Hey there! I'm Joana Croft, an illustrator, designer, maker, and full-time people-pleaser. I'm currently based in Porto, Portugal, and I'm looking for freelance or on-studio work anywhere in the world. I'm pro-human art. I come from a background of handmade artwork, and I am a lover of analog-everything. When the deadline allows, I am keen to create illustrations by hand in several techniques, giving the project an expression and emotion that can only be given offline. My passion lies in illustration for editorial, animation, new media and advertising. However as Graphic Design by degree I am able to solve some design problems and think in grids and type. Aside from the tangible artwork I also do digital illustration, 3D modeling and designs. From time to time I illustrate in vector art and know a little bit of HTML/CSS.

Hey there! I'm Joana Croft, an illustrator, designer, maker, and full-time people-pleaser. I'm currently based in Porto, Portugal, and I'm looking for freelance or on-studio work anywhere in the world. I'm pro-human art. I come from a background of handmade artwork, and I am a lover of analog-everything. When the deadline allows, I am keen to create illustrations by hand in several techniques, giving the project an expression and emotion that can only be given offline. My passion lies in illustration for editorial, animation, new media and advertising. However as Graphic Design by degree I am able to solve some design problems and think in grids and type. Aside from the tangible artwork I also do digital illustration, 3D modeling and designs. From time to time I illustrate in vector art and know a little bit of HTML/CSS.

Available to hire

Hey there! I’m Joana Croft, an illustrator, designer, maker, and full-time people-pleaser.

I’m currently based in Porto, Portugal, and I’m looking for freelance or on-studio work anywhere in the world.

I’m pro-human art. I come from a background of handmade artwork, and I am a lover of analog-everything. When the deadline allows, I am keen to create illustrations by hand in several techniques, giving the project an expression and emotion that can only be given offline.

My passion lies in illustration for editorial, animation, new media and advertising. However as Graphic Design by degree I am able to solve some design problems and think in grids and type.

Aside from the tangible artwork I also do digital illustration, 3D modeling and designs. From time to time I illustrate in vector art and know a little bit of HTML/CSS.

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Language

Portuguese
Fluent
English
Advanced

Work Experience

Co-founder at Oupas!
February 8, 2026 - June 1, 2025
I co-founded a successful papercraft studio in Portugal called Oupas! Design, and worked there for 15 years. I decided to quit to learn something new and find another challenge that would make me feel goosebumps of excitement again. (Spoiler alert: It's happening!) As a partner of a small studio, I was involved in every stage of a project, from sales, to art direction, design, creative direction, 3D modeling, and production. I am usually very comfortable dealing with all kinds of clients, understanding their vision and finding the best path to deliver an original idea. Some of the client list include: The Atlantic, Hermès, Claus Porto, Salesforce, Sonae, Porto., Thought for food, Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, W.I.R.E., Josefinas, Roche, Livraria Lello, Navigator, Zalando, Primavera, FES Agency, Symington, Natixis, Teatro Municipal do Porto, Dashlane, Amorim, and many more.

Education

Bachelor Graphic Design and Advertising at IPP - Politécnico do Porto
September 1, 2005 - August 31, 2009

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Other