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Desktop wallpapers can serve as an excellent source of inspiration. However, if you use some specific wallpaper for a long period of time, it becomes harder to draw inspiration out of it. That’s why we have decided to supply you with smashing wallpapers over 12 months.

And to make them a little bit more distinctive from the usual crowd, we’ve decided to embed calendars for the upcoming month. So if you need to look up some date, isn’t it better to show off a nice wallpaper with a nice calendar instead of launching some default time application?

This post features 40 free desktop wallpapers, created by designers across the globe. Both versions with a calendar and without a calendar can be downloaded for free.

Please notice:

• all images can be clicked and lead to the preview of the wallpaper;
• you can feature your work in our magazine by taking part in our desktop wallpaper calendar series. We are regularly looking for creative designers and artists to be featured on Smashing Magazine. Are you one of them?

So what wallpapers have we received for July 2009?

[Offtopic: By the way, did you know that Smashing Magazine has a mobile version? Try it out if you have an iPhone, Blackberry or another capable device.]

When The Day Comes

Designed by Vladislav Gerasimov from Irkutsk, Russia.

• preview
• with calendar: 640×480, 800×480, 800×600, 1024×600, 1024×768, 1152×864, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1600

Cafundó: July has come! Spread the News!

Designed by Cafundó Estúdio Criativo from Brazil.

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• with calendar: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1440×900, 1680×1200, 1950×1200

Man In The Mirror

“A tribute to Michael Jackson. Let us remember a great musical icon who through his work, managed to inspire us all.” Designed by Umer Tahir from Canada.

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• with calendar: 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200
• without calendar: 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200

Magic Forest

“Inspired by many animated movies taking the viewer to the small world we often don’t see because it’s under our feet. I hope lot’s of green will help you relax :).” Designed by Lukasz Bien from Poland.

• preview
• with calendar: 800×600, 1024×768, 1152×864, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
• without calendar: 800×600, 1024×768, 1152×864, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Cutting Smashing Calendar

“I took some extra effort in creating this wallpaper.After downloading SM logo it inspired me to make outlines from it and then Imade some real life elements using my cutting plotter, done some photo shotsand then finally digital editing! Hope you’ll like it! Take care!” Designed by Dejan Cirovic from Serbia.

• preview
• with calendar: 1280×960, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
• without calendar: 1280×960, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Blue Grunge

“This image is a result of my affinity towards blue.A slight addition of grungecan boost up any image and here it has made the cool blue more awesome.This calendar also special ’cause my birthday comes in this month” Designed by Viswanath Jagadeesan from India.

• preview
• with calendar: 320×480, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050
• without calendar: 320×480, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050

Summer Dream

“”Have you heard the wind?” – Asked the girl.
“No, no I did’t” – Rabbit replied
…. and dragonfly flew by thinking that this summer should never end …
” Designed by Jana Jelovac from Belgrade, Serbia.

• preview
• with calendar: 1280×960, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
• without calendar: 1280×960, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Simple Life

"I saw Yoshiko’s stunning photographs and was reminded of those sweet, carefree, lazy days of summer. How charming to live a simple life." Designed by Marlaine Weber from Canada.

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• with calendar: 800×600, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900
• without calendar: 800×600, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900

Thirsty

“Not exactly inventing something new with this style, but a nice feature of brushes and colours to create that summer feeling.” Designed by Halvor William Sanden / Minimal Skala from Norway.

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• with calendar: 1024×768, 1152×864, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1200, 2560×1600
• without calendar: 1024×768, 1152×864, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1200, 2560×1600

Deep Sea Diving

“Cool off this summer with a little dip in the sea!” Designed by Chris Alexander (Yipori) from England.

• preview
• with calendar: 800×600, 1024×768, 1152×864, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1400×1050, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200, 1920×1440
• without calendar: 800×600, 1024×768, 1152×864, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200, 1920×1440

Gustav Mahler

“A tribute to Gustav Mahler, born July 7 1860. This Wallpaper combines a photograph of the composer, the score of Mahler’s Lieder “Feierlich und gemessen, ohne zuschleppen” and “Starry Night” by Vincent Van Gogh, a contemporary of Mahler. Both artists shared a vivid and somewhat dark imagination.” Designed by Maurice Depestre from Canada.

• preview
• with calendar: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050
• without calendar: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050

Ink Mountain

“This is a rough and dark, sketchy wallaper with the emphasis on the weight of the “ink” and form of the shapes.” Designed by Mike Healy from Australia.

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• with calendar: 1024×768, 1152×864, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200, 2560×960, 2560×1024, 3360×1050, 3840×1200
• without calendar: 1024×768, 1152×864, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200, 2560×960, 2560×1024, 3360×1050, 3840×1200

Sunflower

“This time I just wanted to make something vector with grungy touch. There aremagnificent sunflowers fields everywhere in full bloom these days, so I addedsome sunflowers and came up with this.” Designed by NarjisNaqvi from Pakistan.

• preview
• with calendar: 800×600, 1024×640, 1024×768, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1080, 1920×1200
• without calendar: 800×600, 1024×640, 1024×768, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1080, 1920×1200

Go Green!

“May be not in the real world, but wallpapers like this will surely let you to take a fresh breath.But the reality is the Earth is heating up in every single hour. The early warning signs of global climate distractions are in — heat waves and warmer weather, high tides, Cyclone,spreading disease(e.g. Swine Flu), earthquake, earlier spring arrival and so on. It’s the time to stand up and protect our environment.” Designed by Sagar from Bangladesh.

• preview
• with calendar: 800×600, 1024×768, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1440×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200
• without calendar: 800×600, 1024×768, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1440×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200

Room

“Great wallpaper for designers, esp. Web designers like me who need organize space on desktop.I put two size of this wallpaper in PSD format ( CS4 ) so you can edit it by yourself and even making better one.Also you can checkout mine and getting some inspiration for yours!.” Designed by S.Reza Movahedi ( Riza ) from USA.

• preview
• with calendar: 1280×800, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200, 2560×1600
• without calendar: 1280×800, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200, 2560×1600

The Demonic Divas

“The demonic divas are back again.” Designed by Puneeta Prakash from India.

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• with calendar: 640×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050
• without calendar: 640×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050

Firefly

“One of my favorite memories from my childhood was chasing fireflies on hot summer nights in my grandfather’s backyard. This wallpaper represents that memory and all of the fun we used to have together out under that colossal tree in his backyard.” Designed by Stacy Blackman from United States.

• preview
• with calendar: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
• without calendar: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Sweet Child o’Mine

“This is a photo taken some weeks ago: she’s my baby, with her mom (although you can see her arm only). No Photoshopping on this photo, I swear: she’s really as beautiful as you can see her :-) I liked it so much, and I wanted to share with you…” Designed by Daniele Marino from Italy.

• preview
• with calendar: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
• without calendar: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Raining Sunrise

“The month of July is the month of rain in most parts of India. This wallpaper is a celebration of the enchanting feeling of early morning rain. The photograph used is my own.” Designed by Kumar Ritwik (ritwik_mango) from India.

• preview
• with calendar: 1024×768, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1080
• without calendar: 1024×768, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1080

Getting famous

Designed by Ionut Zamfir from Romania.

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• with calendar: 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
• without calendar: 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Leap of Faith

“This is photo is of a girl leaping on top of a hill (this is lomography).” Designed by Chad Gilchrist from USA.

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• with calendar: 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050
• without calendar: 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050

Tilt-shift photography

“Wanted to try to make a tilt-shift photo. I took one of my many, many photographs of Vienna and Presto! People are little ants from 170m high.” Designed by Anca Varsandan from Romania.

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• with calendar: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
• without calendar: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Summer Time

Designed by Tatiana Valkovskaya from Ukraine.

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• with calendar: 800×600, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1440×900, 1680×1050
• without calendar: 800×600, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1440×900, 1680×1050

Scorcher

“This summer Siberia enjoyed just a week of broiling bliss. We do long for more. Should you have it enough and to spare, please send us a little!” Designed by Rumake Web Agency from Novosibirsk, Russia.

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• with calendar: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200, 1920×1440
• without calendar: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200, 1920×1440

Summer Sun

Designed by Nikola Lazarevic from Serbia.

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• with calendar: 1024×640, 1280×800, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
• without calendar: 1024×640, 1280×800, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Beach

“When the soul wants freedom and rest we find it on the sea. The shining sun,the dark blue sea, yellow sand gives a charge of forces and positive emotions.” Designed by Lex Rusakoff from Russia.

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• with calendar: 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
• without calendar: 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Anote

“Alphabet biscuit packaging named ‘a note’ as to portray a unique way to send your message out for others, not only through writings. Photography done by the designer using Nikon D40.” Designed by Josephine Toh from Malaysia.

• preview
• with calendar: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1920×1200
• without calendar: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1920×1200

Talisman

“This idea came out of some pen and ink drawings I made when thinking about these ideas: protection, the evil eye, and the game Hangman where you try to guess a phrase letter by letter before you complete a hangman’s noose and platform. It is a visual wish for safety and peace.” Designed by Arcane Palette Creative Design from United States.

• preview
• with calendar: 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
• without calendar: 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Just July

“For a long time I wanted to participate this greatWallpaper Colection. So I hope you like it :)” Designed by Kai Stabel from Germany.

• preview
• with calendar: 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1680×1050, 1900×1200

Flying Lizard

Designed by Valeria Kuzminska from Ukraine.

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• with calendar: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050
• without calendar: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050

Ele-Centric

“Everyday do I quick little something (whether it be colour swatches or banner design) and a friend suggested that I sell what I’m doing, so I recently started an etsy store. This is one of the designs that came from the daily doodles. :)” Designed by Elly Gedye from New Zealand.

• preview
• with calendar: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
• without calendar: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Summer Fun

“This is my first calendar and it is on summer theme. It has a simple design, but I’m working with Photoshop and Illustrator just for fun (I’m not a designer).” Designed by Irina Kupenska from Bulgaria.

• preview
• with calendar: 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
• without calendar: 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Willet Birds

“Willet birds walking on the beach.” Designed by Brown Bug, LLC from USA.

• preview
• with calendar: 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
• without calendar: 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Friends

“It’s the time of year for sharing good times with close friends and significant others.” Designed by Bryce M. Ulmer from Wisconsin, United States.

• preview
• with calendar: 320×480, 1280×800, 1280×1040, 1440×900, 1680×1050
• without calendar: 320×480, 1280×800, 1280×1040, 1440×900, 1680×1050

4th of July Cloud

“I wanted to incorporate red, white, and blue into the design, for Fourth of July in a subtle way so that those who don’t celebrate it can still use it.” Designed by Saarah Saghir from USA/Pakistan.

• preview
• with calendar: 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1440×900

Bronze Addiction

“It’s summer! Feel the heat! For those who love sunbathing, it’s time to go bronze and radiant! At the same time, I hope you enjoy this glimmering wallpaper!” Designed by Athena Emily from Hong Kong.

• preview
• with calendar: 320×480, 1280×960, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
• without calendar: 320×480, 1280×960, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

MinimalED

“Design by Bloged.it – il blog di eniodesign.” Designed by eniodesign from Italy.

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• with calendar: 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
• without calendar: 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

July Sentense

“Just motivating sentence for July :)” Designed by Temeshi from Poland.

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• with calendar: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
• without calendar: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Blue Plant

“Blue plants pattern on dark sky.” Designed by Guillermo Galván Gómez from Argentina.

• preview
• with calendar: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
• without calendar: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Mad Mind

“More dark in sunny July.” Designed by B$A from Netherlands.

• preview
• with calendar: 1024×640, 1280×800, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
• without calendar: 1024×640, 1280×800, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Join in next month!

Please notice that we respect the ideas and motivation behind artists’ work which is why we’ve given artists full freedom to explore their creativity and express emotions and experience through their works. And this is also why the themes of the wallpapers weren’t anyhow influenced by us, but designed from scratch by the artists themselves.

Thanks to all designers for participation. Join in next month!

What’s your favorite?

What’s your favourite theme or wallpaper for this month? Please let us know in the comments! And have a smashing July, folks!