Wade Will

A Senior Multi-Media Designer and Art Director located at the intersection of aesthetic excellence and commercial success. I have 15 years' of professional experience and 27 years of experience with Adobe Creative suite having started Photoshop in 1999. I have worked across sectors primarily in luxury hospitality but also across fintech, automotive, education and fashion.

Staying abreast with the advances of AI, along with my experience across visual design, video and cross-media production makes me the ideal candidate to produce the work of a traditionally larger team. I provide high level strategic oversight, utilising an entrepreneurial intuition to drive innovation and navigate complex organisational challenges. I am a charismatic communicator and leader, adept at managing diverse creative talent and workflows for global agencies.

My career is defined by a proven track record with major brands across the USA, Germany, and the UK, as well as on-location experience in South East Asia. This global footprint allows me to lead international projects with a nuanced perspective, effectively bridging the gap between local execution and high-level global strategy.

Freelance Designer & Creative Lead - Freelance Work

(2011)

Successfully managing a high-end client portfolio currently specialisation in the luxury hospitality sector. I provide comprehensive, full-service media solutions, featuring high-level videography and cinematic storytelling tailored for premium brands. My expertise spans entrepreneurial finance, strategic self-marketing, and maintaining elite client relations within the luxury market.

Featured Client - Code Clothing

Developed a custom hand-crafted typographic logo and comprehensive branding for one of the fastest-growing fashion retailers in South Africa. Delivered a full suite of apparel designs, inspiration sets, swing tags, and marketing collateral prior to the official launch.

Creative Coordinator - Aquila Collection

(2020-02 - 2023-10)

As the sole Creative Lead, I architected the visual identities for a portfolio of luxury safari lodges and coastal retreats. I managed the end-to-end creative pipeline from brand strategy and high-stakes proposals to vibrant, cohesive visual representation across all touchpoints.

• Worked directly with brand owners on high-stakes pitches, proposals, and new brand development
• Coordinated with brand heads to meet strict deadlines while staying ahead of global design trends
• Balanced the creative demands of numerous distinct brands simultaneously, reinforcing versatility
• Merch & Apparel
• Packaging
• Copywriting
• Video Editing
• TikTok Content
• Traditional Media Ad Campaigns
• Event Branding

Digital Art Director - 99c (Shoprite/Checkers)

(2019-06 - 2020-01)

Conceptualized and executed large-scale digital campaigns and animated media for one of Africa's largest retailers, often localized for international markets and foreign languages.

• Campaign Conceptualization
• Digital Ads
• Photoshop Animation
• Product Editing
• Retouching
• Illustration

PowerPoint Digital Artist - allroundMEDIA

(2017-11 - 2019-05)

Collaborated remotely with MunichRE®, an internationally respected German financial institution. Transformed complex technical data and raw text into aesthetically compelling, media-rich presentations using advanced MS PowerPoint techniques.

• Retouching
• Video Editing
• Iconography
• Illustration

Layout Designer - Admakers International

(2017-04 - 2017-10)

Developed high-impact print and digital advertisements for global automotive brands including Isuzu and Opel, consistently delivering high-quality assets under tight, agency-standard deadlines.

Creative Designer - Hashdata

(2016-11 - 2017-03)

• Brand Development
• UX/Web Concepts
• Web Elements
• Iconography

Creative Designer - Magnetic Creative

(2014-02 - 2015-10)

Contributed to a high-profile agency known for working with global icons like Beyoncé and John Mayer. Delivered creative work across a variety of exciting, fast-paced projects.

• Brand Development
• Print & Magazine Layout
• Illustration
• Digital Design

Matriculated - Pinelands High School (2005)

Diploma - Sound Engineering (2007)

AAA - Communication Design - AAA School (2010)