Teo Ninkovic

I am a Designer, Artist, and Hospitality Professional with a passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and meaningful experiences. With nearly two decades in the hospitality industry, I have honed my skills in operations, management, and customer engagement while fostering a deep appreciation for design, aesthetics, and storytelling.

Now, I am transitioning back to my original and lifelong passion: art and design. I specialize in digital and traditional illustration, branding, and visual storytelling, combining my artistic vision with the problem-solving mindset cultivated through years of managing fast-paced environments.

Whether crafting a compelling visual identity, designing functional and beautiful spaces, or enhancing the guest experience through thoughtful design, I bring a unique blend of creativity, adaptability, and strategic thinking to every project.

I am currently open to design opportunities where I can contribute my skills in illustration, branding, and digital design while continuing to expand my expertise. Let’s connect and create something extraordinary!

With a dynamic career spanning design, hospitality, and creative leadership, I have developed a unique skill set that blends artistic vision, operational efficiency, and strategic management. Currently, as the Creative Director and Beverage Director of The Stefano Group, I oversee branding, design, and beverage program development for Trattoria Stefano, Il Ritrovo, Field to Fork, and Stefano’s Slo Food Market. Prior to this, I served as Director of Operations at The Sheboygan County Warming Center, leading initiatives to improve efficiency and community outreach.

My experience also includes nearly a decade in leadership roles in Chicago, at Estereo and The Dawson, where I combined design, branding, and hospitality expertise to enhance guest experiences and streamline business operations. Additionally, as a freelance designer since 2008, I have created logos, digital assets, and brand identities, working closely with clients to bring their visions to life.

I hold a UX/UI Design Professional Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2022-2023), where I gained expertise in user experience, interface design, and digital product development. My background in graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and front-end development allows me to create intuitive, aesthetically compelling solutions that prioritize user engagement. This formal education, combined with my hands-on experience in branding and visual storytelling, has shaped my approach to design, ensuring both functionality and artistic integrity in every project.