ABOUT
Philosophy
“My aim is to omit everything superfluous so that the essential is shown to the best possible advantage.”
Dieter Rams
Academic Background
Qualification: Grade 12
Institution: Pretoria High School for Girls
Subjects: Afrikaans, Mathematics, English, Biology, Geography, Art
Completed: 2004
Qualification: Design Software Courses
Institution: University of Stellenbosch
Subjects: Flash, In Design, Illustrator, Photoshop, Final Cut.
Completed: 2008
Qualification: Bachelor of Arts in Visual, Visual Communication (Graphic Design)
Institution: University of Stellenbosch
Subjects:
First Year: Philosophy of Art, Information Skills, Art History (Major), Graphic Design (Major), Interdisciplinary Visual Studies.
Second Year: Industrial Psychology (Consumer Behavior), Design Software Course, Philosophy of Art, Art History (Major), Graphic Design (Major), Interdisciplinary Visual Studies.
Third Year: Industrial Psychology (Advertising and Strategy), Art History (Major), Graphic Design (Major), Interdisciplinary Visual Studies.
Fourth Year: Digital Production, Art History (Major), Graphic Design (Major), Interdisciplinary Visual Studies.
Amabali Ethu, Stellenbosch, 2007
- Working with children aged between 14 and 18 years old, from the Khayamandi township outside of Stellenbosch.
- Interacting with these scholars through drawing and creating products and coming up with solutions to use design to help reduce waste materials.
- Visiting their homes and schools to take part in their lives and interact with their families.
- I also was part of the team coordinating and preparing meals every Wednesday afternoon, and I was a driver to fetch and return Khayamandi students.
Employment
The Smith Group Design, Cape Town
Period: June 2009
Responsibilities: Assigned to work in groups through Stellenbosch University to redesign the Smith Group website.
Switch Branding and Basic Black Branding
Period: June 2009
Responsibilities: Internship. Assisting in projects, gaining work experience and acting as a creative in actively designing for clients.
Leftfield, Beyond Advertising
Period: January 2011 to January 2012
Responsibilities: As a graphic designer I was responsible for creating design solutions that have a high visual impact. The role involves listening to clients and understanding their needs before making design decisions.
Designs are required for a huge variety of products and activities, such as websites, advertising, books, magazines, posters, product packaging and displays, corporate communications and corporate identity, e.g. giving organisations a visual 'brand'.
As a graphic designer I worked to a brief agreed with the client, creative director or account manager. I developed creative ideas and concepts, choosing the appropriate media and style to meet the client's objectives.
The work demands creative flair, up-to-date knowledge of industry software and a professional approach to time, costs and deadlines.
Period: January 2011 to January 2012
Freelance Graphic Designer
Period: January 2012 to present
Responsibilities: All responsibilities remain the same as they were at Leftfield, Beyond Advertising. Becoming a freelancer has refined my skills when it comes to following a project from the beginning conceptual phases, right through to final artwork and production of a product.
Each and every project is seen as an opportunity to create exciting and innovative work that brings an increase in the success of the client. I still follow all the strategic approaches that have been instilled in my design process from my studying years.
Working as a freelancer has definitely allowed me to work closer with my clients, and provide a more personal quality to my work. This has a more successful and productive outcome at a fraction of the agency prices.
References:
Jono Swanepoel
Strategic & Creative Director, Leftfield Advertising
+27 74 104 3588
Thalia Prozesky
Bride for the Prozesky wedding stationary project
+27 82 572 3964
Lizelle Keramianakis
Owner at Moo Moo Wine Bar and Grill
+27 82 925 9138