This Christmas, not just a shop commissioned two UAL graduates to design our exclusive festive gift wrap paper. Vallakiya Umamaheswaran and Luna Smith were chosen for their distinctive styles and abilities to create unique repeat patterns.
Here, we catch up with the two designers and learn about their inspirations, challenges, and how they both found the use of colour to be the key to creating the perfect festive gift wrap.
What did you find most exciting about the project?
Luna: There were a few things, firstly this being my first ever commission was so exciting and being given a broad brief was great because I was able to create with my own vision and the chance use myself as the target audience.
Vallakiya: I found it exciting to think about how important something like gift wrap can be, and how such a small detail can instantly transform the look of a Christmas tree. Seeing how a design can shift the whole atmosphere beneath the tree made the project feel really special.
Gift and bows by Vallakiya Umamaheswaran
Christmas Check by Luna Smith
What was the inspiration for your artwork?
Luna: My mum is the inspiration for my artwork. My designs also surround the nostalgia of pattern and are a personal reflection on the ones I was surround by growing up. Christmas is very nostalgic for many, reminiscing about past holidays and finding ways to make the future memories. So I drew on my own memories and personal experiences towards this brief .
Vallakiya: My inspiration came from looking at Christmas through the lens of childhood memories, especially the colours that made the season feel exciting and full of warmth. Those early impressions stay with us, and even as adults certain shades can still bring back that familiar sense of nostalgia. I wanted to capture that feeling in a way that celebrates those memories while still feeling fresh and festive.
How did you approach the brief?
Vallakiya: I starting with lots of quick sketches and colour tests to see what felt festive and uplifting. I focused on balancing playfulness with a clean final look, making sure the design would stand out on a busy Christmas morning. My process was very hands-on, experimenting until the colours and shapes created the energy I wanted.
What did you find most challenging?
Luna: Surprisingly, I found creating a colour palette the most challenging. I love using geometric patterns as I find it gives me more scope to explore colour. When designing the wrapping paper, I wanted to capture that Christmas feeling through colour my colour palette; finding that perfect balance between was challenging as I wanted it to be perfect.
What is the one key thing you will take away from this project?
Luna: How much fun it was! I truly enjoyed every second, the design process, the drafts, the tweaks and finishing touches were all so enjoyable.
Vallakiya: I will take away the importance of experimenting with colours and being bold with choices. We often underestimate how much colour impacts the emotions we attach to objects. Bright, expressive tones can lift a mood in subtle ways, and this project reminded me to embrace that more confidently.
Are there any other products you would like to apply your designs to?
Luna: I have lots of ideas about ways of applying my design as I specifically looked into surface design during my time at university. I have a personal love for interior design and so would love to apply my designs to a wide range of surfaces, including upholstery, rugs, cabinets and kitchen appliances etc.
Vallakiya: I would love to see the design on items like festive gift bags, notebooks, or seasonal home decor such as cushions or mugs. The colours and playful feel could work well across different products and bring that nostalgic Christmas warmth into other small moments.
Can you list 3 other things than gift wrapping that you could use your wrapping paper for?
Luna: If you particularly love a wrapping design, putting it in a frame, big or small looks great as a poster. I think it’s great to keep new or scraps of wrapping paper to scrap booking activities. If you have some extra time, making envelopes from wrapping paper looks great, I have a friend who has already made some envelopes with my wrapping paper.
Do you enjoy gift wrapping at Christmas, or is it the worst part of the holidays for you?
Vallakiya: I enjoy gift wrapping because it builds the excitement of imagining how your loved ones will react when they open their gifts. That anticipation makes the whole process feel meaningful, even when it gets a bit tiring. It becomes a small ritual of care that adds to the joy of giving.
Thank you both, we wish you a cracking Christmas and all the best for 2026!
Our commissioned festive gift wrap is one of the many paid opportunities we offer UAL students and graduates.
Learn more about our UAL x Tate Christmas card competition, exclusive range of commissioned tea towels and jigsaw competition.
Sign up to our newsletter to keep up with our latest competitions and opportunities, or visit us on our UAL page.