Hi, I’m Jon - the force behind Thunder. An energetic independent design studio fueled by precision, creativity, and bold ambition. Drawing on deep expertise in art direction, creative strategy, and typography, I craft experiences across every medium: digital, publishing, advertising, packaging, product design, and beyond. I don’t just design - I cultivate clarity within complexity. Whether crafting striking web and social campaigns, editorial layouts, signage, apparel, or illustration-driven narratives, my approach marries sharp, big-picture thinking with the gritty details that make work feel alive. My journey spans from local studios to international horizons, delivering solutions that resonate across cultures, markets, and audiences. Steadfast, adaptive, and collaborative, I bring energy to every concept, precision to every line, and a readiness to hit the ground running - wherever your project calls.

Jonathan Harding

Hi, I’m Jon - the force behind Thunder. An energetic independent design studio fueled by precision, creativity, and bold ambition. Drawing on deep expertise in art direction, creative strategy, and typography, I craft experiences across every medium: digital, publishing, advertising, packaging, product design, and beyond. I don’t just design - I cultivate clarity within complexity. Whether crafting striking web and social campaigns, editorial layouts, signage, apparel, or illustration-driven narratives, my approach marries sharp, big-picture thinking with the gritty details that make work feel alive. My journey spans from local studios to international horizons, delivering solutions that resonate across cultures, markets, and audiences. Steadfast, adaptive, and collaborative, I bring energy to every concept, precision to every line, and a readiness to hit the ground running - wherever your project calls.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Jon - the force behind Thunder. An energetic independent design studio fueled by precision, creativity, and bold ambition. Drawing on deep expertise in art direction, creative strategy, and typography, I craft experiences across every medium: digital, publishing, advertising, packaging, product design, and beyond. I don’t just design - I cultivate clarity within complexity. Whether crafting striking web and social campaigns, editorial layouts, signage, apparel, or illustration-driven narratives, my approach marries sharp, big-picture thinking with the gritty details that make work feel alive. My journey spans from local studios to international horizons, delivering solutions that resonate across cultures, markets, and audiences. Steadfast, adaptive, and collaborative, I bring energy to every concept, precision to every line, and a readiness to hit the ground running - wherever your project calls.

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Experience Level

Expert
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Intermediate
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Work Experience

Lead Freelance Designer (Owner) at Thunder Creative
December 1, 2008 - Present
Founder and lead designer of Thunder Creative, providing design and branding services to a diverse range of clients across lifestyle, retail, and corporate sectors. Projects span brand identity, digital design, marketing collateral, campaign development, and creative strategy - combining strong visual storytelling with practical business insight to deliver meaningful, results-driven design.
Senior Graphic Designer / Digital & Marketing Design at Riviera Yachts Australia
June 1, 2023 - July 15, 2025
As one of two designers supporting Riviera’s global operations, I played a leading role in shaping the creative direction and execution of marketing across international markets. Working within the Brand & Communications / Marketing team, I helped elevate the visual identity of one of the world’s most respected luxury yacht brands. I managed and designed creative assets across both print and digital channels - delivering cohesive campaigns for international boat shows, new product launches, and dealer marketing. My work spanned websites, digital advertising, social media, EDMs, press releases, brochures, magazines, and large-format signage, ensuring Riviera’s brand was consistently represented with sophistication and precision.
Graphic Designer / Editorial / Publishing at Key Media / Australia
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2014
An international publishing and media company based in Sydney, producing leading business and HR magazines worldwide. I oversaw design across five publications, driving visual strategy and consistency across global markets. Highlights include the full redesign of a Canadian title to enhance sales and shelf appeal - a project that resulted in several covers receiving Honourable Mentions in the Canadian Cover Awards. The role demanded a balance of creative direction, editorial design, and commercial awareness in a fast-paced production environment.
Graphic Designer at Media 51 | Print | Signage
December 1, 2010 - December 1, 2012
Led the creative studio of a print and signage company, managing both design output and production workflow. The role provided hands-on experience across pre-press, branding, signage, and print marketing, with daily client liaison from concept to delivery. Key responsibilities included marketing collateral, logo and brochure design, corporate branding, and signage layout — ensuring high-quality design outcomes across diverse industries.
Founder / Director / Lead Designer at NZ Spearo Magazine
December 1, 2008 - December 1, 2009
Founded and managed NZ Spearo Magazine, New Zealand’s first dedicated spearfishing publication. Oversaw all aspects of design, editorial, and production — from branding and advertising design to layout, illustration, and art direction. Responsibilities included commissioning photo shoots and illustrations, writing and editing content, developing marketing collateral, and managing partnerships with advertisers and contributors. This independent venture honed my skills in creative direction, editorial design, and brand development and business ownership.

Education

Matriculation, Independent Examinations Board (IEB) at St Benedict's College
January 1, 1998 - December 1, 2002
International Cambridge University Examinations (IGCSE) at St Benedict's College
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2000

Qualifications

Diploma in Graphic Design (NCEA Level 7)
January 1, 2006 - December 1, 2008
Media Design School

Industry Experience

Computers & Electronics, Consumer Goods, Financial Services, Energy & Utilities, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Real Estate & Construction, Retail, Travel & Hospitality, Wholesale & Distribution

Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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