I am a versatile creative designer with 5+ years of experience spanning graphic design, FMCG packaging, motion graphics, and UI/UX. I leverage AI tools and design systems to streamline workflows, cut production time, and boost brand visibility for clients like Techpak and Kanuni Africa. I thrive on collaborating across teams to deliver impactful visuals that perform in print and digital channels. I enjoy user research, prototyping, and front-end development (HTML/CSS/JS), and I am passionate about building scalable design systems that elevate brands.

James M. Waruhiu

I am a versatile creative designer with 5+ years of experience spanning graphic design, FMCG packaging, motion graphics, and UI/UX. I leverage AI tools and design systems to streamline workflows, cut production time, and boost brand visibility for clients like Techpak and Kanuni Africa. I thrive on collaborating across teams to deliver impactful visuals that perform in print and digital channels. I enjoy user research, prototyping, and front-end development (HTML/CSS/JS), and I am passionate about building scalable design systems that elevate brands.

Available to hire

I am a versatile creative designer with 5+ years of experience spanning graphic design, FMCG packaging, motion graphics, and UI/UX. I leverage AI tools and design systems to streamline workflows, cut production time, and boost brand visibility for clients like Techpak and Kanuni Africa. I thrive on collaborating across teams to deliver impactful visuals that perform in print and digital channels. I enjoy user research, prototyping, and front-end development (HTML/CSS/JS), and I am passionate about building scalable design systems that elevate brands.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Graphic Designer at Techpak Industries Limited
February 1, 2024 - Present
Responsible for prepress (production) design and marketing design for FMCG food packaging. Managed end-to-end prepress operations including plate preparation and quality control to ensure zero errors before mass production. Designed competitive food packaging and branding materials, led AI-assisted workflow improvements and training to reduce production time, and served as lead designer for high-stakes marketing campaigns, delivering premium visual assets including motion graphics and social media content. Developed and implemented design systems to streamline daily deliverables and significantly reduce rework.
UI/UX Designer at Savannah Silica
August 1, 2022 - April 1, 2023
Conducted user research, created wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups to address core user problems. Collaborated remotely with a distributed team of 100+ members using Figma for design sprints. Partnered with developers and product managers to translate technical requirements into intuitive interfaces.
ICT Intern at Ministry of Devolution and Planning
January 1, 2015 - August 1, 2015
Repurposed/rebuilt over 20 computers marked for disposal to working condition. Installed, maintained, and trained users on ministry software systems and hardware tools. Prepared technical documentation and user guides for procurement.
Visual Designer at Lee Audio-Visual Studios
September 1, 2013 - August 1, 2014
Handled all visual designs including graphics, animation, presentations, video editing, motion graphics, and virtual sets. Designed and prototyped user interfaces, conducted user research, created design systems, and produced design standards and training materials.
Animator & Motion Designer (Freelance) at 1890 Motion
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2020
Supported creative director and camera team with computer-generated imagery and graphics. Designed and developed custom graphics and motion designs for adverts and video content, created logos, banners, and posters, and maintained client relationships through clear communication.
Network Support at Jevitech Communications
January 1, 2021 - August 1, 2021
Installed, maintained, and troubleshooted network equipment; built a registry of 250+ devices and user profiles to streamline troubleshooting; managed on-site installations and provided technical support to diverse clients; diagnosed complex connectivity issues.
Animation and Fine Arts Intern at Buni Media
January 1, 2012 - August 1, 2013
Interned across art and graphics on set for The XYZ Show. Collaborated on visual concepts, prop designs, and set designs; created virtual assets, translating scripts into visuals while meeting tight deadlines.
Animator & Motion Designer at 1890 Motion
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2020
Supported the creative director and camera team with CGI graphics and motion design for adverts; designed logos, banners, and posters; maintained client relationships through clear communication.
Visual Designer and Social Media Intern at Kanuni Africa
July 1, 2023 - January 31, 2024
Created custom social media graphics, motion graphics, cartoons, and comic strips using Illustrator, After Effects, and Canva. Increased organic views per tweet from 800 to 1,300+ (63%). Collaborated with marketing to align visuals with campaign objectives, launching 5+ product visuals within two weeks. Developed animated advertisements for multiple platforms, enhancing product awareness for 3+ tech launches. Transitioned from template-based design to custom illustration and motion workflows, elevating brand visuals.
Junior Graphic Designer at The Card Guys
April 1, 2023 - July 1, 2023
Delivered print and digital assets under strict deadlines with zero errors, liaising with production teams. Introduced daily motion graphic adverts for WhatsApp, increasing client engagement and generating immediate sales. Designed promotional materials and branded merchandise with accurate dimensions and material specs. Crafted visuals for 10 branding projects, contributing to a 50% increase in client retention and securing long-term partnerships with three major clients.
Animation and Fine Arts Intern at BUNI Media
January 1, 2013 - August 1, 2013
Collaborated on visual concepts, props, and set designs for Season 7 of The XYZ Show. Contributed to a 100% on-time delivery record in a fast-paced team. Assisted in post-production editing and compositing, enhancing visual continuity and timing across scenes.

Education

BACHELORS IN BUSINESS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (BBIT) at Kenya Methodist University (KeMU)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2026
HIGHER DIPLOMA at SHANG TAO MEDIA ARTS COLLEGE
January 11, 2030 - January 3, 2026
Bachelor's in Business Information Technology (BBIT) at Kenya Methodist University (KeMU)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2026
Higher Diploma at Shang Tao Media Arts College
January 11, 2030 - February 3, 2026
Bachelor's degree in Business Information Technology (BBIT) at Kenya Methodist University (KeMU)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2026
Higher Diploma at Shang Tao Media Arts College
January 11, 2030 - February 3, 2026
Bachelor's Degree in Business Information Technology (BBIT) at Kenya Methodist University (KEMU)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2026
Higher National Diploma 3D Animation and Film at Shang Tao Media Arts College
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2013
Bachelor's in Business Information Technology (BBIT) at Kenya Methodist University (KeMU)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2026
Higher Diploma at Shang Tao Media Arts College
January 11, 2030 - April 20, 2026

Qualifications

Bachelor's in Business Information Technology (BBIT)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2026
Higher Diploma
January 11, 2030 - April 20, 2026

Industry Experience

Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Education, Professional Services, Retail, Consumer Goods