I am a creative brand and visual communications professional with more than 30 years of experience helping businesses build stronger, more memorable brands. I bring together strategic branding, art direction, copywriting and purposeful design to create visual communication that connects with audiences and supports business objectives.…

Karen Steyn

I am a creative brand and visual communications professional with more than 30 years of experience helping businesses build stronger, more memorable brands. I bring together strategic branding, art direction, copywriting and purposeful design to create visual communication that connects with audiences and supports business objectives.…

Available to hire

I am a creative brand and visual communications professional with more than 30 years of experience helping businesses build stronger, more memorable brands. I bring together strategic branding, art direction, copywriting and purposeful design to create visual communication that connects with audiences and supports business objectives.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelancer at Freelance
December 1, 2014 - Present
Provided strategic branding, art direction and visual communication services to local and international clients. Managed projects from initial briefing through final production, including creative concept development, design, copywriting, photoshoots, supplier liaison, print production, project management and client relationships.
Owner | Creative Brand & Visual Communications Partner at Self Employed
December 1, 2013 - Present
Founded and led an independent creative studio, providing end-to-end creative, branding and marketing solutions to clients across a wide range of industries. Led projects from initial strategy and concept development through to final production, combining creative direction with commercial thinking to deliver effective visual communication. Responsibilities included brand strategy and identity development, art direction, graphic design, creative concept development, copywriting, catalogue and publication design, packaging, marketing collateral, corporate presentations, social media campaigns, website graphics, photoshoot direction, print production, supplier management and client relationship management. Managed all aspects of the business, including project planning, quotations, budgeting, scheduling and quality control, while incorporating AI-assisted creative workflows to improve efficiency and deliver exceptional results.
Senior Graphic Designer and Studio Manager at Blue Security
October 1, 2007 - December 1, 2014
Managed the end-to-end creative process from concept development through final production across print and digital media. Oversaw art direction, photoshoots, branding, social media, publications, presentations, vehicle livery, uniforms and exhibition stands, while contributing to marketing strategy, market research, brand development and visual communication initiatives.
Senior Graphic Designer and Marketing at Blue Security
October 1, 2007 - December 1, 2013
Managed the end-to-end creative process, from concept development through to final production, across print and digital media. Oversaw art direction, photoshoots, branding, social media, publications, presentations, vehicle livery, uniforms and exhibition stands, while contributing to marketing strategy, market research, brand development and visual communication initiatives.
Freelancer at Freelance
June 1, 2007 - October 1, 2007
Provided branding, graphic design and marketing services to a portfolio of clients. Developed successful client relationships that led to recruitment by a major client to lead its in-house marketing and creative department.
Independent Graphic Designer at Self Employed
June 1, 2007 - October 1, 2007
Provided branding, graphic design and marketing services to a portfolio of clients. Successfully developed client relationships that led to being recruited by a major client to head their in-house marketing and creative department.
Senior Graphic Designer and Assistant Marketing Manager at ComputASSIST
May 1, 1995 - September 1, 2007
Worked for a pharmaceutical software and point-of-sale company, responsible for design, marketing, photoshoots and department budgets for printing and collateral. Researched industry trends, measured advertising campaign success and organised conferences, expos and point-of-sale exhibits.
Senior Graphic Designer and Marketing at ComputAssist
May 1, 1995 - June 1, 2007
A pharmaceutical software and Point of Sale company in South Africa. I was responsible for all design and marketing, photoshoots, department budgets for printing and collateral. As part of the marketing side, I was responsible for finding trends in the industry, measurement of the success of ad campaigns and on occasion organising conferences and expos and Point of Sale exhibits.

Education

Creative Writing at UpSkillist
January 1, 2026 - January 1, 2026
Digital Marketing - Beginner to Advanced at Show Academy
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2016
Social Media Marketing at ITU Social
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2016
Project Management at eCareers
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2013
Adobe Software Suite - Adobe Dreamweaver and HTML at IT Intellect
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2003
Adobe Software Suite - Photoshop at Deslink Systems
January 1, 1997 - January 1, 1997
Programming and Information Technology at Damelin
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1995
Matric at Westville Girls High
January 1, 1988 - January 1, 1992

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Other, Consumer Goods, Financial Services, Energy & Utilities, Non-Profit Organization, Retail, Transportation & Logistics, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Computers & Electronics, Healthcare
    Tourism profile for a luxury game lodge in Zululand.
    A game lodge in Kwa-Zulu Natal in South Africa required a brochure for their guest lodge and game safari's. The brief was for it to look very Colonial with and "Out of Africa" feel. graphicdesigner branding designer…
    Private security company App
    This was commissioned by a private security company for their App. They wanted all-in-one functionality so that clients could manage their own accounts, contact services and use the app as a panic system, which would send security officers to their location in case of emergency. graphicdesigner branding designer app…
    Coffee Table book - 50th birthday holiday
    This one was super fun. My client was celebrating his 50th birthday and took his entire family to Thailand to celebrate. He wanted to make them each a book of memories but didn't want to use the standard, boring layout that photo book makers use, so he called me and asked me to, as he said "funk it up". With lots of small embellishments, anecdotes and fun layout, he was really thrilled with the outcome and his family were very happy to get a fun book to remember their trip. graphicdesigner photo designer…
    Local Artist Bio
    An extremely talented local artist branched into the international arena and required a biography and portfolio of his work. This was an exceptionally fun project - I learned a lot about fine art, painting, exhibiting and the creative process of an artist who works on a different media to me. graphicdesigner designer…
    Yoga Studio logo and brochure
    A small local yoga studio wanted to gain more exposure and create a brand. They required a logo, brochure and business cards and wanted their image to reflect the serenity and calmness of their studio. They also wanted a tropical, aquamarine colour theme since they are located near the beach. graphicdesigner branding logo designer…
    Coffee table book - private commission
    This client had researched her heritage and wrote a book to give to her children about where they came from. She gave me a box of old photo's and a family tree timeline and asked me to design a coffee table style book. This project was a labour of love, lots of fun and I was honoured to be invited into their family during the process of making this book. Definitely one of my favourite projects. graphicdesigner photo designer…
    Plumbing piping catalogue and branding
    Client required a brochure, flyer and product catalogue for his plumbing piping products. graphicdesigner branding designer…