MAKE IT CUTE

What's the first thing you see when you flip open your laptop? Exactly—your wallpaper. 

Believe it or not, it can make *all* the difference when it comes to feeling inspired. If a monochrome background or default landscape pic is more your speed, go for it. But what about a customized wallpaper collage tailored to fit Y-O-U? Well, we know just how to do it. 

1. Set-up

We're starting with the boring part: setting everything up.

First, Google your laptop screen size in pixels. (For Apple users, go to "About This Mac" to find your laptop version, and for Microsoft users, your model is under "Device Information.")

Next, we'll be using Canva, our fave user-friendly graphic design platform, to put everything together. Once you've logged in to the site, tap the "Create a Design" button, select "Custom Dimensions," input the size of your laptop and get ready to get creative.

2. What's your vibe?

Instagram: @firstlovelatejune

Do you prefer collage-inspired wallpaper with tons of overlapping images and text or are you more of a minimalist? What color schemes and fonts make you feel calm or inspired? From intellectual dark academia to romantic cottagecore, everyone has their own unique aesthetic.

(Psst...still not sure what your aesthetic is? Take our quiz to find out!)

3. Handpick your photos

Instagram: @lia.diamantis

OK, now we need to find the perfect pics that make you swoon. How do we find them? Pinterest. Create a board for your wallpaper and start Pinning everything that catches your eye.

If you're new to Pinterest, you can find a comprehensive guide here. Or, you can simply search up keywords (such as "vintage aesthetic," "travel," "motivational quotes" and "food") and you'll find a wealth of content to dive into.

4. Finishing touches

After downloading the photos you saved and importing them into Canva, it's time to create your wallpaper. There's no "right answer" to this step, so it's all up to you. To spice up your collage, there's a huge selection of filters and design elements (like icons and text) directly in Canva, as well as clip art and stickers.

Bottom line: Play around with your collage. Rearrange and resize your pics until it looks and feels like *yours.* Once you're happy with your design, download it and set it as your wallpaper—and get a boost of serotonin (and inspiration) every time you open your laptop.

Get creating and have fun!

Instagram: @juliakcrist

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Show off your new wallpaper by tagging us on Instagram @girlslifemag!

All GIFs via GIPHY
Slider image via @juliakcrist on Instagram

by Zoe Yu | 3/24/2022