As a highly skilled and detail-focused creative professional, I bring extensive experience in providing artistic direction across various projects, with a specialised focus on retouching. My expertise spans a wide range of tasks within Artworking, including publication and file conversions, point-of-sale materials, and layout creation. In the realm of Retouching, I excel in image manipulation, precise masking, and expert colour correction using Adobe Photoshop. I am adept at managing multiple projects concurrently, fostering relationships, and formulating innovative strategies. With a dedication to continuous improvement, I am committed to contributing significantly to organisational goals through my proficiency in project management, communication, and leadership.

Shirley Van De Merwe

As a highly skilled and detail-focused creative professional, I bring extensive experience in providing artistic direction across various projects, with a specialised focus on retouching. My expertise spans a wide range of tasks within Artworking, including publication and file conversions, point-of-sale materials, and layout creation. In the realm of Retouching, I excel in image manipulation, precise masking, and expert colour correction using Adobe Photoshop. I am adept at managing multiple projects concurrently, fostering relationships, and formulating innovative strategies. With a dedication to continuous improvement, I am committed to contributing significantly to organisational goals through my proficiency in project management, communication, and leadership.

Available to hire

As a highly skilled and detail-focused creative professional, I bring extensive experience in providing artistic direction across various projects, with a specialised focus on retouching. My expertise spans a wide range of tasks within Artworking, including publication and file conversions, point-of-sale materials, and layout creation.
In the realm of Retouching, I excel in image manipulation, precise masking, and expert colour correction using Adobe Photoshop. I am adept at managing multiple projects concurrently, fostering relationships, and formulating innovative strategies. With a
dedication to continuous improvement, I am committed to contributing significantly to organisational goals through my proficiency in project management, communication,
and leadership.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Mid-Weight ArtworkER at EPLS Design
April 1, 2024 - October 31, 2025
Meticulously load artwork assets into the content management system, ensuring accuracy and completeness while adhering to established protocols. Follow brand guidelines to set up & create visually compelling brochures, flyers, and guides; maintain consistency and brand integrity across all materials. Monitor workflow to ensure optimal task allocation and timely completion of assignments. Proactively manage workload to prevent over-extension and guarantee delivery within timelines.
Artworker at Oak Furniture Land
April 1, 2024 - Present
Load assets into the content management system; prepare print-ready artwork for furniture retail campaigns; ensure brand consistency.
Artworker (Freelance) at Dezac / Riothe Beauty Specialists
October 31, 2020 - October 13, 2025
Managed a portfolio of freelance artworking assignments for beauty brands; layout, retouching, and print-ready materials; consistently met deadlines.
Creative Artworker & Retoucher at Freelance – Various Clients
October 1, 2017 - Present
Provide artworking and retouching services; sourced creative approaches; delivered high-quality visuals; collaborated with teams to achieve client objectives.
Artworker & Retoucher at Ninety 9 Cents Communications
June 1, 2014 - June 30, 2017
Ninety9Cents is an independent, full-service, integrated advertising & communications agency. Served as an Artworker & Retoucher within a specialized studio team, collaborating with prominent clients such as Checkers, Shoprite, Puma, and Ackermans – two of the largest retail brands in South Africa. Ensured seamless business operations by maintaining consistency, accuracy, and adherence to brand guidelines in all artwork. Led the creation of layouts and creative artwork for both print and digital assets, transforming design concepts into polished outputs through retouching, color correction, complex compositions, and meticulous pre-press checks. Rigorously examined Shepra prints for quality assurance. Demonstrated proactive leadership in heading cross-functional teams, steering them towards essential targets. Mentored team members, imparting knowledge and enhancing work proficiencies through comprehensive training and development programs. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS: • Attained a senior position as a team leader, recognized for consistently delivering outstanding performance results and achieving desired outcomes. • Earned promotion to a specialized studio team, showcasing unwavering dedication and commitment to professional goals. • Established a reputation as a reliable and results-driven individual, consistently recognized as the go-to person for getting things done. • Cultivated robust relationships with key clients, contributing to a positive rapport and client satisfaction. • Guided and mentored junior colleagues, fostering their professional development and facilitating their promotions. • Successfully organized image libraries and implemented effective backup procedures for streamlined data management.

Education

Certificate in Digital and Web Publishing at Damelin College
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2004
Diploma in Live Design - Progressive Media at Interactive
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2004
People Management Certificate at CIP Chartered Institute Of Personnel & Development (Future Learn)
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020
Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design at Janets
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Certificate in Graphic Design using Canva at Janets
January 1, 2024 - October 13, 2025
Interactive program at Damelin College
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2004
Certificate People Management at CIPD / FutureLearn (via Damelin College)
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail, Professional Services, Software & Internet