Kristina in Albert I'mStein and Kaleos frames
Illustration isn't just about pretty children's books anymore – it can reach much further. Kristina hopes to one day explore heavier themes and bring them closer to people through her work.
3. September 2025, Author: Barbara Garaj, Photo: Jakub Čaprnka
If you'd asked little Kristina what she wanted to be when she grew up, she'd have said fashion designer or illustrator without hesitation. Her path eventually led to illustration, though she got there through design studies and gradually discovering what truly excited her.
Kristina studied Media Design at Paneuropean University, where she immersed herself in art and various techniques including screen printing. Her teachers profoundly influenced her, broadening her horizons and showing her new creative possibilities. At school she grasped that illustration has its rules and foundations you need to master before you can bend your own style.
After her bachelor's, her direction became clear and illustration became her domain. She joined an advertising agency where she entered the world of marketing, though drawing never left her even there.
Alongside work she found time for her own creative practice, initially just as a hobby. With support from her partner Martin, she gradually grew bolder, shared her work on social media, overcame initial uncertainty and began to see herself as an illustrator.
"It probably took time to identify with it, overcome myself and not be ashamed of what I do. And get the thought into my head that my work isn't actually as bad as I think. Eventually I got past that phase and found courage."
After much deliberation, Kristina decided to dedicate herself fully to illustration and graphic design. She's been freelancing for nearly two years now, working on projects that give her meaning not just for the brand but for the solid idea they're built on.
Her work can be seen around the Old Town, for which she created city merch. Winning that competition brought her one of her first long-term collaborations.
Kristina's illustrations came to life on book covers and appeared in N magazine in an issue devoted to sexuality and relationships. In future she'd like to focus on work that expresses strong emotions and brings difficult topics closer to people.
Today Kristina has her clientele but stays open to new projects. She works closely with cafés, for which she's created packaging, logos, and even designed the entire identity for the coffee festival Two Coffee Champs. She also creates illustrations for the Czech-Slovak coffee magazine Roast Different.
Coffee is simultaneously a personal passion for her. She loves enjoying it with friends at places like Kauka or 6:57, where between conversations she peeks at menus and packaging, drawing inspiration from the smallest details. Among other things, she's fascinated by the unconventional atmosphere of cemeteries, where she goes with her sketchbook to escape the bustling city.
In her free time Kristina seeks out café buzz, but she's equally happy retreating to the cottage. With her partner and dog Majlo, she enjoys forest walks and building Lego.
She finds inspiration in the small things of everyday life. When travelling she photographs symbols and details that she then transforms into illustrations. She'd love to return to linocut technique, but currently works mostly in digital illustration. This form gives her the freedom and pace her profession often demands.
"For me, art means freedom and liberty. It's a space to mirror what a person holds inside."
Kristina found her way to our optician's quite naturally. On the street she often noticed people with original frames, so when the time came for new glasses, ZITA was her first choice. The trying-on session at Pradiareň went quickly, though consultations with loved ones helped her with the final decision.
Until then she'd mainly worn transparent or thin black frames, but she'd always longed for change. Eventually she was drawn to the colourful Copernicus model by Polish brand Albert I'mStein, which beautifully harmonises with her personality and hair colour.
After a while, sunglasses came into play too. In the portfolio of Spanish brand Kaleos she found a black frame she can't imagine summer without and happily wears during other seasons as well.
"I see ZITA as a reflection that we don't all have to wear the same frames. Everyone finds something there that reflects their taste and inner self."
