Hi, I’m Cristal Smith, a freelance Art Director and Graphic Designer based in Noordhoek, Cape Town. I hold a National Diploma in Graphic Design from Pretoria Technikon (1999) and began my career shaping magazine design and editorial layouts, eventually taking on art direction roles for several South African titles. I’m passionate about turning concepts into visually compelling brands and publications. Since founding Justified Design in 2009, I’ve led creative direction for annual reports, packaging, branding, and editorial design for a diverse client base. I enjoy collaborating with teams to deliver on-brand, print and digital solutions—from corporate reports to magazine layouts and promotional material.

Cristal Smith

Hi, I’m Cristal Smith, a freelance Art Director and Graphic Designer based in Noordhoek, Cape Town. I hold a National Diploma in Graphic Design from Pretoria Technikon (1999) and began my career shaping magazine design and editorial layouts, eventually taking on art direction roles for several South African titles. I’m passionate about turning concepts into visually compelling brands and publications. Since founding Justified Design in 2009, I’ve led creative direction for annual reports, packaging, branding, and editorial design for a diverse client base. I enjoy collaborating with teams to deliver on-brand, print and digital solutions—from corporate reports to magazine layouts and promotional material.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Cristal Smith, a freelance Art Director and Graphic Designer based in Noordhoek, Cape Town. I hold a National Diploma in Graphic Design from Pretoria Technikon (1999) and began my career shaping magazine design and editorial layouts, eventually taking on art direction roles for several South African titles. I’m passionate about turning concepts into visually compelling brands and publications.

Since founding Justified Design in 2009, I’ve led creative direction for annual reports, packaging, branding, and editorial design for a diverse client base. I enjoy collaborating with teams to deliver on-brand, print and digital solutions—from corporate reports to magazine layouts and promotional material.

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Language

English
Fluent
German
Advanced
Afrikaans
Advanced

Work Experience

Owner / Freelance Art Director at Justified Design
January 1, 2009 - November 17, 2025
Self-employed, freelance art director and owner of Justified Design (est. 2009). Responsibilities include art direction, conceptual design, branding, and editorial design for a diverse client base.
Art Director at Sun International Privé Magazine
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2015
Led art direction and visual storytelling for Privé Magazine, overseeing editorial design and branding.
Art Director at Psychologies Magazine SA
March 1, 2011 - March 1, 2011
Directed editorial design and visual concept for Psychologies Magazine SA.
Art Director at Private Edition Magazine
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2011
Led art direction and visual layout for Private Edition Magazine.
Art Director at Gust Magazine
December 1, 2010 - December 1, 2010
Art direction and conceptual design for Gust Magazine.
Senior Designer at Oprah Magazine SA
December 1, 2008 - December 1, 2008
Senior designer responsible for layout, typography and visual identity.
Art Director at Wicked Magazine
August 1, 2005 - August 1, 2005
Art direction and creative concept development for Wicked Magazine.
Design & Layout at Progress & Pursuit Magazine
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2003
Responsible for design and layout of publication materials.
Designer and Picture Editor at Out There Magazine
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2001
Designer and picture editor, coordinating visual content.
Designer and Picture Editor at Divestyle Magazine
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2001
Designer and picture editor handling layout and imagery.
Junior Designer at Elle Decoration
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2000
Junior designer contributing to editorial layout and design.

Education

Matric (Matriculation with exemption) at Krugersdorp High School
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1996
National Diploma Graphic Design at Pretoria Technikon
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1999

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education, Retail, Other