I wanted to remember the Novi Sad of the past, before all the tragedies. So, I started mapping out the places that shaped me. Somehow, they connected into a giant heart. 

Though my grandfather’s house was torn down long before I was born, it found its way into this illustration as my personal starting point. The cathedral stands as a meeting place, Danube Park brings back memories of high school gatherings, and thanks to university, I’ve been spending more time across the river in Srem. For a Bačka-born girl, the toughest challenge remains cycling uphill on the Varadin Bridge. 

This illustration now lives on a minimalist gray-and-black drawstring bag, designed for everyday use—whether for city strolls, work, or weekend trips. Discover Novi Sad through this unique, screen printed on a stylish gray-and-black drawstring bag. Featuring iconic landmarks like the Petrovaradin Fortress, the Cathedral, and Danube Park, this design captures the essence of the city and its personal significance.

Every step of the process, from illustration and design to printing and sewing, happens in our Polender studio.