I’m a visual communication designer with 12+ years in the field, leading creative direction across branding and visual identity projects. I shape concepts, strategy and execution from idea to final delivery, and I design custom typefaces while developing cohesive visual systems for print and digital platforms. My work blends global perspectives with my African context from Harare, Zimbabwe, and I’ve published a Google Font (Madimi One) that gained nearly 3 million downloads within two weeks of release. I’m passionate about using design as a change catalyst and I strive for culturally informed outcomes across all media. I’m committed to inclusive design and continuous learning, currently based in Stockholm, Sweden. I speak English and chiShona and am learning Swedish (SIFA). I enjoy collaborating across disciplines to deliver meaningful, scalable branding and typography solutions that resonate across diverse audiences.

Taurai Valerie Mtake - TaVaTake Designs

I’m a visual communication designer with 12+ years in the field, leading creative direction across branding and visual identity projects. I shape concepts, strategy and execution from idea to final delivery, and I design custom typefaces while developing cohesive visual systems for print and digital platforms. My work blends global perspectives with my African context from Harare, Zimbabwe, and I’ve published a Google Font (Madimi One) that gained nearly 3 million downloads within two weeks of release. I’m passionate about using design as a change catalyst and I strive for culturally informed outcomes across all media. I’m committed to inclusive design and continuous learning, currently based in Stockholm, Sweden. I speak English and chiShona and am learning Swedish (SIFA). I enjoy collaborating across disciplines to deliver meaningful, scalable branding and typography solutions that resonate across diverse audiences.

Available to hire

I’m a visual communication designer with 12+ years in the field, leading creative direction across branding and visual identity projects. I shape concepts, strategy and execution from idea to final delivery, and I design custom typefaces while developing cohesive visual systems for print and digital platforms. My work blends global perspectives with my African context from Harare, Zimbabwe, and I’ve published a Google Font (Madimi One) that gained nearly 3 million downloads within two weeks of release. I’m passionate about using design as a change catalyst and I strive for culturally informed outcomes across all media.

I’m committed to inclusive design and continuous learning, currently based in Stockholm, Sweden. I speak English and chiShona and am learning Swedish (SIFA). I enjoy collaborating across disciplines to deliver meaningful, scalable branding and typography solutions that resonate across diverse audiences.

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Language

English
Fluent
Shona
Advanced
Swedish
Beginner

Work Experience

Type Designer at Google Fonts
March 31, 2024 - March 31, 2024
Led the design, development, and publication of Madimi One for Google Fonts. The font features a rounded style with a harmonious fusion of geometric and natural elements and includes all basic Latin characters. Madimi One achieved nearly 3 million downloads within two weeks of its February 29, 2024 release, underscoring strong adoption and impact in global typography.
Visual Designer Internship at Northvolt
February 29, 2024 - February 29, 2024
Maintained brand identity and online presence, designed advertisements, internal and external presentations, packaging, and signage. Contributed to improving the visual appeal of office and factory interiors and played a key role in the Northvolt Podcast project.
Creative Director
August 1, 2021 - August 1, 2021
Led creative direction and design thinking initiatives, culminating in the award-winning madímì project. Drove visual strategy and brand storytelling across multiple media channels, contributing to both local and international recognition.

Education

Master of Visual Communication at Konstfack (University of Arts, Crafts and Design)
August 1, 2021 - June 1, 2023
Bachelor Honours in Visual Communication at Greenside Design Center
January 1, 2013 - December 1, 2016
Diploma in Graphic Design and New Media at Zimbabwe Institute of Visual Arts (ZIVA)
January 1, 2011 - December 1, 2012
SILICON – Stanford University (remote learning) at SILICON – Stanford University
January 11, 2030 - November 19, 2025
Knuth Bigelow Incubator 2025 - Program at Knuth Bigelow Incubator
June 1, 2025 - July 1, 2025
Masters in Visual Communication at Konstfack University College of Arts, Crafts and Design
August 1, 2021 - June 1, 2023
Bachelor Honours in Visual Communication at Zimbabwe Institute of Visual Arts (ZIVA)
January 1, 2013 - December 1, 2016
Diploma in Graphic Design & New Media at Zimbabwe Institute of Visual Arts (ZIVA)
January 1, 2011 - December 1, 2012
SILICON – Stanford University (remote learning) at SILICON, Stanford University
January 11, 2030 - March 3, 2026
Knuth Bigelow Incubator Program at Knuth Bigelow Incubator
June 1, 2025 - July 1, 2025

Qualifications

Gold Loerie Student Award
January 1, 2017 - November 19, 2025
Gold Loerie Student Award - Overall Winner
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017
Gold Pendoring Student Award - Winner
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017
Samfond Award
January 11, 2030 - November 19, 2025
Gold Loerie Student Award
January 1, 2017 - March 3, 2026
Gold Loerie Student Award Overall Winner
January 1, 2017 - March 3, 2026
Gold Pendoring Student Award Winner
January 1, 2017 - March 3, 2026
Samfond Award
January 11, 2030 - March 3, 2026

Industry Experience

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