Hi there! I'm Thomas Danckwerts, a multidisciplinary designer based in South Africa, with a strong foundation in branding identity, web design, and digital content creation. I translate ideas into cohesive visual systems that engage and inspire, and I take pride in managing end-to-end design projects—from ideation through final execution—while collaborating cross-functionally with stakeholders, marketers, and developers. My background in luxury hospitality and project leadership informs a client-centered design process grounded in empathy, attention to detail, and strategic thinking. I am passionate about building brands that resonate deeply with their audience, both online and in print. Outside of work, I enjoy photography, pottery, gardening, surfing and exploring creative stories that connect people with brands. I believe good design starts with listening, curiosity, and a love for craft.…

Thomas Danckwerts

Hi there! I'm Thomas Danckwerts, a multidisciplinary designer based in South Africa, with a strong foundation in branding identity, web design, and digital content creation. I translate ideas into cohesive visual systems that engage and inspire, and I take pride in managing end-to-end design projects—from ideation through final execution—while collaborating cross-functionally with stakeholders, marketers, and developers. My background in luxury hospitality and project leadership informs a client-centered design process grounded in empathy, attention to detail, and strategic thinking. I am passionate about building brands that resonate deeply with their audience, both online and in print. Outside of work, I enjoy photography, pottery, gardening, surfing and exploring creative stories that connect people with brands. I believe good design starts with listening, curiosity, and a love for craft.…

Available to hire

Hi there! I’m Thomas Danckwerts, a multidisciplinary designer based in South Africa, with a strong foundation in branding identity, web design, and digital content creation. I translate ideas into cohesive visual systems that engage and inspire, and I take pride in managing end-to-end design projects—from ideation through final execution—while collaborating cross-functionally with stakeholders, marketers, and developers.

My background in luxury hospitality and project leadership informs a client-centered design process grounded in empathy, attention to detail, and strategic thinking. I am passionate about building brands that resonate deeply with their audience, both online and in print.

Outside of work, I enjoy photography, pottery, gardening, surfing and exploring creative stories that connect people with brands. I believe good design starts with listening, curiosity, and a love for craft.

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Language

English
Fluent
French
Beginner

Work Experience

Graphic Designer | Freelance at Freelance
August 1, 2024 - Present
Designed bespoke logos, brand identities, and packaging for startups and small businesses across South Africa, tailored to market positioning and target audience. Created on-brand digital content, including social media assets, newsletters, and marketing collateral for a range of industries including wellness, tourism, and retail. Consulted clients on visual strategy and guided them through the brand development process — from mood boards and typography to full brand guidelines. Applied principles of UX/UI to improve navigation, content hierarchy, and visual flow across web and mobile platforms.
Lead Manager | Alga Nutrition at Alga Nutrition
January 1, 2022 - December 6, 2022
Oversaw visual branding and creative communications for early-stage nutraceutical startup. Directed marketing strategy and product launch campaigns Developed brand-aligned presentations, product packaging visuals, and internal assets. Helped foster culture of customer centricity by aligning with product, marketing, operations, finance and executive teams to drive initiatives centered on customer success
Project Manager | TaylorMade Water Solutions at TaylorMade Water Solutions
February 1, 2021 - December 20, 2021
Developed branding, including logo and built digital assets for company’s online presence. Coordinated print and digital content production with external vendors and stakeholders. Created large scale signage for project infographic Orchestrated projects within strict time frames and budget constraints by solving complex problems and working closely with senior leaders.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Ichthyology (cum laude) at Rhodes University
January 11, 2030 - April 1, 2026
Golden Key Award (Top 15% of Academic Achievers) at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2012
Academic Half-Colours at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2012
Diploma in Graphic Design at Grace College, Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2010
Bachelor of Science in Ichthyology (cum laude) at Rhodes University
January 11, 2030 - April 1, 2026

Qualifications

Golden Key Award (Top 15% of Academic Achievers)
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2012
Academic Half-Colours
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2012
Golden Key International Honour Society member
January 11, 2030 - April 1, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Travel & Hospitality, Professional Services, Retail, Education, Other, Healthcare, Agriculture & Mining
    uniE621 Wild Coast Botanicals – Brand & Packaging Design
    Led the creation of Wild Coast Botanicals a subsidiary company - as a new revenue stream for an aquaculture business (Wild Coast Abalone), transforming the excess production of sustainably grown Ulva and Gracilaria into marketable products. Developed the brand positioning as well as handled product development. Finally designed premium packaging across multiple product lines, including supplements, tonics, and culinary sea vegetables. The result is a cohesive, shelf-ready identity that elevates perception and opens new commercial opportunities. graphicdesigner branding logo designer…
    uniE621 Forever Friends | Holistic Pet Wellness Branding & Packaging Design
    Designed a comprehensive visual identity and packaging suite for "Forever Friends," a premium herbal supplement brand. Developed distinct 10-product packaging systems (5 for dogs, 5 for cats) targeting specific ailments: Digestive, Stress/Anxiety, Palliative, Joint, and General Health. The challenge was balancing clinical trust with a warm, approachable "best friend" feel. Using custom color-coding for each ailment and sleek gummy-jar layouts, I created a cohesive brand language that stands out in the competitive pet-wellness market. Features high-fidelity mockups and print-ready dielines graphicdesigner branding logo…
    uniE621 Brand Identity & Strategy: Haga Haga Hotel Reimagined
    I transformed the visual identity of Haga Haga Hotel from a 2000s based visual identity into a refined, Mediterranean-inspired coastal retreat. Starting with a deep-dive brand strategy, I curated the art direction, color palette, and typography to align with a premium aesthetic. I developed a master logo suite -including primary, secondary, and sub-marks to ensure versatility across all touchpoints. To conclude the project, I delivered custom stationery and a comprehensive Brand Guidelines manual to ensure long-term consistency and professional implementation of the new brand cornerstone kit. graphicdesigner branding…
    uniE621 Go With Khaya: Comprehensive Brand Revamp & Web Experience Design
    I spearheaded the digital transformation of Go With Khaya, moving the brand from a dated aesthetic to a premium, user-centric destination. My approach integrated strategic UI/UX design with a refreshed visual identity to drive engagement and trust. I overhauled the site architecture for intuitive navigation, optimized the mobile experience, and created custom iconography and high-impact layouts that reflect the brand's unique mission. The result is a cohesive, high-performing digital platform that balances modern aesthetics with clear, purpose-driven communication. webdesigner designer branding…