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

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.
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 1, 2024 - May 1, 2024
Renderings, visual presentations, and concept development; 3D modelling, detailing, and client-facing presentations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Candidate Architect at Three14 Architects
May 31, 2024 - May 31, 2024
Renderings, visual presentations, and concept development; 3D modelling, detailing, and client-facing presentations.

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
    paper 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
    paper Art of Exhibition
    Artworks chosen for Gallerytalk exhibition in Munich 2025. see full online gallery on https://www.twine.net/signin artitst print digitalart
    paper 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
    paper SCHOON Storefront
    Commercial storefront illustration and signage concept for a South African bakery. storefrontdesign bakery illustrator graphicdesigner
    paper ArtClub.wtf
    Competition Entry - Print design for clothing merch for artclub.wtf berlin. printdesigner illustrator designer artist
    uniE621 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