2025-11-22
Emma Fitzgerald
Design Dispatch, New York
New York, NY – In a delightful fusion of urban charm and undeniable cuteness, graphic designer Alex Kim has successfully completed a captivating calendar design project, bringing a fresh perspective to showcasing beloved pets against the iconic backdrop of New York City. Commissioned by a client seeking a unique and engaging calendar, Kim's work stands out for its modern aesthetic and thoughtful design process.
The project, which began with the client's vision for a calendar featuring "cute dog photos in NYC," quickly evolved into a comprehensive design journey. Alex Kim, known for a keen eye for detail and contemporary style, embarked on a multi-stage process to bring this vision to fruition.
"The initial brief was clear: cute dogs, NYC," explains Alex Kim. "My first step was to think about how to blend these two elements cohesively and appealingly. We started with a classic desk calendar format, focusing on clean lines and a functional layout." The initial drafts explored various font pairings and date grid structures, aiming for readability without compromising on aesthetic appeal.
A crucial turning point in the project involved refining the initial designs to achieve a more modern and sleek look. "My client wanted something that felt fresh and contemporary," Kim states. "This involved streamlining the typography, simplifying the color palette, and ensuring the overall feel was sophisticated yet playful." This stage saw the calendar design evolve significantly, adopting a minimalist elegance that allowed the vibrant dog photos to truly pop.
The heart of the calendar lies in its adorable subjects and their iconic settings. Kim meticulously integrated a diverse selection of dog breeds – from playful Golden Retrievers in snowy Central Park to chic Samoyeds on the Brooklyn Bridge, and even a charming French Bulldog alongside a classic yellow cab. Each photograph was carefully chosen to represent a different month, evoking the spirit of NYC throughout the year. "It was important that each image told a mini-story, capturing a moment of joy and connection between the dogs and the city," Kim adds.
Beyond the final product, Kim also prepared compelling visuals to demonstrate the design process itself. This included mock-ups of the calendar in various real-world settings – from a cozy coffee shop to a bright office window – highlighting its versatility. Furthermore, to give a glimpse into the designer's workflow, images were created showing the calendar designs within a Figma interface, with the main design centered and surrounded by different, exploratory iterations. This approach offers valuable insight into the creative evolution and problem-solving involved in the project.
The culmination of Alex Kim's work is presented in a dynamic portfolio image featuring multiple calendar designs arranged in a stylish Masonry layout against a pristine white background, subtly angled to create visual interest. This final presentation not only showcases the diverse range of designs but also underscores Kim's ability to deliver a polished and client-focused outcome.
"This project was a fantastic opportunity to combine my passion for graphic design with a universally loved subject," says Kim. "Seeing the joy these calendars bring, and knowing they'll brightens someone's desk all year, is incredibly rewarding."
Alex Kim's latest calendar design project is a testament to the power of thoughtful design, bringing together beloved pets and the vibrant spirit of New York City in a truly charming and modern way.