Designer, maker, and problem-solver. Loves long runs on the beach… wait, wrong bio.

 
 

I’m part inventor, part storyteller—drawn to processes where I can collaborate, experiment, and get my hands messy, whether I’m screen printing, weaving, or building something unexpected. I love turning everyday materials into narratives worth touching—and I’m just as excited to share what I know as I am to learn from others.

If you're looking for someone to experiment, build, and nerd out with—I'm totally your type.

 
 
 

 

Textile Design

I worked as a textile designer, not just for major companies but also for my own line of home goods. I’ve seen firsthand how the right textile patterns can drive product sales. I also shared my passion for printmaking as a teaching assistant for screenprinting at Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago. 

 
 

© Kristina Zmaic, All rights reserved.

 

An exploration of prints using one of HP’s first fabric printers—testing stretch fabrics, washable silks, and just how well it could handle fine lines and tiny details (spoiler: really, really well).

© Kristina Zmaic, All rights reserved.

 

 

Pattern Making & Sewing: The Futura Collection

I've been sewing and creating patterns since I was five—Barbie was my first client, and she had a pretty extensive custom wardrobe (mostly sleeveless, per her request). I later earned a degree in fashion and have developed some serious pattern-making and sewing skills over the years.

My love for typography, graphic design, and all things ‘60s always found its way into my fashion designs. In my Futura Collection, I created custom-printed textiles featuring my favorite Space Invader—printed on ethereal, washable silk noil using one of HP’s first fabric printers (thanks to a reasonable licensing deal). I then painstakingly heat-set the fabric in a double-boiling pot, hoping it wouldn’t get wet and bleed. A few tries later—success!

The collection featured intricate circular patterns, mindful sheer cut-outs, and plenty of comfy, textured stretch knits—pockets included. It blended structured design with experimental techniques, all made for movement, stretch, and comfort—with a sense of fun.

 
 

© Kristina Zmaic, All rights reserved.

 

Pattern Making & Sewing: Hand-Dyed Feather Dress

Inspired by the architectural design of Dior, the avant-garde spirit of McQueen, and yet again, ‘60s feminine commentary—specifically Hitchcock’s The Birds—I designed and hand-crafted this custom feather dress for a charity auction. My design took first prize, awarded by a former Project Runway winner—an incredible honor that (almost) made the blood, sweat, and every meticulous hand-stitch worth it…

This dress was thoughtfully structured to comfortably hug the torso while feeling airy and weightless. Nothing like putting on formal wear for an event and being able to eat and dance to your heart’s content (while looking fabulous).

 

© Kristina Zmaic, All rights reserved.

 

Handbag Design

I spent years as a corporate handbag designer, creating bags (shocking!), accessories, and textiles while developing detailed specs for our manufacturers in Hong Kong. I also worked closely with our licensing team for special brand collaborations and overseas vendors for fabric sourcing to ensure product quality throughout the manufacturing process.

I set out to bring high-fashion silhouettes into durable, multi-use bags that could double as backpacks—versatile, livable, and built for city schleppers carrying their offices on their backs.

 
 
 
 

Spatial Design: Wayfinding, Signage & Wallpaper Design

I’ve worked with hotels, restaurants, offices, and events to bring brands to life in physical spaces—even during challenging moments. As the pandemic broke out in NYC, I developed some of the city’s first sanitation and safety procedures for how people could safely navigate and spend time in shared environments (with very limited resources).

From wayfinding systems to custom signage, I focused on creating flows that were not only visually aligned with the brand but genuinely useful—enhancing the environment rather than distracting from it. I love experimenting with materials and fabrication techniques to shape experiences people can walk through, touch, and navigate.

 
 
 
 

Shoemaking Intensive

At 20, my dream was to become a shoemaker in Amsterdam (at the time that tiny city seemed to have a LOT of shoemakers)—probably because I missed the magic of fashion design and millinery, turning flat textiles into 3D objects.

Years later, Brooklyn Shoe Space reignited that spark, teaching me how to choose lasts, draft patterns, source materials, and master the mystical 5-in-1 Machine (which, surprisingly, does grant wishes). The most stressful part? Breaking my lasts, praying my shoes wouldn’t deflate like sad balloons. And guess what? They didn’t—I still have sturdy, functional boots!

 
 

They’re REAL!


Who am I? The existential question…

 
 
 

Designer, Maker, Problem-Solver…

Originally from Chicago, I grew up refinishing spaces—hanging drywall, spackling, sanding, learning electrical, laying flooring—you name it, I’ve tackled it. That early love of materiality and making still guides my creative work today, and in my spare time, I continue to rehab spaces and build furniture.

I started my career as a handbag and textile designer, drawn to pattern and storytelling through form, and have since spent over a decade shaping brands across digital and physical spaces. From signage and wayfinding to fabrication and UX, I design with layers, texture, and the full human experience in mind.

I’ve led design teams, launched products and apps from scratch, and built identities that extend from the web to the walls—literally.

 
 
 

Young me in need of a PR Coach, a reminder of growth and the big opportunities I’ve had.

 

…Educator, Empowerer.

Fueled by curiosity and a beginner’s mindset, I discovered a true passion for course creation and teaching while diving into a new world of digital UI/UX design and web development. I’d dabbled in teaching textiles, Adobe, and screenprinting years before—but I hadn’t yet realized it was something I was truly meant to do.

I supported early cohorts at General Assembly as a TA for designers learning to code, helped shape Skillcrush’s brand and curriculum (featured on the front page of BBC.com), and later partnered with my GA buddies and founders of One Month to develop evolving, project-based courses that kept learners engaged and coming back for more.

 
 

And Most Importantly…

I love hiking, trail running, camping & adventure.

 

Although I live in one of the biggest cities in the world, I always jump at the chance to go hiking, trail running, spelunking, or camping across the globe. I also appreciate the value of well-designed gear that not only looks great but can withstand the elements. Outdoor and athletic wear doesn’t just embrace color and fun—it’s also the ultimate example of function meeting form. And honestly? That’s the most satisfying combination to me.

 
 

Every project I’ve worked on with Kristina has been better, not only because of her delightfully intuitive designs, but because of her questions, her knowledge of our customers, and even her “This might be insane, but…” spitball ideas.
— Brian F, Engineer

 

Shoot me an email and let's talk.

zmaic1@gmail.com

© Kristina Zmaic, All rights reserved.