Shanell Francis

A highly skilled Senior Graphic Artist and Textile Designer with over ten years of hands-on experience driving design success in the apparel industry. Having progressed from a technical digitizer to a senior creative lead, I possess a deep understanding of the entire product lifecycle. I specialize in translating design briefs, character licensing requirements, and retail trend research into commercially successful clothing lines for major retail chains including MRP, Pick n Pay, Jet, and Pep.

My background spans seasonal trend forecasting, mood board creation, technical machine weave setups (Texcelle), Sync tracking, and final factory production sign-offs. By combining core expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud with generative AI workflows like Midjourney and Adobe Firefly, I deliver efficient, innovative, and production-ready artwork tailored to fast-paced retail markets.

Graphic Artist (Menswear Specialist) - Powerhouse Clothing

(2023-09)

• Design CADs and character/non-character prints specifically for MRP Menswear.
• Manage character licensing design workflows from initial concept through to factory production.
• Create precise print markers, garment size-ups, and layouts for textile printing.
• Track and evaluate pre-production and bulk garment samples to ensure design quality and standards.
• Prepare weekly progress reports to monitor design stages and keep projects moving on schedule.
• Transmit final technical designs and color specifications to commercial printers.
• Review and approve factory strike-offs and all-over prints (AOP).
• Collaborate directly with retail buyers and licensing brands to secure design approvals.
• Provide final production and bulk sign-offs to printing vendors.
• Develop comprehensive mood boards and seasonal trend forecasts specifically for menswear.
• Utilize Sync software daily to track artwork progress and monitor approvals.
• Conduct regular digital research and physical store visits to stay ahead of retail and market trends.

Senior Graphic Artist - Glodina Black Label

(2022-04 - 2023-09)

• Created original artwork, designs, and all-over prints for premium towel and textile product ranges.
• Utilized Texcelle software to configure machine weaves for product development.
• Conducted online trend research and compiled story and mood boards for upcoming seasons.
• Managed product design lifecycles, executed lab dip matching, and provided production approvals.

Assistant Buyer / Artist - Soltex Textile

(2021-04 - 2021-09)

• Developed commercial CADs, all-over prints, and executed colorway re-creations.
• Created seasonal mood boards and fashion trend forecasts.
• Communicated directly with suppliers in China to facilitate fabric and product orders.
• Maintained weekly tracking sheets for shipped, incoming, and sold inventory.
• Collaborated closely with suppliers and customers to secure timely design and production approvals.

Graphic Artist - Powerhouse Clothing

(2017-04 - 2021-04)

• Designed CADs and graphics (character and non-character) for various chain stores, ranging from infant to adult wear.
• Coordinated character apparel designs from initial design brief through to final factory output.
• Established print markers, garment size-ups, and technical production markers.
• Evaluated and followed up on bulk production and pre-production garment samples.
• Prepared weekly summary reports detailing design stages and project milestones.
• Distributed technical artwork files to commercial print vendors.
• Coordinated daily factory testing and strike-off approval cycles.
• Liaised with retail buyers and brand licensors to secure design authorizations.
• Issued bulk production sign-offs directly to printing facilities.
• Developed inspirational mood boards and trend forecasts for retail clients.
• Managed lab dip testing, colorway matching, and all-over print (AOP) quality checks.
• Updated information in the Sync system and generated weekly tracking reports.
• Monitored local market trends through regular retail store visits.

Print & Licensing Approval Coordinator - Global Source

(2015-03 - 2017-03)

• Managed character design stages from concept to bulk manufacturing, ensuring strict compliance with licensing guidelines.
• Reviewed and approved factory strike-offs, lab dips, and pre-production samples in collaboration with buyers.
• Compiled weekly summary reports detailing design stages and production statuses.
• Issued final production and bulk sign-offs to printing facilities.

Administrator & Switchboard Operator - Progress Medical Supplies

(2013-04 - 2014-06)

• Managed a high-volume switchboard, routing calls and emails to appropriate departments.
• Welcomed walk-in clients and assisted in resolving account and service inquiries.
• Managed administrative documentation, including filing, faxing, and procurement of stock from suppliers.
• Assisted in the preparation of government tenders and price quotations.

Higher Certificate - Marketing Management - STADIO Higher Education

AI Training - Generative AI tools and workflow integration - Keyline (2025 - 2025)

Product Development Certification - Technical machine weave setup, CAD configuration, and textile design application - Nedgraphics / Texcelle Training (2022 - 2022)

Certification in Print and Graphic Design - Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Theory of Print and Graphic Design - Digital Warriors (2017 - 2019)

National Senior Certificate (Matric) - English, Afrikaans, Mathematics, Life Orientation, Physical Science, Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD), Civil Technology - Meadowlands School of Technology (2007 - 2011)