DIARy, CALENDAR & planner DESIGN | MINISTRY OF TEXTILES

This project is a thoughtfully designed diary, calendar, and planner that celebrates the rhythm of Indian life, from age-old rituals and festivals to sustainable crafts and everyday mindfulness. Co-created with Rishabh Tanwar, the project reimagines the connection between tradition and modernity, inviting users to reflect on the values that shape our roots.

Built on the philosophy that the answer to our future lies in our past, Annual honors the beauty of Indian culture, diversity, and sustainability. It serves as a gentle reminder to walk into the future with awareness, gratitude, and deep respect for our planet and heritage. 🌿✨

The Making Of

CLIENT - Ministry of Textiles, India
This Annual Diary, Calendar, and Planner Design project, was commissioned by the Ministry of Textiles, India, to celebrate the country’s cultural and ecological heritage through a contemporary design lens. Conceptualized as a diary, calendar, and planner, it draws inspiration from India’s festivals, rituals, and sustainable craft traditions, encouraging mindfulness and conscious living.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The design process began with in-depth research into India’s textile traditions, seasonal rituals, and indigenous practices that honor Mother Earth. The goal was to craft a visual and narrative experience that connects the past to the present, showing how the essence of Indian living has always been rooted in balance, respect, and sustainability.

Each section of Annual was designed to represent a different facet of Indian life: from weaves made with natural fibers to festivals celebrating diversity, inclusion, and the cycles of nature. The creative direction embraced a minimal yet earthy aesthetic, merging storytelling and functionality. The result was a product that feels both timeless and contemporary, reminding us that the answer to our future lies in our past.

ROLE - Art Direction, Research, and Visual Design
I co-led the creative development of the project, from conceptualization and research to design execution. This included defining the visual language, layout systems, color palettes, and type hierarchy across the diary and planner. Working in collaboration with Rishabh Tanwar, I ensured that every visual element, from illustration motifs to texture details, echoed the project’s philosophy of rooted modernity. Together, we crafted a product that invites users to slow down, reconnect with their roots, and celebrate India’s enduring relationship with its culture and craft.

Design Guidelines

Project Context:
The Annual Diary, Calendar and Planner Design project was a collaborative entry by Rishabh Tanwar and me for a nationwide design competition organized by NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology), held across all its campuses in India. The project stood out for its strong cultural foundation and thoughtful visual storytelling, eventually winning the competition. Following our win, the Ministry of Textiles selected our design for production and distribution among professors across NIFT campuses and officials at the Ministry, a deeply humbling recognition of our work.
Concept and Design Direction:
The visual language of Annual draws inspiration from India’s rich textile heritage and sustainable living traditions. We built the aesthetic around earthy tones, natural textures, and modern minimalism, ensuring that every spread felt rooted yet contemporary. The goal was to make the diary both functional and reflective, something that celebrates Indian identity while serving as a practical planner.
Cultural Detailing:
Each section of the diary integrates motifs, patterns, and forms inspired by traditional Indian crafts and weaves. These details were thoughtfully adapted into clean layouts that highlight India’s diversity and deep connection to the environment, without overwhelming the design.
Typography and Materiality:
The typography follows a balanced, humanist style, minimal, legible, and elegant, allowing the cultural visuals to shine. Special attention was given to paper selection, texture, and finish, ensuring the tactile quality complemented the visual intent.
Commercial Printing and Execution:
I worked closely with the printers during the commercial production process, learning about print calibration, color consistency, and material finishing. This hands-on collaboration helped refine the final output and strengthened my understanding of large-scale print production.
Purpose and Impact:
We took on this project as building a product that was a mindful companion that celebrates India’s roots while embracing the modern rhythm of life. The diary serves as a reminder that conscious design can inspire reflection, sustainability, and pride in cultural heritage.

User Experience and Functionality

The design of the Annual Diary, Calendar, and Planner was guided by the idea that practicality and emotion can beautifully coexist. Each layout was crafted to offer a seamless balance between functionality and visual storytelling. The structure allowed ample space for writing and daily planning while weaving in subtle cultural motifs and illustrations that connected users to India’s traditions. Monthly dividers, quotes, and gentle shifts in color created a visual rhythm that kept the experience engaging throughout the year.

Every design element served a clear purpose, from the placement of grids and notes sections to the choice of paper texture. The planner was designed to be used every day with ease, encouraging reflection, mindfulness, and a deeper connection to our roots. It transformed a daily habit into a meditative ritual of gratitude and organization.

Learning and Takeaways

Working on the Annual Diary, Calendar, and Planner Design project was a deeply enriching experience that shaped my understanding of large-scale design production and collaboration. Partnering with Rishabh and working closely with the Ministry of Textiles helped me see how design can act as both an artistic expression and a cultural bridge.

Through this project, I also gained valuable exposure to commercial printing, from proofing and material testing to understanding color calibration and finish quality. The process strengthened my technical and creative sensibilities, and the final product became a symbol of what thoughtful design can achieve when rooted in culture, sustainability, and purpose.

Mockup designs of the Diary's cover design and layout

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