Vanessa Fernandes

Hello, I’m Vanessa Fernandes — the creative heart behind Nifty Ness Designs, a Perth‑based illustration and graphic design studio.

Originally from beautiful Cape Town, South Africa, I now call Australia home, where I run my cosy home studio surrounded by my wonderful family. My love for drawing began in childhood, spending endless hours with a pen and paper. More than 40 years later, that same passion fuels my work every day — now with the added magic of digital tools like my iPad and computer.

My creative journey started straight out of high school and has taken me through advertising, promotional marketing, signage, clothing design, and the whimsical world of children’s book illustration. Each chapter has shaped the designer I am today: versatile, curious, and always excited to bring ideas to life.

Whether I’m crafting branding for a business or creating something personal and heartfelt — from invitations to pet portraits — I thrive on variety. It keeps my creativity fresh and the work endlessly rewarding.

So far, it’s been an incredible adventure, and I’m grateful for every project, client, and creative challenge that comes my way.