MILICA

Senior Product Designer & Creative
hello@milica.com


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OVERVIEW

Smilte: Dreamlike Portfolio

Year: 2018

Industry: Arts/Creative

ART DIRECTION DESIGN UI UX


Smilte is a simple creative portfolio theme designed for artists and designers seeking a distinctive and immersive way to showcase their work. With its ethereal, mysticism-inspired overtones and dreamlike imagery, the design creates an atmospheric experience.


VIEW PROJECT



CHALLENGE The challenge was to create a portfolio experience that felt deeply personal and evocative while maintaining structure and usability. The balance between artistic storytelling and practical navigation was central to the project’s success.






APPROACH & VISUAL STRATEGY

Competitive & Industry Research


To shape the visual and experiential direction, I conducted in-depth research on competitor portfolios and industry trends, focusing on how creative professionals present their work in a way that feels both immersive and functional. 
The findings highlighted a growing appreciation for soft transitions, layered compositions, and a restrained yet emotive color palettes.

Wireframing

The final design embraces an airy aesthetic, with delicate typography, floating elements, and carefully curated negative space that enhances the dreamlike quality. 

Subtle animation and interactive effects evoke a sense of movement, creating a visual rhythm that feels organic and surreal. 

The interplay of light, texture, and transparency reinforces the theme’s ethereal quality, making each portfolio presentation feel like a curated art piece rather than a static showcase.




IMPACT & RESULTSSmilte resonated strongly with creatives looking for a platform that feels as unique as their work, leading to significant sales and adoption. 

It was also featured at CSS Design Awards , receiving accolades for Best UI Design, Best UX Design, and Best Innovation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS One key takeaway is the power of atmospheric design—Smilte proved that a strong, emotionally resonant visual language can elevate a digital experience while maintaining usability. The combination of fluid transitions, soft layering, and carefully curated typography created an immersive, almost surreal browsing experience without compromising clarity.





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   © Milica Stefanovic