Open to opportunities

Dylan Van Der Merwe

@dylanvandermerwe

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Creative Communication and Motion Designer with a passion for visual storytelling.

South Africa

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for opportunities that allow me to grow creatively and collaborate on innovative projects in a dynamic environment.

Hello, my name is Dylan, and I am a passionate artist specializing in Communication and Motion Design. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Design from the Open Window Institute in 2022. My education has equipped me with a strong foundation in brand identity, logo design, user interface design, and motion graphics, which I have applied in various professional settings.

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with notable companies such as MultiChoice and Birthmark Media, where I honed my skills in creating both static and animated advertising content. My freelance experience has allowed me to collaborate with diverse clients, adapting designs for various platforms and ensuring that each project meets the unique needs of the audience. I am always eager to learn new skills and refine my craft, particularly in video and audio editing.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Graphics and Motion Designer

Current

Digital Cloud

Apr 2024 - Present (1 year 2 months)

Acted as a liaison between primary designers and motion designers, creating static and animated social media content and advertising for diverse clients. Utilized Adobe Illustrator, After Effects, Photoshop, InDesign, and occasionally MidJourney and Runway AI for image and video generation.

Graphic Design Motion Design Adobe Illustrator Adobe After Effects Adobe Photoshop adobe indesign Midjourney

GFX Designer and Motion Designer

Birthmark Media Production

Mar 2023 - Feb 2024 (11 months)

Primarily worked with MultiChoice DStv channels, deep-etching PR photographs and filling templates for monthly highlights. Updated templates, created key visual posters, and adapted them for social media. Animated title boards, color-keyed video to remove greenscreen, and added graphics over video.

Deep Etching Templates Social Media Adaptation Title Board Animation Color Keying Graphics Adobe Photoshop Adobe After Effects

Motion Designer

AIPX Atelier

Nov 2023 - Feb 2024 (3 months)

Developed an intro video for STANLIB Insights, utilizing Adobe Illustrator and After Effects.

Motion Design Intro Video Production Adobe Illustrator Adobe After Effects Video Editing Animation

Junior Designer and Motion Designer

EduFeArn

Feb 2022 - Feb 2023 (1 year)

Responsible for character redesigns, social media banner layouts, and design. Prepared files for animation and created social media advertising animations.

Social Media Design Banner Design Animation Preparation Motion Graphics Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator

Warehouse Assistant

Freight Care Logistics (Pty) Ltd

Nov 2021 - Dec 2021 (1 month)

Conducted stock-taking and managed the packing and picking of items based on shelf numbers. Handled deliveries and pickups, ensuring precise stock control with Microsoft Excel.

Stock Taking Pick Delivery Microsoft Excel

Part-Time Junior Graphic Designer

Buzzmo Digital Marketing

Nov 2020 - Nov 2022 (1 year 11 months)

Executed small design projects including signage redesigns and adaptations for various sizes. Created icons for websites and social media, and designed stickers using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Graphic Design Social Media Design Sticker Design

Warehouse Assistant

Freight Care Logistics (Pty) Ltd

Jan 2018 - Apr 2018 (3 months)

Performed stock-taking, packing, and picking of stock by shelf number. Managed deliveries and pickups, and maintained accurate stock control using Microsoft Excel.

Stock Taking Pick Delivery Microsoft Excel Inventory Management

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Open Window Institute

Bachelor of Arts, Communication Design and Motion Design

Completed a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Design with a double major in Motion Design. Gained proficiency in brand identity, logo, user interface, poster, packaging, and illustration design, integrating motion design principles.

Maranatha Christian School

Matric Certificate, General Studies

Activities and societies: Top Academic Achiever for three consecutive years, Matric Prefect, Cross Country Trophy for two years, Mathematics trophy grade 6, English trophy grade 7, Athletics trophy grade 11, Full Colours for Volleyball, Half Colours for Academic Achievements and Cross Country

Attained a Matric certificate with a focus on a broad curriculum including Afrikaans, English, Mathematics, and Visual Arts. Developed foundational academic skills across various subjects.