Megan's Creative Portfolio

Work Biography

Layout Artist • Graphic Designer • Illustrator • Pyrographer • Amateur Photographer • Custom Design Screen Printing • Graphic Design Consulting

Where I've studied:

Matriculation: Potchefstroom High School for Girls. 2004.

Damelin, Rustenburg, North West, South Africa. 2007.
Computer Application in Art & Design • Historical & Contextual Referencing • Ideas Generation • Drawing Techniques & Approaches • Design Method & Principles • Multimedia Design & Authoring • Animation Techniques.

Damelin, Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa. 2008.
Multimedia Design & Authoring • Animation Techniques • Corporate Identity • Professional & Critical Studies • Working in Critical Studies • Managing the Design & Production Process.

Course: Advanced Certificate in Multi Media Design and Technology. 
Qualification Title: Edexcel BTEC Higher National Diploma in Graphic Design.

What I'm good at:

My Career Path:

Strengths

1. Creativity & Artistic Skills

  • I can create visually appealing designs that capture attention.
  • I understand color theory, typography, and composition.

2. Problem-Solving Through Design

  • I can take abstract ideas and turn them into effective visuals.
  • I design solutions that meet client needs while being aesthetically strong.

3. Attention to Detail

  • I ensure that elements are aligned, colors are consistent, and typography is well-balanced.

4. Adaptability & Versatility

  • I can work on various design styles, from modern minimalism to bold and detailed layouts.
  • I adjust based on different clients' needs and brand identities.

5. Technical Proficiency

  • I have strong skills in Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.).
  • I also use digital tools for layout, branding, and print design.

6. Communication & Collaboration

  • I translate client visions into designs that fit their brand.
  • I work well with others, whether it's clients, printers, or marketing teams.

7. Business & Marketing Awareness

  • Since I sell products and services, I understand how design impacts branding and sales.
  • I can create designs that aren't just beautiful but also marketable.

Weaknesses

1. Difficulty Saying No

  • I take on too many projects or make too many revisions to please clients.
  • I underprice projects to help clients, even when it affects profitability.

2. Balancing Creativity with Client Needs

  • Sometimes, clients may request designs that don't align with my creative vision.
  • I struggle to balance my style with what the client wants.

3. Time Management & Burnout

  • Handling multiple design projects at once can get overwhelming.
  • Deadlines can pile up, leading to stress and creative fatigue.

4. Business & Marketing Challenges

  • Pricing my work properly and ensure I get paid fairly.
  • Finding consistent clients and promoting my services effectively.

5. Struggles with Feedback

  • Feeling frustrated when clients request changes that don't make sense design-wise.
  • Taking critiques personally instead of seeing them as opportunities to improve.

6. Technical Challenges

  • Keeping up with new design trends and software updates.
  • Learning new skills like motion graphics, UI/UX, or coding if needed for certain projects.
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Working on weaknesses takes self-awareness, patience, and consistent effort. Here's a practical approach I use to improve in areas I struggle with:

1. Identify & Accept Your Weaknesses
Be honest with myself - what specific skills or habits need improvement?
Seek feedback from trusted friends, mentors, or clients to get an outside perspective.
Accept that weaknesses are not failures but areas for growth.

2. Break It Down & Set Goals
Choose one or two weaknesses to focus on at a time.
Set small, clear, and achievable goals. (Example: If I struggle with time management, I start by scheduling daily tasks.)
Track my progress to stay motivated.

3. Learn & Practice Consistently
Find resources: Books, online courses, or mentors can provide guidance.
Practice regularly, even if it feels uncomfortable. Growth happens outside of my comfort zone.
Be patient - improvement takes time.

4. Leverage Strengths to Balance Weaknesses
If I struggle with organization, I use visual planning tools.
Public speaking is difficult for me, I script my thoughts before speaking.

5. Stay Positive & Reflect
Don't be discouraged by setbacks - I see them as learning moments.
Reward myself for progress, no matter how small.
Reflect on what's working and adjust my approach as needed.

My Employees

Employing dogs can be highly beneficial in various industries and contexts. My employees contributions as morale boosters have had a significant impact on me. 

Working dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and unique abilities that make them valuable assets in a wide range of roles. They offer emotional support and possess a rare and valuable talent for creating a positive and uplifting work environment. 

Their unwavering optimism, empathetic nature, and genuine concern for the well-being of their colleagues make them a true asset to my team.

They are competitively compensated for the user experience they provide.

Markets

Smokey Dreamz
Blairgowrie • Randpark Ridge. 2024

Selling my themed and personalized boxes and shirts at small local markets positively impacts my artwork by providing direct feedback from customers, inspiring new designs based on trends and preferences, and giving me a platform to showcase my creativity.

Engaging with buyers in person helps build a loyal customer base, while the dynamic market environment keeps your artistic vision fresh and evolving.

My first market, I had such an amazing time that weekend at the Randpark Ridge market.

My stall on the day. Their welcoming staff, the wonderful customers, the phenomenal vendors - the community in general is sensational.

As said before, this community and everyone in it has been so embracing. The opportunity to showcase my art and sell it is so greatly appreciated.

My stall on the day.

"Weed Tarot Card" Posters & "Rick & Morty High Collection" posters shine beautifully, for viewing and purchasing at the Blairgowrie. Thank you to them for having the right fit for my art.