The Woman Behind the Waves: Gina Ekiss and the Iconic 'Jazz' Design

If you grew up in the 90s in the US, odds are the "Jazz" design was part of your life.

It was on disposable cups, plates, and bowls at birthday parties, school events, and in office breakrooms. Those sweeping teal and purple strokes somehow felt both futuristic and effortless, perfectly embodying the aesthetic of an era.

But did you ever wonder who created it?

Meet Gina Ekiss.

Back in the late 80s and early 90s, Gina Ekiss was a designer at the Sweetheart Cup Company, working with a team to create patterns for disposable tableware.

But did you know she remained a mystery until 2015?

That year, a Reddit thread identified Gina as the designer, though another user, Stephanie Miller, also claimed credit. While many believe it’s Ekiss’s work, Solo Cup Company hasn’t officially confirmed it.

Their spokesperson, Kasey Skala, explained that internal research points to a former employee named Gina as the likely creator.

It's worth pointing out that after Sweetheart Cup Company was acquired, much of the team had moved on, leaving the full story behind Jazz’s creation a bit murky, but the internet - as of now - has settled on Gina as the one true creator.

Ironically, the Sweetheart Cup Company wasn't aiming to make an iconic design—they were simply trying to stand out in the competitive paper goods market.

The design itself?

Bold, jagged teal brushstroke resembling crayon marks, layered with a finer purple zigzag. Simple - but everlasting.

A Simple Idea That Took Off

The idea for “Jazz” was deceptively simple.

The design featured bold teal brushstrokes with a splash of purple, evoking movement, energy, and vibrancy. It wasn’t trying to be flashy; it just felt... cool. And that’s what made it stick.

What’s fascinating is that Gina never aimed to create a cultural phenomenon—though, to be fair, it’s not exactly something you can plan for.

It was a piece of functional art meant to be tossed after one use. Yet, over time, it became synonymous with an entire decade, quietly embedding itself in everything from snack bars to movies.

Maybe it’s nostalgia.

Maybe it’s the timeless appeal of a bold, simple design. Either way, “Jazz” remains iconic today. You’ll find people rocking it on t-shirts, phone cases, and even tattoos.

For many, it’s a reminder of simpler times, when a disposable cup didn’t just hold soda but memories of hanging out with friends, going to the mall, or road-tripping with family.

The Unsung Hero of Design

What’s frustrating—and so typical in the art world—is that Gina Ekiss never got the recognition she deserved at the time.

Her name wasn’t attached to the design, and for decades, few knew the person behind it.

Today, though, there’s been a renewed appreciation for her work, thanks to retro revival movements and folks digging into the history of everyday objects.

Gina herself has expressed surprise at how much love “Jazz” gets all these years later. She never imagined her design would outlive the products it was printed on.

The story of Gina Ekiss and “Jazz” isn’t just about an eye-catching pattern.

It’s a reminder of how art—no matter how small or functional—can leave an impression. It’s also a call to celebrate the artists and designers whose work shapes our culture in ways we don’t always realise.

So next time you see those teal and purple waves, take a moment to appreciate the artist behind them.

Gina Ekiss didn’t just design a cup; she designed a legacy. And that’s pretty jazzed, if you ask me.