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Graphic Design Portfolio 2026

Nue Leaf Creative Studio

Where design meets intention — crafting brands that speak, breathe & endure.

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Thessa van Zyl – About Me page
10+ Years of
Creative Excellence

Hello, Thessa van Zyl here

I am a qualified graphic designer with a Diploma in Graphic Design from Nelson Mandela University (2015), with experience across agency, corporate, and freelance environments.

I began my career in design agencies, developing strong foundations in fast-paced, client-focused creative work. I later joined Volkswagen South Africa, where I helped grow a small creative setup into a fully functioning design department. I then moved into a Mercedes-Benz dealer group, working within premium branding and high-level marketing standards.

Today, I work as a freelancer across multiple industries and international clients, specialising in branding, campaigns, and marketing design. My core passion lies in layout design, brochures, catalogues, and editorial work that combines strong visual storytelling with clear, effective communication.

2012 Graduated High School
2015 Dip. in Graphic Design – NMU
2016 Alfresco Graphics & Signs
2017 Green Room – Graphic Designer
2017–19 Volkswagen SA – CRM Coordinator
2019–21 Maritime Motor Group – Marketing
2021 Started Freelancing
Now Still Happily Freelancing ✦
Nue Leaf Creative Studio – Knysna Life
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Proud Knysna Local

I'm a proud Knysna local who enjoys the flexibility and focus of working from home. My desk companions — my two Australian Shepherds — make the day-to-day even better. I'm highly adaptable, maintaining a strong, disciplined work ethic from 08:00 to 17:00, fully immersed in my creative flow. Working is truly my happy place.

Knysna, South Africa

Creative Services

Every project is an opportunity to create something meaningful, memorable, and measurably effective.

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Logo & Brand Identity

The heart and soul of every brand. I capture the essence of each business in a meaningful and timeless logo — collaborating until you are completely satisfied.

Brand Strategy · Visual Identity
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Social Media Design

Staying on trend and analysing data to create designs that engage audiences and convert into sales. Clients include VWSA, Audi, Amarok, Namaqua Wines & Bioteen.

Content Creation · Paid Campaigns
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Website Design

Close to a thousand hours designing pages with strong focus on user experience — visually engaging and grounded in solid design principles. Clients include LightSail, Mudita & Studient.

UX · Visual Design · Responsive
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Mailer Design

Not just selling products — telling a deeper brand story. Strong visuals, engaging layouts that evoke emotion and leave a lasting positive impression of your brand.

Email Marketing · Print
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Google Ads & Performance

Data analysis with creative execution to build campaigns that reach the right audiences and convert. Managing monthly budgets of up to R50,000 with measurable results.

Strategy · Optimisation · Analytics

Selected Portfolio

A curated selection of creative work across branding, digital, and print.

Logo Design Portfolio
Logo & Branding

Brand Identity Design

Capturing the heart and soul of a brand

Social Media Design
Social Media

Content Creation

VWSA, Audi, Namaqua Wines & more

Social Media Design 2
Social Media

Campaign Work

Engaging content that converts

Layout Design Portfolio
Layout & Editorial

Layout Design

My personal favourite — brochures, catalogues & editorial

Website Design Portfolio
Website Design

UX-Focused Web Design

LightSail, Mudita, Studient & more

Mailer Design Portfolio
Mailer Design

Brand Story Mailers

Clear hierarchy, deep visual impact

Google Ads Portfolio
Google Ads

Performance Marketing

Data-driven creative campaigns

Illustrations and Fine Art
Illustrations & Fine Art

Creative Expression

Where passion meets pencil

Trusted by iconic brands

Volkswagen SA ✦ Audi ✦ Amarok ✦ Namaqua Wines ✦ Bioteen ✦ LightSail ✦ Mudita ✦ Studient ✦ Mercedes-Benz ✦ Motivention ✦ Volkswagen SA ✦ Audi ✦ Amarok ✦ Namaqua Wines ✦ Bioteen ✦ LightSail ✦ Mudita ✦ Studient ✦ Mercedes-Benz ✦ Motivention ✦

Photography & Fine Art

Photography has always been a passion of mine, and with the rise of AI, authentic photography has become even more meaningful. A single image can still speak louder than a hundred words.

"Real moments, real stories — that's what endures."

Illustrations & Fine Art

When I paint, the world melts away and I feel completely at peace. I often imagine becoming a full-time artist, but until then I find real joy and purpose in my graphic design work.

Photography by Thessa van Zyl
Fine Art and Illustrations
Nue Leaf Creative Studio
Nue Leaf Creative Studio Back Cover

Full Page Spreads

A closer look at selected pages from the 2026 portfolio.

Layout Design Spread
Layout Design — My personal favourite
Social Media Design Spread
Social Media — Content that converts
Website Design Spread
Website Design — Continuously evolving
Mailer Design Spread
Mailer Design — Clear visual hierarchy
0+ Years Experience
0+ Hours of Web Design
0k+ Monthly Ad Budget
0% Client Satisfaction

Let's Chat

Feel free to request a consultation — I'd love to get to know you and your business, and explore how I can help make things easier for you while improving results and supporting your growth.

Contact Page
Currently available for new projects