Notes on Nostalgia

On analog feelings, digital fatigue, and slow design.

Jun 19, 2025

I’ve been reflecting on nostalgia quite a bit lately.

Not only have I let it consume me fully (as the trinket-loving, collector-of-items type girl, it can be expected)… but lately, I’ve started noticing it showing up in my work as well.

I’ve never been one to fully jump on trends when it comes to design. I’ve always cared more about storytelling and the substance of a project. But one thing I’ve always been obsessed with? Retro design. And seeing it roll back into trend again has been so fun to witness. Although, yes, sometimes a tad bit oversaturated.

I think with the rise of AI and all this fast-moving tech, we’re all craving something analog. Something we can hold in our hands and feel. Work that’s real and tactile and emotional. The thing that makes design so special to begin with (and art—because man, does art do a good job at that).

I’ve never really thought of myself as an “artist,” per se, more so a designer. But the older I get, and the more experience I gain, I’m reminded of the little girl who did love art and creating.

And with “inner child” work being such a big topic nowadays, I think it pairs perfectly with nostalgia.

And who doesn’t love nostalgia?
Reliving the “glory days.” That kind of thing.

**Completely Cool Stuff January 1995 Seventeen Magazine**

I recently got into junk journaling (after many failed attempts to stick with it in the past), and although I still don’t do it as much as I’d like, there’s something so special about collecting bits and pieces from trips, dinners with friends, random errands. Capturing little moments that don’t feel big at the time, but leave a lasting impact.
I’ve always kept boxes of that kind of stuff—but now, thanks to the rise of junk journaling, I finally have a place to put it all.

Same with stickers! I’ve been seeing people make sticker collection books, and honestly? Brilliant. Especially for those of us who treat stickers like collectibles and never have the guts to actually stick them on something.

Lately, I’ve just been feeling this constant yearning for a slower pace.
A time when I spent hours perfecting my MySpace page (god, I miss how customizable it was).
Making music and writing songs just because I liked to write. Forcing my family to sit through MANY performances of mine. Feeling the buttons click on flip phones. Carrying around my CD player—listening to a mix I burned that weekend and replayed endlessly.

Lisa Frank. Polly Pocket. Totally Spies. Hannah Montana. Suite Life of Zack and Cody…

Always carrying around trinkets and toys and a journal because I was constantly in my own little world.

And who remembers buying music videos on iTunes to watch over and over on your iPod? I sure do.

I got a little off track there, but isn’t that what writing is for?
To process your thoughts, share your ideas… capture what’s inspiring you, or what you’re reflecting on at different stages in life.

Nostalgia is fun. It’s good.
We shouldn’t let it consume us, but it sure is nice to sit with sometimes.

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