With the new year I want, in the series “Portraits — Elegant Blossoms” (the calendar guiding us through 2025), to introduce a few remarkable people without whom Zoki.art wouldn’t be what it is today. They are my precious co-creators and supporters — artistic souls who have woven their imprint into the story of my work. The first among them is certainly Darja Malarič — my dear designer and indispensable right hand for more than six years.
Darja Malarič
Darja creates under her own brand Darja Dizajn and is a true master of visual stories. Her creations speak a language of gentleness and elegance that fits perfectly with my world of illustration. At Zoki.art Darja is the one who takes care of virtually all design — from product layouts in the online shop to most of the picture books I’ve illustrated. She’s the one who brings illustrations to life so they don’t remain just pretty images. Together we’ve woven the visual identity of many stories now adorning bookshelves and the cosy corners of people’s hearts.
Our First Joint Project
Our first shared story began with Petra Šuštar, with whom we created her first book and bestseller The Emerald Forest of Wishes. It was Petra who crossed our paths – something I’ll always be grateful for. From that very first project it was clear our creative energies were completely in sync. We read each other visually – a gift you don’t receive every day in this profession.
Darja isn’t just a top designer but also a gentle, kind soul who always creates the feeling that everything will be all right. Her calm “we’ll sort this” approach is a balm for creative nerves — especially in moments when deadlines loom and a hundred tiny details need lining up. I always give her free rein in design because I completely trust her knowledge, intuition and professionalism.
I’m certain Darja and I will keep collaborating for a long time, spoiling your eyes and minds with sensuous designs that carry stories inside them. Even though Darja often prefers to stay in the background, her contribution to Zoki.art is enormous and I can’t imagine this world without her.
Thank you, Darja, for being you! I can’t wait for all the future projects that will grow from our creative alliance.
If you also have design challenges, I warmly invite you to reach out at darja.malaric@gmail.com or show her some support on social media.
With love,
Zorana (Zoki.art) 🎨
See more from the Mične Cvetične series and shop illustrations in the shop.
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