Tania Bakkes
Graphic Design Professional
Pretoria, South Africa
+27798787203
be.net/taniab
I am multi-skilled with good all-round design and marketing competencies. I have extensive knowledge in graphic design, marketing, advertising, and photography and a strong communicator. I work well as part of a team, but am also able to work as a specialist.
Work Experience
Fine & Country
Senior Graphic Designer & Studio Consultant
I participated in the design and re-design of illustrations, advertisements, brochures, magazines, on-line newsletters and many other forms of visual communication. Analysed and planned the framework of design according to the laid-out concept and established specifications of the project and the brand. Ensured that the delivered products or services adhered to the policies and standards of the company. Completed projects within the timeline and estimated budget allocated. Dealt with agents/licensees as the point of contact. Assisted team members to choose the right style, attractive graphics, images, and other visual elements to adapt them according to the objectives of the project and the brand. Developed new creative campaigns for specific target markets. Worked in collaboration with colleagues across different departments.
Digital scope of work:
• Photos – editing and touch-up of photographs.
• Sourced Stock Photography for campaigns (i.e. for use in print & digital).
• Script – checking grammar and spelling – adjusted and rewritten copy where necessary.
• Designed electronic invitations.
• Designed and set-up bulk emailers in MailChimp.
• Designed email signatures and campaign cards for social media platforms.
Print scope of work:
• Designed business cards, brochures, flyers, signage and other marketing material.
• Participated in the design and layout of magazines - Refined (printed and online version) & Tabloid (online version).
• Prep-work for final print files of magazines, brochures, catalogues, etc.
• Updated spreadsheets for the Refined magazine and shared between operations, accounts and the studio.
• Made sure quality control of printed items where executed.
Digital scope of work:
• Photos – editing and touch-up of photographs.
• Sourced Stock Photography for campaigns (i.e. for use in print & digital).
• Script – checking grammar and spelling – adjusted and rewritten copy where necessary.
• Designed electronic invitations.
• Designed and set-up bulk emailers in MailChimp.
• Designed email signatures and campaign cards for social media platforms.
Print scope of work:
• Designed business cards, brochures, flyers, signage and other marketing material.
• Participated in the design and layout of magazines - Refined (printed and online version) & Tabloid (online version).
• Prep-work for final print files of magazines, brochures, catalogues, etc.
• Updated spreadsheets for the Refined magazine and shared between operations, accounts and the studio.
• Made sure quality control of printed items where executed.
January 2020
- December 2022
South Africa
Seeff Properties Randburg
Graphic Designer, Digital Marketing and Social Media Professional
January 2018
- December 2019
South Africa
Chapter 3
Graphic Design Professional
I have successfully managed and coordinated graphic design projects from concept through completion for various clients, such as The Hothouse Communications, DR Church Aasvoëlkop Northcliff, SANBS (South African National Blood Service), Egoli Forms and Bank of Gaborone. These include the conceptualization, design and successful execution and delivery of online invitations for events, large-format banners and brochures, annual reports, magazine layouts, billboards, infographics, online newsletters and website maintenance. I am highly proficient with time management and meeting the required deadlines. As part of the business, I manage all operational and administrative functions, including quoting, invoicing and dealing with debtors.
January 2012
- December 2017
South Africa
Adel Bakkes Real Estate
Real Estate Agent
Generating appointments for viewings and valuations. Negotiating with potential sellers and buyers. General office administration duties: photocopying, filing, photography of all properties listed, writing of advertisements of properties listed, maintaining property advertisements on various platforms including social media. Referring & introducing potential clients to other agents within the company. Following up business leads. Preparing professional looking sales brochures, business cards, display advertisements and promotional information. Liaising by phone, email and letters with buyers and sellers. Marketing by phone and emails of properties to potential buyers or sellers. Projecting a professional image of the agency to the public. Visiting vacant and inhabited properties and inspecting them. Comparing properties to others in the area then estimating its value. Pointing out properties best features to buyers and answering their questions. Advising clients on which properties to buy. Property awareness in the Smallholding and Agricultural Holdings Market and a good feel for the property market in general.
May 2015
- June 2016
South Africa
Graphic Design Solutions
Independent Graphic Design Professional
In this position I successfully managed and coordinated graphic design projects concept through completion for the events of Gulf Ventures (Dnata Travel Agents), such as online invitations to events, large-format banners and brochures. I also liaised with the company’s freelance web-engineer to meet all web-based event project requirements and was responsible for Citymax Hotel Group Food & Beverage Promotion’s design items.
May 2008
- December 2011
United Arab Emirates
SEEFF Properties
Real Estate Agent
Generating appointments for viewings and valuations. Negotiating with potential sellers and also buyers. General office administration duties: photocopying, filing, writing of advertisements of properties listed, Referring & introducing potential clients to other agents within the company. Following up business leads. Preparing professional looking sales brochures, display advertisements and promotional information. Liaising by phone, email and letter with buyers and sellers. Marketing by phone and emails of properties to potential buyers or sellers. Projecting a professional image of the agency to the public. Visiting vacant and inhabited properties and inspecting them. Comparing properties to others in the area then estimating its value. Pointing out properties best features to buyers and answering their questions. Advising clients on which properties to buy. Property awareness in the Residential Market and a good feel for the property market in general.
June 2006
- April 2008
South Africa
PMD Design Studio
Owner & Graphic Designer
During this time I successfully managed a design studio and sourcing new business leads, collaborated with clients to conceive new designs amid tight deadlines. I designed logos, brochures, calendars, desk-pads and annual reports and managed all operational and administrative functions of the studio, including quoting, invoicing and coordinating the production and print processes.
April 2005
- May 2006
South Africa
The Surprise Factory
Graphic Designer
Successfully translated briefs into final designs for corporate presentations, brochures, annual reports, large-format banners, truck signage, training manuals and logo designs. Created themes and graphics for corporate presentations. I also managed quotes and invoicing for clients on tight budgets and coordinated the production and print processes.
September 2000
- March 2005
South Africa
NASPERS: Beeld
Graphic Designer & Layout Artist
Created advertisements, brochures and promotional materials for NASPERS.
September 1999
- August 2000
South Africa
Education
Vega School
Digital Brand Strategy
Building a digital brand presence with all the necessary tactical functions. How to plan, implement and manage a comprehensive digital marketing strategy while integrating digital marketing tactics into your overall marketing strategy. "VEGA"
2017
- 2017
Randburg, South Africa
Vega School
Intermediate Photography
Short Learning Programme in Intermediate Photography
2012
- 2012
Randburg, South Africa
Tshwane University Of Technology (Pretoria Technikon)
National Diploma in Graphic Design (Major)
Description:
• Graphic Interpretation
• Observing Studies
• Form & Color Studies (Painting)
• Drawing: Graphic Design (General & Figure Drawing)
• Space & Volume Studies (Ceramics & Sculpture)
• Graphic Design
• History of Graphic Design (History & Marketing)
• Photography: Graphic Design
• Techniques: Graphic Design (Painting, Illustration, Printmaking)
• Theory of Reproduction Processes
• Graphic Interpretation
• Observing Studies
• Form & Color Studies (Painting)
• Drawing: Graphic Design (General & Figure Drawing)
• Space & Volume Studies (Ceramics & Sculpture)
• Graphic Design
• History of Graphic Design (History & Marketing)
• Photography: Graphic Design
• Techniques: Graphic Design (Painting, Illustration, Printmaking)
• Theory of Reproduction Processes
January 1995
- January 1999
Pro Arte Alphen Park (Art School)
Senior Certificate (Matriculation)
Specialized in Design
Description:-
Art Subjects
• Design (Distinction)
• Printmaking
• Art History
• Drawing (General Drawing & Figure Studies)
• Sculpture
• Painting
Academic Subjects:
• English
• Afrikaans
• Mathematics
• Biology
Description:-
Art Subjects
• Design (Distinction)
• Printmaking
• Art History
• Drawing (General Drawing & Figure Studies)
• Sculpture
• Painting
Academic Subjects:
• English
• Afrikaans
• Mathematics
• Biology
January 1990
- December 1994
Vega School
Digital Brand Strategy
Building a digital brand presence with all the necessary tactical functions. How to plan, implement and manage a comprehensive digital marketing strategy while integrating digital marketing tactics into your overall marketing strategy. "VEGA"
2017
-
Randburg, South Africa
Languages
English (Native),
Afrikaans (Native),
Awards
Pro Arte Alphen Park (Art School)
Works of Art accepted and exhibited at yearly T.O.D. Arts Festival for 4 consecutive years from 1990 till 1994
1994
Pro Arte Alphen Park (Art School)
Highest marks for both art subjects for 4 consecutive years from 1990 till 1994
1994
Pro Arte Alphen Park (Art School)
Junior Printmaking Student of the Year
1992
Pro Arte Alphen Park (Art School)
Colors received for Art & Leadership
1993
Pro Arte Alphen Park (Art School)
Senior Design Student of the Year
1993
Pro Arte Alphen Park (Art School)
Colors received for Art & Leadership
1994
Pro Arte Alphen Park (Art School)
Senior Design Student of the Year
1994
Pro Arte Alphen Park (Art School)
Senior Printmaking Student of the Year
1994
Skills
ADBOE ACROBAT DC,
Adobe CC,
Adobe Creative Cloud,
Adobe Illustrator CC,
Adobe Illustrator CC,
Adobe Indesign CC,
Adobe Photoshop CC,
Apple Mac,
CorelDraw,
CyberAgent,
FUSION - PRIVATE-PROPERTY,
GOOGLE-SUITE,
HootSuite,
HootSuite,
Mailchimp,
Mailchimp,
Microsoft Excel,
Microsoft Outlook,
Microsoft Powerpoint,
Microsoft Word,
PAPER TURN FlipBook,
PROPCONTROL - P24,
Personal Characteristics
• Reliable
• Creative
• Versatile
• Dedicated
• Motivated
• Goal Driven
• Positive
• Works well under pressure
• Ambitious
• Self Starter
• Team player
• Natural Planner
• Well organized
• Neat What my clients say about me:
April 14, 2011
“I've worked with Tania for over 11 years. In the past 12 years of my career, I have worked with numerous designers, but whenever I want a job done first time, professionally handled and delivered on time, Tania is the first I contact.
She is very hardworking, with an amazing good eye for detail. She is very meticulous and 'cant be done' is not in her vocabulary. Tania is passionate about what she does and this spills into each project she directs or designs. I would highly recommend her to any company. "
Top qualities: Great Results, High Integrity, Creative
Michelle Pieterse
"michellepieterse - design&advertising”
March 31, 2011
“Tania has been a pleasure to work with on each and every occasion. She always delivers on time and put that extra touch on everything. Personally I think that you can't go wrong by making use of her services.”
Top qualities: Great Results, On Time, Creative
Millissa Guisti
Gulf Venures Events Team
June 17, 2010
“Tania was the best talent, proffessional, motivated, hardworker I ever worked with in my eMoww project, she is a good partner, stick with her word to deliver on time.
Her amazing work, and high quality designs reflects her personality as crystal clear person. Wish you Tania all the best in your life”
Mohannad Abdin
ITIL, eMoww : The Leading Hosting and Web Designing Company in ME (Owner)
May 31, 2010
Dear Tania, I would like to thank very much for your continuous support and professional way handling of all our requirements which unfortunately always come with much demands versus very tight deadlines – you have shown complete understanding to our situation and your creativity and hard work are very much appreciated by both us & our clients! We look forward to sustain this successful partnership.
Warm regards,
Shady Fayek
Events Project Manager | Gulf Venures Events Team
• Creative
• Versatile
• Dedicated
• Motivated
• Goal Driven
• Positive
• Works well under pressure
• Ambitious
• Self Starter
• Team player
• Natural Planner
• Well organized
• Neat What my clients say about me:
April 14, 2011
“I've worked with Tania for over 11 years. In the past 12 years of my career, I have worked with numerous designers, but whenever I want a job done first time, professionally handled and delivered on time, Tania is the first I contact.
She is very hardworking, with an amazing good eye for detail. She is very meticulous and 'cant be done' is not in her vocabulary. Tania is passionate about what she does and this spills into each project she directs or designs. I would highly recommend her to any company. "
Top qualities: Great Results, High Integrity, Creative
Michelle Pieterse
"michellepieterse - design&advertising”
March 31, 2011
“Tania has been a pleasure to work with on each and every occasion. She always delivers on time and put that extra touch on everything. Personally I think that you can't go wrong by making use of her services.”
Top qualities: Great Results, On Time, Creative
Millissa Guisti
Gulf Venures Events Team
June 17, 2010
“Tania was the best talent, proffessional, motivated, hardworker I ever worked with in my eMoww project, she is a good partner, stick with her word to deliver on time.
Her amazing work, and high quality designs reflects her personality as crystal clear person. Wish you Tania all the best in your life”
Mohannad Abdin
ITIL, eMoww : The Leading Hosting and Web Designing Company in ME (Owner)
May 31, 2010
Dear Tania, I would like to thank very much for your continuous support and professional way handling of all our requirements which unfortunately always come with much demands versus very tight deadlines – you have shown complete understanding to our situation and your creativity and hard work are very much appreciated by both us & our clients! We look forward to sustain this successful partnership.
Warm regards,
Shady Fayek
Events Project Manager | Gulf Venures Events Team
What people say about me
April 26, 2020
Tania has been a breath of fresh air to work with. Her creativity, marketing and digital knowledge really is the best out there. Tania is dedicated, self-motivated, creative and a perfectionist in everything she does. She tackles every project with the utmost professionalism, and I can only recommend Tania for any position she wishes to pursue. You would be lucky to have her on your team.
Margie Lansdell | Estate Agent | Seeff Properties Randburg | 083 675 6271 | margielansdell4@gmail.com
February 20, 2017
Having been in the industry for many years, it is refreshing to work with someone like Tania Bakkes at Chapter 3. Tania is enthusiastic and passionate about what she does, eager to be part of the team, and always willing to go the extra mile to find workable solutions to satisfy clients’ needs. She is someone who goes way beyond just meeting the brief, coming up with alternative solutions and suggestions to the benefit of the client. I would be happy to recommend Tania, and can be contacted on 011 678 3545 for further information.
Lara Theron | Director of Communications | The Hothouse Communications | 083 324 4401 | lara@thehothouse.co.za
January 29, 2017
It is with immense pleasure that I write this reference for Ms. Tania Bakkes.
In my capacity as Communication & Public Relations Professional, who relies heavily on graphic design, I have worked with Tania on many graphic design projects. She is able to turn ideas into, “on the ball” graphic content which is always aligned to the main strategy. She is punctual and accurate in the execution of her work and always produces impeccable results. She is a bold designer who is able to guide clients on what will and what may not work for their brand or project. An added bonus is that she has portrayed great patience and tenacity under a pressurised environment and deadlines.
I highly recommend her for any graphic design projects.
Marelda Sibanyoni | 073 208 0803 | mareldas@gmail.com
Tania has been a breath of fresh air to work with. Her creativity, marketing and digital knowledge really is the best out there. Tania is dedicated, self-motivated, creative and a perfectionist in everything she does. She tackles every project with the utmost professionalism, and I can only recommend Tania for any position she wishes to pursue. You would be lucky to have her on your team.
Margie Lansdell | Estate Agent | Seeff Properties Randburg | 083 675 6271 | margielansdell4@gmail.com
February 20, 2017
Having been in the industry for many years, it is refreshing to work with someone like Tania Bakkes at Chapter 3. Tania is enthusiastic and passionate about what she does, eager to be part of the team, and always willing to go the extra mile to find workable solutions to satisfy clients’ needs. She is someone who goes way beyond just meeting the brief, coming up with alternative solutions and suggestions to the benefit of the client. I would be happy to recommend Tania, and can be contacted on 011 678 3545 for further information.
Lara Theron | Director of Communications | The Hothouse Communications | 083 324 4401 | lara@thehothouse.co.za
January 29, 2017
It is with immense pleasure that I write this reference for Ms. Tania Bakkes.
In my capacity as Communication & Public Relations Professional, who relies heavily on graphic design, I have worked with Tania on many graphic design projects. She is able to turn ideas into, “on the ball” graphic content which is always aligned to the main strategy. She is punctual and accurate in the execution of her work and always produces impeccable results. She is a bold designer who is able to guide clients on what will and what may not work for their brand or project. An added bonus is that she has portrayed great patience and tenacity under a pressurised environment and deadlines.
I highly recommend her for any graphic design projects.
Marelda Sibanyoni | 073 208 0803 | mareldas@gmail.com