I am Cristy Zinn, an illustrator, author and graphic designer from Durban, South Africa. For over a decade I have worked in the children’s publishing industry, illustrating, designing, and formatting books for major publishers across South Africa. I love collaborating with returning clients and I always stay on top of trends and software to deliver beautiful, engaging books for young readers. In addition to freelance illustration, I have taught and developed curricula, created print and digital materials, and led design projects for schools and churches. I work with Procreate, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and other tools to bring stories to life, from book covers to activity books and marketing materials.…

Cristy Zinn

I am Cristy Zinn, an illustrator, author and graphic designer from Durban, South Africa. For over a decade I have worked in the children’s publishing industry, illustrating, designing, and formatting books for major publishers across South Africa. I love collaborating with returning clients and I always stay on top of trends and software to deliver beautiful, engaging books for young readers. In addition to freelance illustration, I have taught and developed curricula, created print and digital materials, and led design projects for schools and churches. I work with Procreate, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and other tools to bring stories to life, from book covers to activity books and marketing materials.…

Available to hire

I am Cristy Zinn, an illustrator, author and graphic designer from Durban, South Africa. For over a decade I have worked in the children’s publishing industry, illustrating, designing, and formatting books for major publishers across South Africa. I love collaborating with returning clients and I always stay on top of trends and software to deliver beautiful, engaging books for young readers.

In addition to freelance illustration, I have taught and developed curricula, created print and digital materials, and led design projects for schools and churches. I work with Procreate, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and other tools to bring stories to life, from book covers to activity books and marketing materials.

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Language

English
Fluent
Afrikaans
Fluent
Norwegian Bokmål
Beginner

Work Experience

Grade 10-12 English and Drama teacher at Boston House College
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2004
Devised lesson plans, taught and assessed English and drama; Collaborated with colleagues; Managed student productions; Designed and compiled the annual school magazine for three years.
Children’s Ministry Co-Ordinator at The Rock Church Durban
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2010
Developed curriculum; Managed a team of volunteers; Designed worksheets, activities and workbooks for volunteers and children.
Graphic Designer at The Rock Church Durban
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2015
Designed social media posts, PowerPoint presentations for sermons and events; produced print media, workbooks and advertising for events; Compiled and designed the monthly church magazine.
Illustrator and Graphic Designer at Cristy Zinn Illustration
January 1, 2016 - Present
Illustration and layout for children’s books including picture books, chapter books and educational activity books; Graphic design work including advertising, branding, logo design, flyer design, brochures, PowerPoint presentations and workbooks.
Design and Illustration Freelance Support at Dibbly: The Urban Writers
January 1, 2025 - Present
Support and advise new illustrators and designers; Maintain a list of freelancers; Support interactions between freelancers and clients; Help create children’s book content for marketing.
Grade 10-12 English and Drama teacher at Boston House College (Cape Town)
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2004
Taught Grade 10-12 English and Drama; devised lesson plans; marked work; and compiled and designed the annual school magazine for three years.
Children’s Ministry Coordinator & Graphic Designer at The Rock Church (Durban)
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2015
Developed curriculum; Managed a team of volunteers; Designed worksheets, activities and workbooks for volunteers and children; Designed social media posts and PowerPoint presentations for sermons and events; Compiled and designed the print media for workshops and the monthly church magazine.
Freelance Children’s book illustrator and designer at Cristy Zinn Illustration (Durban)
January 1, 2015 - Present
Illustration and layout for children’s books including picture books, chapter books and educational activity books. Book cover design. Print formatting (InDesign) for children’s books. Designing A+ content for authors. Illustration for chapter headers. Short comic illustration. Colouring in book illustration. Graphic design work including advertising, branding, logo design, flyer design, brochures, and workbooks.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Drama and English majors at University of KwaZulu-Natal
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1998

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Other