I’m Maria Uys, a character-led creative designer and illustrator with 10+ years of experience working across character design, apparel graphics, and surface & textile design.
I’m Maria Uys, a character-led creative designer and illustrator with 10+ years of experience working across character design, apparel graphics, and surface & textile design. I love turning briefs and visual storytelling into clear, commercially usable art—whether it’s building original character systems, developing repeat patterns and print concepts, or preparing production-ready artwork.
I’ve built my retail and production knowledge through roles at PEP/Pepkor Trading, where I was promoted to Character Designer after more than five years as a Graphic Designer. I also run an independent studio (Uys Design Creative Solutions), creating illustration, brand, textile, and styling work for clients and collaborations, and I enjoy using AI-assisted tools experimentally while keeping human judgement and hands-on craft at the centre.
Character illustration concept for PEP school, bringing together three children in school uniforms and a series of friendly lion characters. My role: character design and illustration. Created as part of my work for PEP. Employer and any third-party rights remain with their respective rights holders. Shown as a portfolio example. Portfolio collection: https://www.twine.net/signin
Four illustrated boys at different ages, with coordinated styling and distinctive clothing details. My role: character design and illustration. Portfolio collection: https://www.twine.net/signin
An expressive character illustration featuring a smiling girl with a large pink bow, striped shirt and yellow dungarees. My role: illustration and character artwork. Portfolio collection: https://www.twine.net/signin
Playful surfing-shark illustration combining waves, character artwork and bold lettering. My role: illustration and character artwork. Portfolio collection: https://www.twine.net/signin
Colourful tropical print combining foliage, fruit and animal motifs, presented with a palette and garment application. My role: surface and textile design; credited creator of the artwork. Portfolio collection: https://www.twine.net/signin
Layered repeat pattern of sharks with a blue glow on a pink background, shown from print artwork and garment CAD through to the finished younger boys’ shirt. My role: textile and apparel print design; garment artwork. Shown as a professional portfolio example. Employer and any third-party rights remain with their respective rights holders. Portfolio collection: https://www.twine.net/signin
Packaging design for PEP’s stationery rebrand, shown through 3D product mockups. My role: I designed the new stationery packaging for the business as part of the rebrand team. The team received an award after the stationery range became a best seller. Created as part of my work for PEP. Employer and any third-party rights remain with their respective rights holders. Shown as a portfolio example. Portfolio collection: https://www.twine.net/signin
Activewear brand concept for PEP Active, exploring the ACTVT identity through typography, garment graphics, product details and lifestyle moodboards. My role: brand identity concept and visual development. Concept moodboards and mockup visualisations show how the identity could work across apparel and accessories. PEP and any third-party rights remain with their respective rights holders. Shown as a portfolio example. Identity concept ACTVT identity concept and garment graphics](https://www.twine.net/signin Product mockup ACTVT product flat-lay concept](https://www.twine.net/signin Portfolio collection: https://www.twine.net/signin
Create character-led, seasonal and apparel artwork for fashion and retail, translating briefs and trend direction into commercially usable visual concepts. Develop original characters, graphics, print concepts, garment CADs and production-ready artwork in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop with focus on consistency, colour and reproducibility. Collaborate with buyers and product stakeholders to refine concepts, integrate feedback and deliver artwork within seasonal production timelines. Support creative development and knowledge-sharing within the team, including guidance and training for interns where required.
Character Designer: November 2025–present, promoted internally from Graphic Designer (April 2020–October 2025). Character-led apparel artwork, original characters, print concepts, garment CADs and production-ready artwork; collaboration with buyers and product teams. Earlier responsibilities included textile and apparel graphics, colour development and print preparation.
Develop textile and apparel graphics in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, applying strong colour and Pantone knowledge with practical understanding of fabric and print application. Produce garment CADs and production artwork for retail ranges, balancing creative intent with manufacturing requirements. Research competitor, trend and market direction and translate insights into commercially relevant design responses.
Post a job and invite Maria, or contact them directly. No hidden commission.
