United States.

Summer Coziness

Solstice Sunset

“June 21 marks the longest day of the year for the Northern Hemisphere — and sunsets like these will be getting earlier and earlier after that!” — Designed by James Mitchell from the United Kingdom.

Solstice Sunset

Oh, The Places You Will Go!

“In celebration of high school and college graduates ready to make their way in the world!” — Designed by Bri Loesch from the United States.

Oh the places you will go

Deep Dive

“Summer rains, sunny days, and a whole month to enjoy. Dive deep inside your passions and let them guide you.” — Designed by Ana Masnikosa from Belgrade, Serbia.

Deep Dive

Ice Creams Away!

“Summer is taking off with some magical ice cream hot air balloons.” — Designed by Sasha Endoh from Canada.

Ice Creams Away!

Strawberry Fields

Designed by Nathalie Ouederni from France.

Strawberry Fields

Bauhaus

“I created a screenprint of one of the most famous buildings from the Bauhaus architect Mies van der Rohe for you. So, enjoy the Barcelona Pavillon for your June wallpaper.” — Designed by Anne Korfmacher from Germany.

It’s Bauhaus Year

Merry-Go-Round

Designed by Xenia Latii from Germany.

Merry-go-round

Summer Surf

“Summer vibes…” — Designed by Antun Hirsman from Croatia.

Summer Surf

Melting Away

Designed by Ricardo Gimenes from Sweden.

Melting Away

Pineapple Summer Pop

“I love creating fun and feminine illustrations and designs. I was inspired by juicy tropical pineapples to celebrate the start of summer.” — Designed by Brooke Glaser from Honolulu, Hawaii.

Pineapple Summer Pop

Fishing Is My Passion!

“The month of June is a wonderful time to go fishing, the most soothing and peaceful activity.” — Designed by Igor Izhik from Canada.

Fishing Is My Passion!

Getting Better Everyday

“The eternal forward motion to get better and excel.” — Designed by Zachary Johnson-Medland from the United States.

Getting Better Everyday

Expand Your Horizons

“It’s summer! Go out, explore, expand your horizons!” — Designed by Dorvan Davoudi from Canada.

Expand Your Horizons

Happy Squatch

“I just wanted to capture the atmosphere of late spring/early summer in a fun, quirky way that may be reflective of an adventurous person during this time of year.” — Designed by Nick Arcarese from the United States.

Happy Squatch

Nine Lives

“I grew up with cats around (and drawing them all the time). They are so funny… one moment they are being funny, the next they are reserved. If you have place in your life for a pet, adopt one today!” — Designed by Karen Frolo from the United States.

Nine Lives!

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