Hi . . . I'm Ursula Zaba McCarthy, a surface pattern designer and illustrator based in Central New York. With a rich background in graphic design, I bring a keen eye for vibrant colors and bold designs to my work.

My designs embrace vibrant shapes and colors, the ever-changing seasons, nature, and all the little things around us that make our lives special. I am inspired by travel, family, friends, morning walks with our dog Ollie, and the endless beauty of the Adirondacks and The Saint Lawrence River area.

I have worked on a wide variety of packaging and graphic design for various clients including Ben & Jerry’s, Burton Snowboards, Procter & Gamble, Estée Lauder, Northland Communications, as well as higher education institutions and small businesses.

Learning the world of repeat patterns, and product creation has been an exciting and joyful pivot in my career. I'm looking forward to what lies ahead in my ever-evolving creative journey.

I'm proudly a first-generation child of Polish immigrants, growing up immersed in the rich culture of my heritage. While other kids were glued to Saturday morning cartoons, I was enrolled in Polish language school and participating in Polish Scouts, often wearing traditional folk outfits for various cultural events. Interestingly, “Zaba”, which means frog in Polish, was a challenging last name for me as a child, but as an adult, I've come to appreciate its symbolism. Frogs are widely regarded as signs of good luck and prosperity, with strong associations to water, representing abundance and renewal. I've found peace and balance in my love for water, whether it's enjoying its presence during the warmth of summer or embracing its icy gifts in the winter.