I'm Sarah Phiri, a South African illustrator and designer with a background in architecture. My work blends detailed line drawing, expressive digital illustration, and narrative-driven visual design. I draw inspiration from fashion, culture, architecture, and everyday moments, translating them into bold, contemporary visuals. I work across digital illustration, print design, animation, and commercial projects such as storefront artwork, tattoo design, and editorial-style illustrations. I'm passionate about creating work that feels thoughtful, evocative, and visually striking. I'm excited to contribute my artistic perspective in creative studios and continue growing as a designer.

Sarah Phiri

I'm Sarah Phiri, a South African illustrator and designer with a background in architecture. My work blends detailed line drawing, expressive digital illustration, and narrative-driven visual design. I draw inspiration from fashion, culture, architecture, and everyday moments, translating them into bold, contemporary visuals. I work across digital illustration, print design, animation, and commercial projects such as storefront artwork, tattoo design, and editorial-style illustrations. I'm passionate about creating work that feels thoughtful, evocative, and visually striking. I'm excited to contribute my artistic perspective in creative studios and continue growing as a designer.

Available to hire

I’m Sarah Phiri, a South African illustrator and designer with a background in architecture. My work blends detailed line drawing, expressive digital illustration, and narrative-driven visual design. I draw inspiration from fashion, culture, architecture, and everyday moments, translating them into bold, contemporary visuals.

I work across digital illustration, print design, animation, and commercial projects such as storefront artwork, tattoo design, and editorial-style illustrations. I’m passionate about creating work that feels thoughtful, evocative, and visually striking. I’m excited to contribute my artistic perspective in creative studios and continue growing as a designer.

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Language

English
Fluent
German
Advanced
Afrikaans
Advanced
Xhosa
Intermediate

Work Experience

Exhibition Artist at GalleryTalk Exhibition - Munich
January 1, 2025 - November 22, 2025
Selected as one of the top 5 out of 400 artists; exhibited two digital illustrations; built a virtual gallery showcased internationally.
Exhibiting Artist at GalleryTalk Exhibition
January 1, 2025 - November 22, 2025
Selected as one of the top 5 out of 400 artists; exhibited two digital illustrations; built a virtual gallery showcased internationally.
Junior Architect at Andreas Heller Architects & Designers
November 30, 2024 - November 30, 2024
Assisted in concept development and design detailing; worked on exhibition and interior design concepts; collaborated with interdisciplinary design teams.
Junior Architect at Andreas Heller Architects & Designers
November 1, 2024 - November 1, 2024
Assisted in concept development and design detailing; worked on exhibition and interior design concepts; collaborated with interdisciplinary design teams.
Candidate Architect at Three14 Architects
May 31, 2024 - May 31, 2024
Renderings, visual presentations, and concept development; 3D modelling, detailing, and client-facing presentations.
Candidate Architect at Three14 Architects
May 1, 2024 - May 1, 2024
Renderings, visual presentations, and concept development; 3D modelling, detailing, and client-facing presentations.
Freelance Illustrator & Designer
January 1, 2022 - November 22, 2025
Digital illustrations for commercial and private clients; storefront artwork and signage concepts; print design, label illustration, and character-based visual concepts; minimalist line-art commissions (tattoos, portraits, branding); motion graphics for social media.
Freelance Illustrator & Designer at Self-employed / Freelance
January 1, 2022 - November 22, 2025
Digital illustrations for commercial and private clients; storefront artwork and signage concepts; print design, label illustration, and character-based visual concepts; minimalist line-art commissions (tattoos, portraits, branding); motion graphics for social media.

Education

Master of Architecture (Professional) at University of Cape Town
January 11, 2030 - November 22, 2025
Bachelor of Architectural Studies at University of Cape Town
January 11, 2030 - November 22, 2025
Master of Architecture (Professional) at University of Cape Town
January 11, 2030 - November 22, 2025
Bachelor of Architectural Studies at University of Cape Town
January 11, 2030 - November 22, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Real Estate & Construction, Education
    Fashion illustrations
    Fashion is a common subject in my work, it's something I enjoy doing in my free time. I often also animate the drawings I make. please see: https://www.twine.net/signin for the animated versions of the works. digitalillustration animation fashionillustration animator illustrator
    Art of Exhibition
    Artworks chosen for Gallerytalk exhibition in Munich 2025. see full online gallery on https://www.twine.net/signin artitst print digitalart
    Label - For Windisch Bauer Wines
    Brief: Label one: The client requested portrait of a sheep looking snazzy in pink sunglasses Label two: The client requested a simple drawing of sheep dancing down the mountain (the slopes of the winery) in a frivolous manner. The sunglasses were originally meant to be just orange, but the client later decided on red, green, and blue. The word “LUSTIG” (cheerful/fun) was the main word wanted when describing both labels. graphicdesigner illustrator packagedesign winelabel
    SCHOON Storefront
    Commercial storefront illustration and signage concept for a South African bakery. storefrontdesign bakery illustrator graphicdesigner
    ArtClub.wtf
    Competition Entry - Print design for clothing merch for artclub.wtf berlin. printdesigner illustrator designer artist
    Tattoo Design
    Client Private Commission, South Africa Brief Create a minimal, line-based tattoo design featuring two chihuahuas. The client requested a simple, symbolic artwork — not a literal portrait illustrator tattoo designer linedrawing