I’m Ursula Zaba McCarthy—I founded Zaba Creative as a surface-pattern and illustration studio rooted in vibrant color, playful shapes, and the rhythm of the seasons. My work blends Scandinavian-influenced minimalism with a warm, modern sensibility—bold palettes, clean vector lines, and thoughtful details designed to bring joy and clarity to everyday life.

My inspiration comes from the world around me: travel, nature, morning walks with our dog Ollie, and the landscapes that have shaped me, especially the Adirondacks and the Saint Lawrence River. Each collection begins with something real—an experience, a place, a memory—and evolves into artwork that feels inviting, expressive, and timeless.

Before launching Zaba Creative, I spent years designing for brands like Ben & Jerry’s, Burton, Estée Lauder, Procter & Gamble, Northland Communications, higher-education institutions, and small businesses. That background in brand-aligned design, storytelling, and composition continues to guide every piece I create, whether it’s a pattern collection, a home-goods line, or a collaboration.

Zaba—Polish for “frog”—is a nod to my heritage and the values that shape my work: renewal, resilience, movement, and the grounding pull of water. It reflects the creative rhythm behind each design and the story of where I come from.

Today, I focus on building pattern-driven products, licensing partnerships, and collaborations with retailers and brands that value originality, quality, and a modern yet welcoming design voice.

If you’re looking for artwork that feels bold, warm, and thoughtfully crafted, I’m glad you’re here.