I am a versatile designer with over 20 years of experience across graphic design, product design, branding, and production management. I excel at turning creative concepts into production-ready outputs for print, digital, and packaging, while maintaining brand consistency and quality under tight deadlines. Known for my organization, problem-solving, and hands-on leadership, I thrive in collaborative environments and always look for ways to streamline workflows, improve cost efficiency, and deliver high-impact designs that connect with audiences.

Derek Raats

I am a versatile designer with over 20 years of experience across graphic design, product design, branding, and production management. I excel at turning creative concepts into production-ready outputs for print, digital, and packaging, while maintaining brand consistency and quality under tight deadlines. Known for my organization, problem-solving, and hands-on leadership, I thrive in collaborative environments and always look for ways to streamline workflows, improve cost efficiency, and deliver high-impact designs that connect with audiences.

Available to hire

I am a versatile designer with over 20 years of experience across graphic design, product design, branding, and production management. I excel at turning creative concepts into production-ready outputs for print, digital, and packaging, while maintaining brand consistency and quality under tight deadlines.

Known for my organization, problem-solving, and hands-on leadership, I thrive in collaborative environments and always look for ways to streamline workflows, improve cost efficiency, and deliver high-impact designs that connect with audiences.

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Language

English
Fluent

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.
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.
Designer at Woolworths
July 1, 2004 - July 1, 2007
Woolworths menswear designer; trend forecasts; range planning; factory liaison; CAD design; production readiness.
Founder and Owner at Tui-Na Recovery
January 1, 2014 - March 1, 2018
Founder/Owner of a wellness clinic offering massage and acupuncture; developed self-defence training modules; security training; managed daily appointments; designed training modules for self-defence and security.
Menswear Designer at Woolworths house
April 1, 2011 - October 1, 2011
Menswear design; trend forecasting; design and layout of winter and summer ranges; CAD design; prep for production and tech packs; liaised with buyers and consultants; ensured correct colors and fabrics.
Director and Owner at D G Signs and Graphix
January 1, 1999 - July 1, 2000
Signage design and manufacturing; client liaison; installation; hands-on design and printing; large-format output.

Education

Matric at De Villiers Graaff High School
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1990
Graphic Design Course at DTP
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1994
Matric at De Villiers Graaff High School
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1990
Graphic Design Course at DTP
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1994

Qualifications

IACHA Practitioner (Integrated Ancient Chinese Healing Arts)
January 11, 2030 - February 20, 2026
IACHA Lecturer
January 11, 2030 - February 20, 2026
Master IACHA Practitioner (Integrated Ancient Chinese Healing Arts)
January 11, 2030 - March 17, 2026
IACHA Lecturer
January 11, 2030 - March 17, 2026
Practitioner of Acupuncture, Tui Na, De Da, Tai Chi, Gi Gong
January 11, 2030 - March 17, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Education
    paper design, style, fabric Presentation
    Presentation on style, design, fabrics, colour and focusing on active wear.
    paper Design
    High level summary of work and achievements.