From Banja Luka to New York – this has been the journey of the young designer Katarina Nikić, whose work has adorned one of the most famous squares in the world: Times Square.
The gold medal-winning poster for the Ivanov project reached the very center of New York City, with its quality confirmed by 30 expert jurors from 14 countries who awarded Katarina this prestigious distinction in the Culture category of POSTER FOR’s International Competition in Poster Design, which rewards artists in social, ecological and cultural categories.
When her design work graced Times Square in May 2025, it was a moment that Katarina says she will remember for her entire life. “It’s a dream come true for me,” said the young Banja Luka woman, who is still exploring her design voice.
Katarina is best able to express herself through posters, which give her a medium to speak out about what is important to her. Her posters typically focus on social issues, environmental disasters, and the challenges posed by advancements in artificial intelligence, often incorporating satire, irony, and metaphor.
Her creative process begins with research, whether on a social issue or a work of art.
“When I’m designing, my first step is always researching the topic, and then I try to convey my thinking and perspective through the work. For example, when I make a poster for a play, I first research the work and then create a visual expression that will speak to the audience. I believe that design requires flexibility and the ability to adapt to clients’ particular requirements and needs,” explained Katarina.
Presentations and networking with fellow designers from different countries have motivated her to develop her art. “I try to apply different techniques, but I especially like experimental typography in combination with elements from nature and the environment,” said Katarina.
She explains that her style offers a solid basis for other artists to borrow certain elements and integrate them into their own work. She believes that the strength of design lies in simplicity.
“I think that good design should be clear and simple. For me, meaning and functionality are the key factors of good design. I often use only two elements to convey an idea, and I think that every process, regardless of its length, is a new lesson,” Katarina reflected.
For her, talent is only part of the equation, while the real key to success lies in passion and support. She believes that passion for design is what drives an artist to develop and forge their own path. She also emphasized the vital support of her colleagues and professors, and expressed special thanks to Professor Jelena Gruber, who saw her through to her master’s degree.
While her name is already been inscribed on the world map of design, her future plans remain tied to her hometown.
“I plan to continue researching new approaches to design and development in the field of visual communications. I also want to pass on my experience and knowledge to young designers in Banja Luka. I proudly represent my city on the international stage, and I hope that Banja Luka will be proud of me,” said Katarina.
Katarina has already participated in numerous international exhibitions and competitions, including in the United States, China, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Mongolia, Russia, India, Peru, Brazil, Panama, Armenia, Germany, Poland, Finland, Portugal, Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. She is proof that with the Vrbas River in your heart, you can reach the lights of the world’s capitals – and that a poster from Banja Luka can also shine in Times Square.
