NVQ Level 5 - Graphic Design 2006
After 5 years of in-service training for a professional print company and studying part-time, I qualified as a Graphic Designer, specializing in professional print and large format production.
Who is Michael?
A dynamic individual with 14+ years of experience in Graphic Design. Specializing in brand development and packaging design, with a proven track record in delivering exceptional visual identities, graphic assets and engaging digital experiences.
(Flip the boxes)
“I design, direct & package Graphic solutions”
Why work with Michael?
SKILLS
Fascinated with technology and passionate about design, I cultivate the areas where these intersect to create appealing visual experiences.
Corporate design specialist
Brand developer
Design for Marketing
Logo | Corporate ID | Style Guide | Info graphics | Education and instructional design | Brand Manual | PR. Pack | Brochure & Leaflet design | Digital profile design | Lead Magnet | E-mail campaigns | PR campaigns | Social Media campaigns.
Packaging design
Environmental & Sign system design
Layout & Magazine design
Product & packaging design | Professional printing and reproduction specialist | Interactive Kiosk | 3D Sign systems | Lightbox | Commercial billboards & large format | Team building & educational design | Company Profile design | Catalogue design | Design for publication & magazine.
Website | UI & UX design
Motion graphic design
Website & E-commerce interface design & prototyping | Digital element design | Video editing and creative direction | Instructional & educational graphics | 2D animation | Animated GIFs
Personal
Soft Skills
Friendly, professional, and presentable with an exceptional work ethic, I excel in classroom-style and remote team environments, showcasing strong communication and leadership skills.
Intuitive & Accountable
As an empath, I intuitively understand client needs and build a strong rapport with stakeholders and the people I work with. My commitment to integrity and accountability ensures that every project is in safe, capable hands.
HOBBIES
I am fascinated with the continuous new discoveries about human civilisation and what has happened to our planet.
Skateboarding has taught me resilience, tenacity, and how to deal with pain. Essential skills for our fast paced modern lifestyles.
I enjoy pushing the boundaries of what is possible on purpose appropriate motorcycles.
I was lucky to get noticed by Keith Code’s California Superbike School at a training event co-hosted by TMM Racing, a team I was riding with at the time. I had the opportunity to work with their trainers at a Track School held at Phakisa Raceway, where they oversaw me assist in training novice riders in various riding techniques.
A relentless character with a rigid work ethic
- Team Player
- Self starter & objective driven
- Time management skills
- Project lead & Studio Manager
Career path
2006
National Brand roll-out
While working for ATB Saville, I was awarded the IDC as one of my key clients as they liked my designs. I designed and managed all branded collateral, I designed and implemented a brand and sign system, traveling nation-wide to oversee and manage all installations at their various branches.
Brand custodian
I joined Premier Hotels & Resorts in 2016 as a senior designer, where I played an intricate part of a small marketing team. My design work gained acclaim across the tourism industry and I was made Brand Custodian in 2017 and enjoyed many successes while working for the brand.
Creative lead
After I joined Nelon Brand Agency in 2018, I worked closely with the directors and clients, ultimately becoming studio manager over 2 designers, a social media manager, and a web developer. Where I was made creative director and enjoyed helping multiple businesses achieve their marketing and communication goals.
Achievements
Main contributor to creating a comprehensive brand manual and sign system. I designed all stationary, templates, marketing collateral, and corporate gifts. I also successfully managed the national brand roll-out across South Africa. Much of my design still remains in use by the IDC to this day.
Directly responsible for building the entire design system that garnered acclaim across the SA Tourism industry. Much of my design system is still in use today, more than 5 years later. I mentored a junior designer to drive the brand messaging and maintain the brand’s integrity after I left to further my career experience in late 2018.
I designed and developed a complete brand strategy, including all brand collateral, for a local Motorcycle accessory brand for whom I also produced bespoke custom illustrations, and images. I designed and directed a comprehensive and dynamic E-commerce system that is still in use today, directly influencing the brand’s success as becoming the world leader in its class.
Testimonials
Chantelle Crawford
Managing Director - Nelon
“While working for Nelon, Michael quickly established himself as our most senior designer, taking on projects that require both high levels of creativity and technical skills and frequently working under very tight deadlines.”
Alan Campbell
Brand & Marketing Manager - Premier Hotels
“Michael’s skill set is nothing short of remarkable. Michael was a member of a small marketing team responsible for 17 hotels & resorts as well as the East London International Convention Centre. As such his contribution was vast and he was given the opportunity to display his talents across a wide range of design projects and tasks.”
Angela Hofer
Managing Director – Arrive Africa
“I would like to take a minute to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to you and your team, you guys are simply amazing and so professional, your deadlines were almost a joke but you tackled this job with the utmost professionalism and speed and for this, I would like to thank you sincerely.”
