Open to opportunities

Nicholas Helfrich

@nicholashelfrich

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I create hand-drawn portraits, brand materials, and marketing assets while managing projects from brief to delivery.

South Africa

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What I'm looking for

I'm looking for remote graphic design, illustration, copywriting, data capture, or related creative and administrative work where I can deliver accurate, high-quality work independently and meet clear deadlines.

Through Olive Bean Design, I create hand-drawn portraits, brand identities, Facebook ad creatives, website content, and marketing materials designed to feel personal rather than mass-produced.

I manage creative projects end-to-end, from briefs, design, revisions, and final delivery to digital marketing and client acquisition. I also produce laser-ready artwork and product visuals for MDF items with local production partners.

Before launching my studio, I built and ran businesses in specialty retail, 3D printing, steel fabrication, and manufacturing. I designed hundreds of products, created catalogs and sales materials, handled international shipping, and supervised teams of more than 60 staff.

I'm comfortable working across PC and Mac environments using Adobe tools, Canva, SolidWorks, ViaCAD, Microsoft 365, and AI-assisted workflows. I enjoy remote collaboration and bring disciplined, accurate delivery to creative, copywriting, data capture, and administrative work.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Founder & Lead Designer / Illustrator

Current

Olive Bean Design

Jan 2026 - Present (7 months)

Founded a creative studio focused on hand-drawn portraits, brand identities, and marketing materials. Manages all client projects from brief to delivery, including design, revisions, and communication.

Adobe Creative Cloud Photoshop Illustrator InDesign Branding Logo Design Social Media Ads Web Design Digital Marketing Client Communication Project Management

Current

Owner & Operator

Current

Jump the Break Gear

Jan 2020 - Present (6 years 7 months)

Built and runs an online specialty retail business, handling all operations including inventory, customer service, marketing, and financial tracking.

Inventory Management Customer Service Marketing Copywriting

Instructor, Coach & Drop Zone Roles

Professional Skydiving Instruction & Operations

Jan 2018 - Dec 2025 (7 years 11 months)

Delivered client-focused instruction and coaching in high-stakes environments, mentored teams, and managed daily operations with focus on safety and results. Created promotional content and social media.

Instruction Coaching Mentor Operations Management Safety Social Media

Owner

Prototype ME

Jan 2015 - Jul 2018 (3 years 6 months)

Designed 2D/3D parts and products using ViaCAD and SolidWorks, and ran a small 3D-printing production line. Created marketing catalogs and handled costing, international shipping, and advertising.

ViaCAD Solidworks 3D Printing Product Design Marketing International Shipping

Owner

Deltrosign

Oct 2011 - Jan 2015 (3 years 3 months)

Ran a steel fabrication business specializing in custom toolboxes, supervising a team of 60+ staff. Designed and costed over 400 catalogued products and produced all marketing materials.

Steel Fabrication Team Management ViaCAD 3D Design 2D Design Marketing Adobe Creative Cloud Canva

Production Manager

Clip It / Audell

Jan 2004 - Oct 2011 (7 years 9 months)

Managed design-to-finished-product operations for a steel manufacturing business with over 400 product lines and 50+ staff. Built practical systems for production, quality, and delivery.

Production Management Quality Assurance Process Improvement Team Leadership Steel Manufacturing

Graphic Designer & Photographer

Scanshop

Apr 2007 - Jan 2009 (1 year 9 months)

Created branding and marketing assets for high-profile clients including FedEx using Adobe Creative Cloud. Handled in-house photography and contributed content to industry publications.

Adobe Creative Cloud Graphic Design Branding Photography Content Creation Marketing