Three weeks ago, the Internet successfully set out to find the designer behind the iconic Jazz cup. The teal and purple brushstroke pattern has been gracing disposable paper goods since the '90s, but no one knew the origin of the design. According to the Smithsonian, one curious fan turned to Reddit after he couldn't locate the information from a simple Google search.
The online community was able to locate Gina Ekiss, a former employee of the Sweetheart Cup Company in Springfield, MO. during the '80s and '90s. Thomas Gounley from the News-Leader in Missouri, then set out to find more information on Ekiss. By using the local phone book he was able to find her address and eventually showed up at her doorstep to find the real story behind the design.
Ekiss shared that Jazz had been a submission for a new stock image. It was chosen to be printed on cups and plates in the early '90s and became the company's top grossing design by the time she left in 2002. It has since been printed on numerous items like shirts, sweaters, and even cars.
Unfortunately, the Jazz cup is no longer in production, but no one will forget those colorful brushstrokes.
