Creative designer and illustrator that believes in the power of user-centered design, teamwork and inclusive practice
As a former architect who turned to brand development and visual design, my style combines functionality, playfulness, simplicity, and a limited colour palette. I genuinely believe in the positive influence of illustration and brand visuals on social change management - the change that starts from us, our actions and transformation.
Years of experience
Collaborations
WHAT DO I DO IN DESIGN, YOU ASK?
Interested to see more? Scroll down and explore the design process of selected projects:
Kubem Studio
brand development
Playful corner of whimsical illustrations
Contrado
creative design
Design partner of independent artists worldwide
Shine Bright Little Moonbeam
book illustration
A book for the heart's many phases.
Rise Little Earthling
print and pattern collections
Multi-dimensional kids’ lifestyle brand.
Kubem Studio
Kubem Studio specializes in creating playful illustrations for lighthearted brands. In addition to custom services, my growth strategy involved creating a signature print collection, Kubem toys, and other merchandise. Brand development aligns with Kubem's playful aesthetic and values, combining whimsy and functionality in delightful compositions. I've produced illustrations for diverse products, brand materials, stationery, interior decor, and unique pieces. As part of growing Kubem Studio, I've taken on various roles like product and content creation, customer service, website design with a shop section, Etsy shop launch and expansion, marketing, and overall brand building.
Tasks
* Branding and visuals
* Website and shop design
* Print collection design
* Toy design
* Illustration services
* Marketing
* Customer service
Skills
* Adobe Illustrator
* Adobe Photoshop
* Adobe InDesign
* Procreate
* WordPress
* Tailwind
* Etsy
Kubem Studio
In addition to creating various products featuring Kubem illustrations, I concentrated on networking and collaborations for custom illustration services. The growth strategy included showcasing on Kubem's website, Etsy, print shops, and social media, particularly Pinterest. I also explored additional merchandise opportunities. Custom projects encompassed brand illustration, book illustration, print and pattern licensing, and other personalized services.
Toy design process
These whimsical companions transcend age, inviting not just the young but also the young at heart to keep their inner child awake. My journey of product development involved every facet—from pattern design and fabric combinations to the nuanced selection of the color palette and the artistry of sewing. My mission was to breathe life into 2D characters, ensuring they resonate seamlessly with the tone of voice and visuals that define the Kubem brand.
Colour palette
To start with the design, I love creating a moodboard with colour palette and different textured fabrics for the body, clothes, and details.
Pattern making
After establishing the character design to fit Kubem's story and creatures, the next phase involves creating patterns and deciding on size, accessories, and details.
Sewing
My favourite part! Once I stitch the toy's body, it's all set for adding clothes and additional details.
Adding details
Every extra piece is carefully made to flawlessly match the character.
That's it!
Our new friend is all set to join the crowd!
Contrado
The new visual identity is centred around unique qualities, sustainability, the brand’s mission, and the target audience. Contrado helps creatives to make, source and sell art across a vast range of quality and exclusive products made to last. I worked closely with an art director and team to redefine the brand’s key visual messages, create artist's collections and develop campaigns. The photography direction is inclusive and celebrates artist collections.
Tasks
* Brand guidelines
* Brand illustration
* Visual design
* Campaign development
* Collection development
* Platform improvement
Skills
* Figma
* Adobe Photoshop
* Adobe AfterEffects
* Adobe Illustrator
* Procreate
* Miro
Marketing Visuals
I worked closely with the marketing team to understand their goals and objectives and create engaging visuals that support the company's marketing campaign efforts. The tasks included the design of email newsletters, social media posts, advertisements, and campaign preparations.
Skills
Active Campaign *
Mailchimp *
Figma *
Adobe Photoshop *
Adobe InDesign *
Campaign concept design
In my role as a creative designer at Contrado, developing campaigns and creating collections with artists was a key responsibility. I curated artwork collections and designed product lines to showcase each artist's unique style and values. Here's an example of a collaboration with the illustrator CatCoq.
Forming a concept
This campaign celebrates the 60s, titled "Golden Hour." I aimed to showcase the artist's vibrant work and the premium look of Contrado's products by curating a collection that highlights her designs. The process began with a moodboard for inspiration.
Product design
The next step is designing a product range, including clothes, accessories, and stationery. I focused on combining patterns, determining sizes, and using prints thoughtfully.
Photoshoot
Preparing for a photoshoot involves sketching compositions, getting props ready, and carefully incorporating design products.
Promoting the collection
After getting everything ready to roll, it's time to spread the joy and share the collection with everyone!
Shine Bright Little Moonbeam
"Shine Bright Little Moonbeam" is a book exploring moon phases and their impact on our emotions. The idea was to create a girl character and a storyline reflecting each phase, complemented by poetic sentences by the talented writer Jenny. I started by developing the character, then worked on the concept, and finally, produced digital illustrations.
Tasks
* Character design
* Concept design
* Digital illustration
* Preparation for printing
Skills
* Adobe InDesign
* Adobe Photoshop
* Procreate
Book illustration process
Character design
The initial step involves picking colors and deciding on the approach for the girl character. I typically provide three character options for the client to choose from.
Concept design
This phase is the most intricate as it focuses on crafting the story and compositions. I create sketches and collaborate closely with the client, discussing changes and exploring different perspectives.
Final illustrations
Once everything is set, it's time for the final illustrations!
Print preparation
Getting a book ready for printing means using Adobe InDesign to design templates and paying attention to details and extra pages.
Rise Little Earthling
Rise Little Earthling brings organic and responsibly sourced products to caring parents. Inspired by Scandinavian design, their style reflects simplicity. As a print and pattern designer for their clothing collections, I developed concepts, crafted characters, and created numerous compositions while adhering to client guidelines and the color palette.
Tasks
* Trend research
* Concept design
* Digital illustration
* Pattern design
Skills
* Adobe Illustrator
* Procreate
Pattern design process
Trend research
To set the initial approach, each pattern in the collection undergoes trend research and aligns with theme requirements.
Character design
Moving forward, I delve into sketches, character design, and the addition of playful elements such as lines, dots, leaves, and more. This is a phase where creativity comes to life!
Pattern design
Once I have gathered enough elements and characters, I arrange them in a repeating composition using Adobe Illustrator, making it ready for fabric printing.
Sewing and packaging
With the design ready and printing tested, it's time to move on to the sewing phase.
TESTIMONIALS
" She was exceptionally enthusiastic about the project, using a fresh approach when delivering visual solutions, and it was something that I was looking for. She can think out of the box, and it was very helpful for the different points of view I needed. "
"Working with Milica was great! She undertook to learn what I was seeking in a brand new project and translated those ideas and suggestions into wonderful designs. Her attention to the details of how these designs would work really helped turn the project into a lovely success. The turnaround was prompt and efficient so we had the whole project wrapped up quickly too."
" Milica has been wonderful to work with! Superfast response time when creating a custom order for me. I highly recommend her shop! The decor will look so cute in my son's nursery. "
Design process of visuals for brand development:
1.
Understanding the brand's personality and conducting research on the brand's values, mission, tone of voice, and style.
2.
Determining the target audience to define visuals that resonate with them and their needs.
3.
Developing a design concept that is consistent with the overall marketing strategy.
4.
Testing the design with the target audience. Is it inviting, inclusive, educational and easy to understand?
5.
Selecting the best design strategy and refining it into a final design.
6.
Applying the design across various platforms.
Let's work together
