Available to hire
Hi, I’m Mia Salonen—a Stellenbosch-based graphic designer and visual artist specializing in visual communication design. I love crafting brand systems, editorial layouts, illustration, and photography that tell memorable stories. I also enjoy underwater photography and community art projects.
Currently, I’m a full-time Graphic Designer at Genius Loci and I take on freelance design and photography projects. I’m passionate about collaboration, learning new techniques, and bringing ideas to life through thoughtful design and storytelling.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Language
English
Fluent
Finnish
Advanced
Afrikaans
Advanced
Work Experience
Graphic Designer at Genius Loci
January 1, 2025 - November 17, 2025Full-time graphic designer contributing to branding, marketing materials and visual design; collaborates with teams to deliver high-quality visuals.
Seller at Sojo at the Oranjezicht Market
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025Retail sales role supporting product display and customer engagement.
Freelance Graphic Designer
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024Created graphic design assets for clients, including logos, branding, and marketing collateral.
Freelance Event & Portrait Photographer
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024Provided event and portrait photography services for clients and events.
Vice Chairperson at Maties Ultimate Frisbee
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024Leadership role within the club, coordinating activities and team operations.
Peer Facilitator at VCD 2nd Year
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024Peer facilitation for second-year Visual Communication Design students.
Part-time Piano Teacher
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024Private piano instruction for students.
Vice Chairperson at Maties Underwater Club
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023Leadership role overseeing club activities and events.
Intern at Influencer Marketing Agency (IMA)
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023Participated in influencer marketing campaigns and research.
Media and Marketing at Maties Underwater Club
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022Managed media and marketing for club activities.
Part-time Graphic Designer at Suhe
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2020Graphic design support for client projects.
Full-time Au Pair at Espoo, Finland
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2020Au pair responsibilities including childcare and household tasks.
NSRI Crew Member at National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI)
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2020Volunteer/rescue crew participant.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts (Visual Communication Design) at Stellenbosch University
March 3, 2025 - December 9, 2025Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts (Visual Communication Design) at Stellenbosch University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024PADI Advanced Open Water SCUBA diving certificate at PADI
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023PADI Open Water SCUBA diving certificate at PADI
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2021National Senior Certificate with distinction at South Africa
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2019TCL Clarinet Grade 8 with distinction at TCL
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2019NSRI Coastal Navigation at NSRI
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018TCL Piano Grade 7 with distinction at TCL
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts (Visual Communication Design)
March 1, 2021 - December 9, 2024PADI Advanced Open Water SCUBA diving certificate
January 1, 2023 - November 17, 2025PADI Open Water SCUBA diving certificate
January 1, 2021 - November 17, 2025NSRI Coastal Navigation
January 1, 2018 - November 17, 2025TCL Clarinet Grade 8 with distinction
January 1, 2019 - November 17, 2025TCL Piano Grade 7 with distinction
January 1, 2018 - November 17, 2025Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services
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