Creativity Sparks Shining Through The Fog (November 2019 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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In many parts of the world, November is a rather gray month, so what better way could there be to start it off as with some colorful inspiration?

The fascinating world of aviation, classic movies, sweet childhood memories — these are just some of the things that inspired artists and designers from across the globe to participate in our wallpapers challenge this time around.

The monthly challenge has been going on for more than nine years already and we are very thankful to everyone who tickles their creativity each month anew to keep the steady stream of wallpapers flowing and caters for some colorful inspiration with their artwork — no matter how gray the weather outside might be.

The wallpapers in this collection come in versions with and without a calendar for November 2019, so it’s up to you to decide if you want to keep things minimalistic or have an overview of the month at a glance. As a bonus goodie, we also compiled a little best-of from past November editions at the end of the post. Maybe you’ll rediscover some long-forgotten favorites in there? Happy November!

Please note that:

  • All images can be clicked on and lead to the preview of the wallpaper,
  • 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 your wallpaper

We are always looking for designers and artists to be featured in our wallpapers posts. So if you have an idea for a December wallpaper, please don’t hesitate to submit your design. We’d love to see what you’ll come up with. Join in! →

International Civil Aviation Day

“On December 7, we mark International Civil Aviation Day, celebrating those who prove day by day that the sky really is the limit. 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.” - Designed by PopArt Studio from Serbia.

International Civil Aviation Day

Don’t Let Gray Win

“Let’s take extra care of colors during the autumn months. 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.” - Designed by Tartanify from France.

Don’t Let Gray Win

Before Sunset In Paris

“The inspiration came from the movies of Woody Allen and his amazing cinematography, the framing idea came from the polaroid photos.” - Designed by João Pinto from Portugal.

Before Sunset In Paris

Pomegranates

“November is the month of my birth so it reminds me of so many good things. The scent and the beautiful red colors of pomegranate seeds. The beauty of their trees with tiny leaves. The magical colors of autumn take me to the orchards on the farm and my family together under the sun and clouds. Laughings and pumpkins on the floor while the sheets were hung to dry on the clothesline. Cousins playing and collecting leaves. Sweet November.” - Designed by Carmen Navalhas from Portugal.

Pomegranates

  • without calendar: 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1680x1050

    Seasonal Sunsets

    “Fall is such a beautiful time of year so I designed a wallpaper inspired by fall’s seasonal colors and amazing sunsets.” - Designed by Kassandra Escoe from Maryland.

    Seasonal Sunsets

    No-Shave November

    “The goal of No-Shave November is to grow awareness by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose, and letting it grow wild and free. Donate the money you typically spend on shaving and grooming to educate about cancer prevention, save lives, and aid those fighting the battle.” - Designed by Tatiana Ignatieva from Portugal.

    No Shave November

    Fishing At Sunset

    “November is a month for calm. It’s cold and we enjoy fishing with lions.” - Designed by Veronica Valenzuela from Spain.

    Fishing At Sunset

    The Power Of Imagination

    Designed by Ricardo Gimenes from Sweden.

    The Power Of Imagination

    Oldies But Goodies

    Some things are just too good to gather dust. Hidden in our wallpaper archives we rediscovered some November favorites from past years. Ready for a trip back in time? (Please note that these designs don’t come with a calendar.)

    Outer Space

    “This November, we are inspired by the nature around us and the universe above us, so we created an out-of-this-world calendar. 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?” - Designed by PopArt Studio from Serbia.

    Outer Space

    Stars

    “I don’t know anyone who hasn’t enjoyed a cold night looking at the stars.” - Designed by Ema Rede from Portugal.

    Stars

    The Kind Soul

    “Kindness drives humanity. Be kind. Be humble. Be humane. Be the best of yourself!” — Designed by Color Mean Creative Studio from Dubai.

    The Kind Soul

    Autumn Darkness

    “‘When autumn darkness falls, what we will remember are the small acts of kindness: a cake, a hug, an invitation to talk, and every single rose. These are all expressions of a nation coming together and caring about its people.’ (Jens Stoltenberg)” — Designed by Dipanjan Karmakar from India.

    Autumn Darkness

    Tempestuous November

    “By the end of autumn, ferocious Poseidon will part from tinted clouds and timid breeze. After this uneven clash, the sky once more becomes pellucid just in time for imminent luminous snow.” — Designed by Ana Masnikosa from Belgrade, Serbia.

    Tempestuous November

    Peanut Butter Jelly Time!

    “November is the Peanut Butter Month so I decided to make a wallpaper around that. As everyone knows peanut butter goes really well with some jelly so I made two sandwiches, one with peanut butter and one with jelly. Together they make the best combination. I also think peanut butter tastes pretty good so that’s why I chose this for my wallpaper.” — Designed by Senne Mommens from Belgium.

    Peanut Butter Jelly Time!

    Music From Nature

    Designed by StarAdmin from India.

    Music From Nature

    The Most Productive Month

    “Working hard or hardly working? What will your work stats look like in November?” - Designed by Photo Stats from Sweden.

    Smashing Wallpaper - november 11

    Curious Squirrel

    Designed by Saul Wauters from Belgium.

    Curious Squirrel

    Fall Breeze

    “The colorful leaves and cool breeze that make you want to snuggle in your couch at home inspired me to create this fall design.” — Designed by Allison Coyle from the United States.

    Fall Breeze

    Autumn In Paris

    Designed by Lia Pantazi from Greece.

    Autumn In Paris

    World Kindness Day

    “World Kindness Day is November 13, and I wanted to share this saying to remind others to never underestimate the power of a kind word.” — Designed by Shawna Armstrong from the United States.

    World Kindness Day

    Coffee Time

    “It’s the time for being at home and enjoying the small things… I love having a coffee while watching the rain outside my window.” — Designed by Veronica Valenzuela from Spain.

    Coffee Time

    Thanks & Giving

    “Wishing everyone a holiday season filled with both Thanks & Giving!” — Designed by Jordan Thoma from the United States.

    Thanks & Giving

    On The Edge Of Forever

    “November has always reminded me of the famous Guns N’ Roses song, so I’ve decided to look at its meaning from a different perspective. The story in my picture takes place somewhere in space, where a young guy beholds a majestic meteor shower and wonders about the mysteries of the universe.” — Designed by Aliona Voitenko from Ukraine.

    On The Edge of Forever

    November Ingredients

    “Whether or not you celebrate Thanksgiving, there’s certain things that always make the harvest season special. As a Floridian, I’m a big fan of any signs that the weather might be cooling down soon, too!” — Designed by Dorothy Timmer from the United States.

    November Ingredients

    All Lines Point To November

    “November often means rain and cold temps, but there’s beauty to be found in that as I found in this moment — the wet lines lead the way.” — Designed by Aisha Souto-Maior, Paris-based, NY-bred.

    All lines point to November

    Simple Leaves

    Designed by Nicky Somers from Belgium.

    Simple Leaves

    November

    “It’s cold in November, so you have to stay closer. Also: Inktober and American Horror Story.” — Designed by Anja Sturm from Germany.

    November

    The Collection Of Birds

    “The collection of birds are my travels. At each destination I buy a wood, bronze, stone bird, anything the local bazaars sell. I have all gathered at a modest vitrine in my house. I have so much loved my collection that, after taking pictures of them, I designed each one, then created a wallpaper and overdressed a wall of my living room. Now my thought is making them as a desktop wallpaper and give them to you as a gift.” — Designed by Natasha Kamou from Greece.

    The Collection of Birds

    First Icicles Of The Coming Winter

    Designed by Aleksandra Sivoronova from Latvia.

    Smashing Wallpaper - november 12

    Autumn Impression

    Designed by Agnieszka Malarczyk from Poland.

    Smashing Wallpaper - november 11

    Primavera

    “Here is a wallpaper that celebrates the arrival of spring in the southern hemisphere.” - Designed by Finxduvey from Argentina.

    Smashing Wallpaper - november 12

    Join In Next Month!

    Thank you to all designers for their participation. Join in next month!

    Further Reading