Hi, I'm Lee Makatoa. I'm a designer based in Auckland with a focus on brand identity, illustration, and motion graphics. I have recently completed a Bachelor in Communication Design at AUT and have gained hands-on experience through an internship, freelance work, and a customer-facing role that has sharpened my collaboration and problem-solving skills. I enjoy turning concepts into visual stories and using tools like Figma, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, InDesign, and Premiere to bring ideas to life. I'm excited to grow as a Graphic Designer who can blend research, branding, and creative execution to help brands connect with people.

Lee Makatoa

Hi, I'm Lee Makatoa. I'm a designer based in Auckland with a focus on brand identity, illustration, and motion graphics. I have recently completed a Bachelor in Communication Design at AUT and have gained hands-on experience through an internship, freelance work, and a customer-facing role that has sharpened my collaboration and problem-solving skills. I enjoy turning concepts into visual stories and using tools like Figma, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, InDesign, and Premiere to bring ideas to life. I'm excited to grow as a Graphic Designer who can blend research, branding, and creative execution to help brands connect with people.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Lee Makatoa. I’m a designer based in Auckland with a focus on brand identity, illustration, and motion graphics. I have recently completed a Bachelor in Communication Design at AUT and have gained hands-on experience through an internship, freelance work, and a customer-facing role that has sharpened my collaboration and problem-solving skills.

I enjoy turning concepts into visual stories and using tools like Figma, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, InDesign, and Premiere to bring ideas to life. I’m excited to grow as a Graphic Designer who can blend research, branding, and creative execution to help brands connect with people.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Intern
June 1, 2024 - June 1, 2024
Assisted on a variety of internal and external projects, helping out with initial research, benchmarking, event organising and even assisting on photo-shoots.
Freelance Illustrator
July 1, 2025 - Present
Casually contracted to help with illustration and brand identity work, collaborating with clients to meet their needs.
Sales Assistant + Key Holder at Denim
November 1, 2024 - Present
A customer service role that relies on making people feel comfortable in their skin. Focused on sales and sorting admin between multiple stores.

Education

Bachelor in Communication Design at AUT
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2025

Qualifications

Māori and Pacific Award
December 1, 2022 - February 10, 2026
Women in Design Day Scholarship
April 1, 2025 - February 10, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education, Retail, Software & Internet