As the calendar turns to November, bringing crisp winds, overcast skies, and the quiet arrival of late autumn across much of the Northern Hemisphere, Smashing Magazine has officially released its latest monthly desktop wallpaper collection. Continuing an unbroken editorial tradition that spans more than fifteen years, the publication has gathered original artwork from independent designers, illustrators, and digital studios across the globe.
The monthly initiative serves a dual purpose: providing the public with high-quality, free background artwork across a variety of screen resolutions while offering international creators a platform to share their visual stories. This month’s curated selection addresses the seasonal shift—turning the often gray and rainy atmosphere of November into a canvas for warmth, humor, cultural tradition, personal reflection, and technological anticipation.
From lighthearted takes on post-Halloween facial hair to solemn litanies of remembrance and forward-looking digital conferences, the November collection highlights the diverse perspectives of creators from countries including Serbia, France, Spain, Lithuania, India, Georgia, Dubai, and beyond.
From Spooky To Scruffy
Designed by Serbian agency PopArt Studio, From Spooky To Scruffy bridges the gap between the end of October and the start of November with a humorous nod to "No-Shave November" and Movember traditions. Transitioning away from trick-or-treating, the studio frames facial hair growth as a natural continuation of seasonal costuming.
"Halloween may be officially over, but the real monster mash is just getting started on your face," PopArt Studio noted in their submission statement. "This month, we swap the plastic vampire fangs for the ultimate terror: thirty days of completely uninhibited facial hair growth. Think of it as extended character cosplay. By week three, you won’t just be skipping your morning shave, you’ll be auditioning to play Cousin Itt in the next Addams Family reboot. Embrace the itch, dodge the hairbrushes, and let your chin go full ghoul. Who needs a costume when your jawline is the haunted forest?"
One More Bat
French designer Philippe Brouard brings a mathematical and environmental perspective to the showcase with One More Bat. While experimenting with parametric curves in digital design, Brouard uncovered a silhouette resembling a bat within his geometry.
The realization prompted him to craft a piece advocating for animal protection beyond the typical spooky season window. "While I was playing with parametric curves, I noticed a gap inside my drawing: it looked like a bat shadow," Brouard explained. "Bats are protected animals, not only during Halloween."
Lost In Time
Spanish designer Verónica Valenzuela draws inspiration from cinematic history and seasonal nostalgia in Lost In Time. Referencing Ridley Scott’s sci-fi classic Blade Runner, Valenzuela uses the backdrop of November rain to reflect on domestic comfort and the passage of time.
"All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the rain," Valenzuela reflected, quoting the iconic film monologue. "November is here, a transitional month leading into December, winter, and everything that entails. November reminds me of home, the warmth of being indoors and enjoying unique, unrepeatable moments, which brings to mind a fitting line from Blade Runner."
AI In 2027
Contributed directly by the Smashing Magazine Team, AI In 2027 serves both as a decorative desktop backdrop and an announcement for the upcoming online conference scheduled for December 1, 2026.
Designed to promote accessible, human-centered design in an evolving digital landscape, the event features experts discussing AI-ready design systems, AI-driven research methodology, and designing for trust in automated tools. Tickets for the online gathering are available for €50.
Be Proud Of Yourself
Indian designer Hitesh Puri, based in Delhi, offers an uplifting graphic reminder centered on personal resilience. Titled Be Proud Of Yourself, the piece aims to offer daily motivation to users staring at their computer screens during long work hours.
"Be proud of yourself for how far you’ve come," Puri wrote alongside his design. "You’ve handled things that once felt impossible."
Candlelight November
Lithuanian designer Justas Arbatauskis touches upon deep cultural heritage in Candlelight November. The piece reflects the traditional Lithuanian observance at the start of the month, during which families gather at cemeteries to honor departed relatives.
"In Lithuania, the first days of November belong to remembrance: families light candles on the graves of their loved ones and cemeteries across the country glow softly in the evening mist," Arbatauskis shared. "I wanted a calm, warm wallpaper that turns your desktop into a small candle-lit corner, a quiet pause before the busy end of the year."
Colorful Autumn
Returning with a second submission, Serbia’s PopArt Studio confronts rainy late-autumn weather head-on with Colorful Autumn. Designed with vivid tones, the visual calendar aims to lift spirits when outdoor conditions grow dark.
"Autumn can be dreary, especially in November, when rain starts pouring every day," the studio stated. "We wanted to summon better days, so that’s how this colourful November calendar was created. Open your umbrella and let’s roll!"
Falling Into November
Design firm Libra Fire, operating out of Serbia, captures the aesthetic essence of late fall with Falling Into November. The illustration emphasizes the comforting aspects of the season through rich color palettes and natural motifs.
"Celebrate the heart of fall with cozy colors, crisp leaves, and the gentle warmth that only November brings," the design team noted.
Winter Is Here
Spanish artist Ricardo Gimenes contributes Winter Is Here, a stylized visual piece marking the definite arrival of cold weather as autumn wanes and early winter frost begins to take hold.
Anbani
Georgian designer Vlad Gerasimov presents Anbani, a piece celebrating linguistic heritage and visual art. The artwork depicts a tree whose foliage is made up of the distinct characters of the Georgian alphabet.
"Anbani means alphabet in Georgian," Gerasimov explained. "The letters that grow on that tree are the Georgian alphabet. It’s very unique!"
Outer Space
PopArt Studio’s third contribution to the showcase, Outer Space, merges environmental commentary with cosmic exploration. The graphic depicts terrestrial landscapes alongside interstellar elements, inviting viewers to contemplate planetary stewardship.
"We were inspired by nature around us and the universe above us, so we created an out-of-this-world calendar," PopArt Studio shared. "Now, let us all stop for a second and contemplate on preserving our forests, let us send birds of passage off to warmer places, and let us think to ourselves—if not on Earth, could we find a home somewhere else in outer space?"
Time To Give Thanks
Australian designer Glynnis Owen offers Time To Give Thanks, a seasonal graphic highlighting gratitude, togetherness, and reflection during the mid-to-late autumn harvest period.
A Gentleman’s November
Belgian designer Cedric Bloem contributes A Gentleman’s November, an artistic illustration playing on autumn fashion, sophistication, and seasonal changes tailored for desktop displays.
Bug
Visual artist Ricardo Gimenes presents Bug, a distinct artistic concept showcasing bold graphical elements designed to provide a unique visual backdrop for digital workspaces.
International Civil Aviation Day
Looking ahead to early December, PopArt Studio pays tribute to global transit workers with International Civil Aviation Day. The calendar commemorates the official observance held annually on December 7.
"On December 7, we mark International Civil Aviation Day, celebrating those who prove day by day that the sky really is the limit," the studio expressed. "As the engine of global connectivity, civil aviation is now, more than ever, a symbol of social and economic progress and a vehicle of international understanding. This monthly calendar is our sign of gratitude to those who dedicate their lives to enabling everyone to reach their dreams."
The Kind Soul
Dubai-based Color Mean Creative Studio highlights moral values and empathy with The Kind Soul, aiming to deliver an encouraging message to the creative community.
"Kindness drives humanity," the studio stated. "Be kind. Be humble. Be humane. Be the best of yourself!"
November Nights On Mountains
Serbian designer Jovana Djokic captures the tranquil beauty of high-altitude landscapes in November Nights On Mountains, focusing on the first snowfalls of the year.
"Those chill November nights when you see mountain tops covered with the first snow sparkling in the moonlight," Djokic commented on her piece.
Red Leaves
Singaporean artist Evacomics contributes Red Leaves, an illustration emphasizing the brilliant crimson foliage associated with autumn transformations around the globe.
Me And The Key Three
Belgian creator Bart Bonte shares Me And The Key Three, a playful and stylized graphical piece that adds an inventive touch to the November lineup.
Moonlight Bats
German designer Carmen Eisendle combines cozy autumn aesthetics with lingering Halloween motifs in Moonlight Bats.
"I designed some Halloween characters and then this idea came to my mind—a bat family hanging around in the moonlight," Eisendle remarked. "A cute and scary mood is just perfect for autumn."
Mushroom Season
Verónica Valenzuela delivers another autumn-focused contribution with Mushroom Season, celebrating forest foraging trips triggered by damp November weather.
"It is autumn! It is raining and thus… it is mushroom season!" Valenzuela shared. "It is the perfect moment to go to the forest and get the best mushrooms to do the best recipe."
Go To Japan
Valenzuela also contributes Go To Japan, highlighting the country’s celebrated autumn scenery and warm seasonal palette.
"November is the perfect month to go to Japan," Valenzuela stated. "Autumn is beautiful with its brown colors. Let’s enjoy it!"
Tempestuous November
Belgrade-based artist Ana Masnikosa brings classical mythology into seasonal art with Tempestuous November, illustrating the dramatic climate shifts at autumn’s end.
"By the end of autumn, ferocious Poseidon will part from tinted clouds and timid breeze," Masnikosa wrote. "After this uneven clash, the sky once more becomes pellucid just in time for imminent luminous snow."
Crown Me
Ricardo Gimenes provides Crown Me, adding another distinctive character design to the November roster with bold linework and strong graphic presentation.
Deer Fall, I Love You
American designer Maria Porter shares Deer Fall, I Love You, a piece capturing peaceful forest wildlife set against warm fall foliage.
Don’t Let Gray Win
French design outfit Tartanify addresses the mental health and comfort aspects of cold, damp weather in Don’t Let Gray Win, advocating for cozy indoor spaces (hygge).
"Let’s take extra care of colors during the autumn months," Tartanify advised. "November might be gray and rainy. Outside. Don’t let it inside. Take a good book, prepare a hot ginger tea, and cover your knees with a bright woolen plaid."
Little Mademoiselle
Estonian artist Jelena Tšekulajeva contributes Little Mademoiselle, a monochrome fine-art illustration featuring a black-and-white portrait drawing of a young girl.
Welcome Home Dear Winter
Indian agency Acodez IT Solutions captures the comforting rituals of domestic life in Welcome Home Dear Winter.
"The smell of winter is lingering in the air. The time to be home!" the agency expressed. "Winter reminds us of good food, of the warmth, the touch of a friendly hand, and a talk beside the fire. Keep calm and let us welcome winter."
First Icicles Of The Coming Winter
Latvian designer Aleksandra Sivoronova presents First Icicles Of The Coming Winter, illustrating the delicate ice formations that signal the definitive transition to freezing temperatures.
Autumn Choir
Creative studio Hatchers, operating across Ukraine and China, offers Autumn Choir, a visual piece celebrating the harmonious colors of changing leaves and autumn landscapes.
Participating in Future Collections
With the November edition now available for public download, Smashing Magazine has opened its call for submissions for the upcoming December wallpaper collection. Artists, illustrators, and visual designers worldwide are invited to submit their original work. The deadline for the December collection is set for November 30, with new wallpapers published monthly to support and spotlight the international creative community.
