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I'm Derek, a multi-disciplinary designer with hands-on experience across graphic design, product design, and production management. I excel at turning concepts into production-ready solutions, coordinating print, laser, CNC processes, and coordinating with suppliers while keeping quality and timelines in check. I'm organized, thrive under pressure, and enjoy taking the initiative. My background in fashion, branding, and merchandising informs a holistic approach to design and project delivery, whether leading teams or freelancing.…I'm Derek, a multi-disciplinary designer with hands-on experience across graphic design, product design, and production management. I excel at turning concepts into production-ready solutions, coordinating print, laser, CNC processes, and coordinating with suppliers while keeping quality and timelines in check. I'm organized, thrive under pressure, and enjoy taking the initiative. My background in fashion, branding, and merchandising informs a holistic approach to design and project delivery, whether leading teams or freelancing.

Derek Raats

Graphic Designer, Product Designer, Designer, +4

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I'm Derek, a multi-disciplinary designer with hands-on experience across graphic design, product design, and production management. I excel at turning concepts into production-ready solutions, coordinating print, laser, CNC processes, and coordinating with suppliers while keeping quality and timelines in check. I'm organized, thrive under pressure, and enjoy taking the initiative. My background in fashion, branding, and merchandising informs a holistic approach to design and project delivery, whether leading teams or freelancing.…I'm Derek, a multi-disciplinary designer with hands-on experience across graphic design, product design, and production management. I excel at turning concepts into production-ready solutions, coordinating print, laser, CNC processes, and coordinating with suppliers while keeping quality and timelines in check. I'm organized, thrive under pressure, and enjoy taking the initiative. My background in fashion, branding, and merchandising informs a holistic approach to design and project delivery, whether leading teams or freelancing.

Available to hire

I’m Derek, a multi-disciplinary designer with hands-on experience across graphic design, product design, and production management. I excel at turning concepts into production-ready solutions, coordinating print, laser, CNC processes, and coordinating with suppliers while keeping quality and timelines in check.

I’m organized, thrive under pressure, and enjoy taking the initiative. My background in fashion, branding, and merchandising informs a holistic approach to design and project delivery, whether leading teams or freelancing.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Work Experience

Print Production Design Manager at Grow Learning Company

May 1, 2024 - Present

Overseeing the production process for Print-UV-Digital/Laser/CNC materials; developing workflows, planning and controlling production; managing production staff; ensuring quality and timely completion; coordinating with suppliers and other departments; implementing safety measures and maintaining production records.

CEO at Calidi Creative Ideas

September 1, 2021 - Present

Focusing on heat transfer cut outs, engraving, laser engraving, large format digital printing, and brand-consistent design. Responsible for defining briefs, rendering concepts, print production, project timelines, and maintaining quality control and brand standards.

Graphic Artist/Cad designer at Renewal Clothing

November 1, 2018 - December 1, 2022

Graphic artwork for seasonal ranges; CAD designs; colour separation for print-ready work; rotary print artwork; trend forecasting; seasonal storyboards.

Founder/Owner at Tui-Na Recovery

January 1, 2014 - Present

Founder/owner of a clinic offering massage and manipulation therapies; daily appointments; training; modules for self-defence programs; teaching and practice of acupuncture, Tai Chi and Qi Gong.

Freelance designer at Admit One Apparel, Ethne B

October 1, 2011 - January 1, 2016

Accessories design; storyboards; CAD design of caps, hats and scarves; rotary print designs; repeat patterns.

Menswear/Boys wear designer at MONVISO KNITWEAR

April 1, 2010 - March 1, 2011

Menswear and boys wear designing; trend forecasting; design and layout of winter and summer ranges; fabric and colour selection; SA Organics range development.

Designer/Planner/Buyer/Merchandiser at CLOTHING CITY

August 1, 2007 - April 1, 2009

In-house range building; trend forecasting; budgeting; liaising with buyers and suppliers; merchandising; production prep; CAD design; range development.

Designer at FIFTH ELEMENT MARKETING

October 1, 2002 - July 1, 2007

Designer for Canterbury of New Zealand, Woolworths, O’Neill SA; catalogues, trend interpretation, cad work, ranges, and brand campaigns; technical packs and supplier coordination.

Senior Designer at M.I.C DESIGN STUDIO

October 1, 2001 - September 1, 2002

Client liaison, design team management for posters and magazine adverts; signage design and production oversight.

Head Designer at SECOND GLANCE SIGNS AND GRAPHIX

August 1, 2000 - September 1, 2001

Layout design; oversee manufacture of signs; large format digital printing.

Director and owner at D G Signs and Graphix (Self Employed)

January 1, 1999 - July 1, 2000

Signage design, manufacturing and installation; large format digital printing; client liaison.

Designer at O’Neill SA (PTY) LTD

October 1, 2002 - July 1, 2004

Ladies and girls line design; trend forecasting; CAD; production-ready files; client presentations.