Justin Poulter creates bold, impactful visuals from his Cape Town studio, drawing on more than a decade of experience bringing illustration to life for some of the world's most recognisable brands. After spending 10 years navigating London's fast-paced creative scene, he's brought that global perspective back home to South Africa, along with a sharp creative instinct and international design insight. His distinctive style merges expressive hand-drawn textures with polished digital craftsmanship. Justin's work is identifiable through his vibrant colour palettes, memorable character designs, and powerful visual narratives that help brands and publications stand out with an authentic and creative personality. His client roster features impressive international brands: Nike, Jameson, National Geographic, Levi's, and Vans have all trusted Justin to create artwork that's visually arresting and strategically smart while being perfectly tuned to each brand's distinct voice. Looking to give your brand a visual edge? Justin combines deep design intelligence with a nimble creative process and a commitment to delivering knockout results that consistently meet deadlines and nail the brief.

Justin Poulter

Justin Poulter creates bold, impactful visuals from his Cape Town studio, drawing on more than a decade of experience bringing illustration to life for some of the world's most recognisable brands. After spending 10 years navigating London's fast-paced creative scene, he's brought that global perspective back home to South Africa, along with a sharp creative instinct and international design insight. His distinctive style merges expressive hand-drawn textures with polished digital craftsmanship. Justin's work is identifiable through his vibrant colour palettes, memorable character designs, and powerful visual narratives that help brands and publications stand out with an authentic and creative personality. His client roster features impressive international brands: Nike, Jameson, National Geographic, Levi's, and Vans have all trusted Justin to create artwork that's visually arresting and strategically smart while being perfectly tuned to each brand's distinct voice. Looking to give your brand a visual edge? Justin combines deep design intelligence with a nimble creative process and a commitment to delivering knockout results that consistently meet deadlines and nail the brief.

Available to hire

Justin Poulter creates bold, impactful visuals from his Cape Town studio, drawing on more than a decade of experience bringing illustration to life for some of the world’s most recognisable brands. After spending 10 years navigating London’s fast-paced creative scene, he’s brought that global perspective back home to South Africa, along with a sharp creative instinct and international design insight.

His distinctive style merges expressive hand-drawn textures with polished digital craftsmanship. Justin’s work is identifiable through his vibrant colour palettes, memorable character designs, and powerful visual narratives that help brands and publications stand out with an authentic and creative personality.

His client roster features impressive international brands: Nike, Jameson, National Geographic, Levi’s, and Vans have all trusted Justin to create artwork that’s visually arresting and strategically smart while being perfectly tuned to each brand’s distinct voice.

Looking to give your brand a visual edge? Justin combines deep design intelligence with a nimble creative process and a commitment to delivering knockout results that consistently meet deadlines and nail the brief.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Graphic Designer & Illustrator at MUTI
January 1, 2014 - August 31, 2014
Responsible for illustration, graphic design, art direction, animation direction, and mentoring junior staff. Worked mainly within advertising, branding, and packaging design sectors.
Head of Illustration & Typography at AM I COLLECTIVE
December 1, 2012 - January 31, 2014
Managed teams and projects including art direction, production, animation direction, and mentoring junior staff and interns. Focused on advertising, branding, and packaging design.
Junior Illustrator & Graphic Designer at ILOVEDUST
July 1, 2010 - December 31, 2012
Performed illustration and graphic design tasks in advertising, branding, and packaging design.
Co-Founder, Illustrator & Graphic Designer at ONE HORSE TOWN
March 1, 2008 - July 31, 2010
Handled illustration, graphic design, and business administration for a creative startup. Worked across advertising, branding, and packaging design.

Education

National Diploma in Communication Design at Cape Peninsula University of Technology
January 1, 2008 - November 30, 2008
Short Course in Creative Direction at University of Arts London
January 11, 2030 - October 1, 2019
Short Course in Brand Strategy at D&AD - Jane Steel (Jones Knowles Ritchie)
January 11, 2030 - March 1, 2019

Qualifications

Creative Direction - Short Course
October 1, 2019 - October 31, 2019
Brand Strategy - Short Course (D&AD)
March 1, 2019 - March 31, 2019
Short Course: Creative Direction
October 1, 2019 - October 31, 2019

Industry Experience

Consumer Goods, Media & Entertainment, Retail, Professional Services, Other