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.

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.

Available to hire

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.

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Language

English
Fluent
Afrikaans
Intermediate

Work Experience

Illustrator & Graphic Designer at Nifty Ness Designs
January 1, 2005 - Present
Illustration and graphic design for books, signage, packaging, and custom projects; Client liaison, quoting, invoicing, and accounts; Managing full creative workflow from concept to delivery.
Part-Time Administrative Assistant, Payroll & Roster Manager at Stay Home Therapy Services
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023
Managed payroll, staff rosters, and administrative tasks; Supported therapists and management with scheduling and client coordination.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Signs & Lines, Midland
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2024
Assisted design studio during peak periods; Created artwork for signage, print, and production.
Lead Designer at Signfont, Nowergup
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2018
Designed all graphics for print and signage production; Quality control of client-supplied artwork; Conducted site surveys and coordinated installations; Managed business operations during owner’s annual leave.
Reception & Administration Manager at Wilson Sign Solutions, Malaga
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2006
Client greeting, general admin, invoicing, staff timekeeping; Managed receiving and dispatch of orders.
Lead Graphic Designer at Timeglow, Balcatta
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2004
Managed full design process from quoting to production-ready films; Oversaw quality checking, deliveries, and collections; Frequently managed business during owner’s leave.
Owner / Manager at Aroma Café, St Georges Terrace
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2003
Managed daily café operations, staff, customer service, and food preparation; Bookkeeping, BAS statements, stock control, and staff management.
Studio Manager at GPL Advertising, Rondebosch (South Africa)
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 2000
Promoted from Receptionist to Studio Manager; Managed a team of six creatives, production workflow, client leads, and invoicing.
Graphic Designer at DD Promotions, Cape Town
January 1, 1995 - January 1, 1998
Progressed from marketing assistant to second lead designer within six months; Managed client liaison, quoting, design, and production-ready artwork; Responsible for quality control, staff time sheets, wage admin, and banking.

Education

Year 12 at Gardens Commercial High School
January 11, 2030 - May 31, 2026
Certificate in Bookkeeping at Damelin College
January 11, 2030 - May 31, 2026
Certificate in MYOB at Perth
January 11, 2030 - May 31, 2026

Qualifications

Certificate in Bookkeeping
January 11, 2030 - May 31, 2026
Certificate in MYOB
January 11, 2030 - May 31, 2026

Industry Experience

Retail, Travel & Hospitality, Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Manufacturing, Other
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