Welcome- Free 2026 Calendar
Hello and welcome to my first blog post! I’m Sofie, the artist and designer behind Smolder Creative. I’m based in the southern Illawarra region of NSW, where the bush, the coastline, and the incredible wildlife around me shape almost everything I create. My work is a blend of bold colour, digital hand‑drawn detail, and a deep love for the animals and environments that inspire me.
After years of sharing my art in bits and pieces, I wanted a dedicated space where I could bring everything together, the finished pieces, the behind‑the‑scenes process, the stories behind each bird, and the conservation themes that matter to me. This blog is the beginning of that space.
A New Year Gift: Your Free 2026 Bird Calendar
To celebrate the start of this blog, and the start of a fresh new year, I’ve created a free downloadable 2026 Australian Birds Calendar, featuring twelve of my digital illustrations. Each month highlights a different species, from the vibrant Gouldian Finch to the cheeky Laughing Kookaburra.
It’s my way of saying thank you for being here at the beginning. I hope it brings a burst of colour to your home or workspace all year long.
Celebrate Australia’s incredible birdlife all year long. Download your FREE 2026 calendar BELOW featuring twelve illustrated species, created to inspire joy and a deeper connection to our wildlife.
ALSO…
In this space, I’ll be sharing:
new artwork and collections
behind‑the‑scenes looks at my creative process
stories about the birds and wildlife that inspire me
conservation‑focused reflections
occasional freebies and resources
I’m excited to see this space grow and to connect with people who love art, nature, and a little bit of whimsy.
Thanks for reading. You can follow my art journey over on Instagram at @smoldercreative.