Jan 2, 2026
Visual Yoga for 2026
Two Sides, One Practice
I came to design from the science side.
As an engineer, I was drawn to systems and analytical thinking. That pulled me toward building. But as I built, I realized I needed to understand whom we were building for. That led me to the non-analytical, irrational side: human nature, human systems, human performance, psychology.
I studied cognitive psychology and human-computer interaction in my master's program. The subjects were science-oriented, and I loved every bit of it. I didn't know yet that most designers come from the art side. Graphic designers becoming visual designers, moving into interface design and information architecture. Meanwhile, I was moving from human information processing to user research to experience design strategy and value proposition.
Slowly I understood: one side helps you think deeply, the other helps you execute beautifully.
I started falling in love with the art side. I was pulled to symmetry, contrast, hierarchy, every visual perception principle that made beauty shine. My career accelerated as a systems designer, expanding into business design. But there was no need to exercise my visual muscles at work anymore.
So I created a practice to keep my visual side alive. I called it Visual Yoga.
The practice reached its peak when I met Jack Butcher in 2021. I loved how someone from the art side met my strategic side using simple shapes. I fell in love with design all over again, in ways I never had before.
Since then, I've kept Visual Yoga going twice a week, no matter what. I started by imitating what inspired me. I made silly posters. Slowly the muscle stayed alive, and the practice continues today.
This year I'm taking it further. With Figma AI doing some heavy lifting upfront, I can create multiple visuals each week. The practice is me brainstorming with Figma AI, doing my first pass, letting it take a stab, and finally at version "n", we both get happy and call it a day.
That's how 2026 started for me.
Here's a printable poster for the new year. Enjoy!
Take this to Printo, KGN, or any print shop and request: "Print on 11x17 aka A3/Tabloid Size, matte card stock, best quality"
Recommended:
Paper: 80-100lb matte cardstock
Finish: Matte (not glossy)
Can be scaled to 18x24" or 24x36" proportionally
Happy New Year. May this year build you in ways you've never imagined before 🎉
