Collaboration with Newbike: illustrations, cyclists and the creative world of Zoki.art

Collaboration with Newbike: illustrations, cyclists and the creative world of Zoki.art

Working with the Newbike team is one of those projects that begins almost casually, then gently gets under your skin. And stays.
Recently they published an interview in which Barbara and I opened the doors to my creative world, daily rhythms and all that sits behind the illustrations you see on the City Cyclist (female) and City Cyclist (male) T‑shirts.

You can read the full interview here:
👉 https://www.kolesa-newbike.si/zoki-art-zoranazivic-osebni-intervju

How the collaboration began

Although I had promised myself a short creative breather just before Barbara’s email arrived, the moment I saw the word cyclist the character appeared before me.
I instantly knew the project was “mine”.
From there everything flowed: Barbara with the words, me with the drawing – and in that in‑between a space forms where the story settles in.

Creative process and small rituals

In the interview we also touch on my working habits:
– clear the space first, then draw,
– work in short focused bursts,
– listen to music that blends gently with the world of colour.

My process is more lively than romantic. More practical than dramatic. That’s exactly why it works.

City Cyclist – female and male

One of the most beautiful parts of the collaboration was carrying the illustrations into a story of sustainable mobility.
Both T‑shirts became more than a product. They carry a message about movement, the city, the rhythm of life – where the bicycle takes you forward without taking anything away.

In the interview I speak about:
– how I shaped the female and male character,
– how the styles fell naturally into place,
– why this project matters to me personally.

And yes, my husband wears his at home. That always says something.

Illustration as a voice

We also talked about the broader view of illustration: that it is quick, direct communication that catches people in an instant.
Sometimes sooner than words.
Perhaps that is why I so love working on projects that carry a message, a wider purpose – or at least a touch of the city’s pulse in the background.

A glimpse into the creative world of Zoki.art

The interview also touches on my path: from study, decisions, Etsy beginnings, finding my own colour story, and those small truths you only discover when you do your work day after day, year after year.
It speaks of my love of calendars, gentle tones, misty transitions – and why I never stay with one colour for long.

Thank you for the lovely collaboration

Working with Newbike was warm, respectful and creative – just what an artist hopes for.
Thank you to Barbara and the team for the lovely conversation, for the space they gave my work and for the feeling that together we shaped something that endures.

You’ll find the full interview here:
👉 https://www.kolesa-newbike.si/zoki-art-zoranazivic-osebni-intervju

And something pleasantly surprising:
there is currently a special prize draw on their website where you can take part and win a beautiful city bicycle.
How to enter is best checked directly with them – they have all the information laid out there.

Photo: Mateja Potočnik