Experience

• 

  CV - Christian Vision

  • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

  • Marketing Specialist (Communications)

    • Dec 2022 - Present
    • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

• 

  Design Imps

  • Creative Specialist and Community Champion

    • 2010 - Present

    Design Imps is my passion project! Founded in 2010 with my husband, Janke van Jaarsveld, we've immersed ourselves in the creative, dynamic and challenging world of independent game development. At present, I fulfil the role of Art Direction support, Media and Marketing at Design Imps in my free time.We’re currently working on a dice-based, deck-building, roguelike adventure, called The Endless Wyrd. In the game you scavenge the Wyrd and try to escape the approaching Thing of the Dark. Load your dice with powerful augments to create your own synergies and combos and stack the odds in your favour. In a couple of months, we will provide a playable demo of the game and will launch on Early Access soon after. You can check out the trailer here: https://youtu.be/6roy7syGfQcGlobally games are a R1.3-trillion industry, however game development in South Africa is still a young, albeit growing industry. In a country that has 56 million people, less than 500 people are locally employed in the game development industry. That shocking statistic is bolstered by lack of infrastructure, educational programmes, government support and funding and the sad fact that game development is not seen or supported as a career option or a means of livelihood.As indie game developers in South Africa, we are finding our way in an exciting and uncertain future, but we couldn’t have done it without other indie developers who have paved the way before us. Hopefully, one day we can pay it forward and do the same for our country and the game development industry.

• 

  Peace Parks Foundation

  • Cape Town Area, South Africa

  • Communication Practitioner

    • Oct 2019 - Nov 2022
    • Cape Town Area, South Africa

    I’ve joined the talented Communication team at Peace Parks Foundation and it is a privilege to work for an organisation with such an incredible legacy.Founded in 1997 by Dr Anton Rupert, President Mandela and Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, Peace Parks Foundation was born of the belief that African peace parks could be an example to the world, that man and nature can coexist in harmony. To make this dream a reality, Peace Parks Foundation is tirelessly working to re-establish, renew and conserve large ecosystems that transcend man-made boundaries, by creating a community centred, regionally integrated and sustainably managed network of Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs). Today, this ambitious endeavour has resulted in eight formally established TFCAs, with many more emerging and conceptual TFCAs in the works. Together these TFCAs cover an area of just over one million square kilometres, making it the largest terrestrial conservation movement on Earth!

• 

  Motief

  • Pretoria Area, South Africa

  • Communication and Creative Specialist

    • Apr 2017 - Oct 2019
    • Pretoria Area, South Africa

    Working for Motief was an phenomenal experience. The company takes pride in delivering visual communication solutions and telling brand stories in a unique and exciting way that not only 'wows' the client but also captivates their audience!I managed integrated communication solutions, with a focus on written and visual communication for corporate clients. I provided strategic marketing and communication consulting to clients in various sectors. My responsibilities included creating communication materials in line with brand and communication strategies for external use, such as reports, corporate magazines, newsletters, social media content, presentations, websites, and brochures.I also conceptualised and produced social media content while maintaining community engagement.From initial concepts to content development, design, printing, and online publishing, I specialise in creating materials that strategically reflect the brand identity, corporate culture, and industry news. My strength lies in transforming technical information into reader-friendly content with entertainment value.

• 

  Bestmed Medical Scheme

  • Communication and Brand Specialist

    • Apr 2013 - Mar 2017

    Bestmed is an incredible organisation that developed my first understanding of what it means to be a specialist committed to delivering professional, high-quality work while also driving innovation and excellence.I played a crucial role in planning, creating, and executing comprehensive marketing, communications, and brand strategies that improved Bestmed's image and standing both internally and externally. My responsibilities included:Team and Resource Management: I supported the team's smooth operation by developing, implementing, and monitoring essential systems and processes.Marketing and Creative Project Management: I provided internal guidance for various projects, offering creative insights, optimising brand experiences, managing project committees, and incorporating change management.External Brand Development: I collaborated with teams to create sales-focused, brand-expanding materials like print ads, product launches, brochures, magazines, banner ads, billboards, and promotional items.Internal Brand and Communication: I ensured that all employees were well-informed about company activities, fostering a culture of value. I also created content, handled copywriting, editing, and proofreading for collateral and publications, maintaining a consistent brand image for both internal and external stakeholders.

• 

  Freelance

  • Freelance design work

    • 2009 - 2013

    During this period, I ventured into the dynamic world of freelancing, marking a pivotal phase in my career journey. This experience was instrumental in helping me grasp the nuances of client collaboration and hone my ability to consistently deliver outstanding results. I undertook a variety of freelance projects, including designing logos, advertisements, 'save the dates' notifications, wedding invitations, and business cards. It was during this time that I realised I wanted to expand my skill set to include both graphic and written content. I aspired to have the best of both worlds and specialise in Visual Communication.

• 

  TMI Dynamatics

  • Marketing Internship

    • 2008 - 2008

    At TMI Dynamics, I had the privilege of working with brilliant engineers and staff members who specialise in simulation and interactive training solutions for the aerospace, defence, maritime, logistics, and rail industries.I reported directly to the CEO and assisted in reorganising the office administration, while also conducting constructive market research. Additionally, I contributed to various event management and marketing initiatives, which involved planning, budgeting, and implementing golf days, as well as writing copy for brochures and the website.

• 

  Lowveld Media

  • Volunteer

    • 2005 - 2005

    Known as 'The watchdog of the Lowveld,' this beloved local newspaper has dedicated staff and journalists who cover important local news. It was a privilege for me to volunteer at The Lowvelder while I was studying.This opportunity provided me with experience in researching stories and writing articles in both Afrikaans and English. These articles ranged from reporting on significant events such as Women’s Day celebrations, local human-interest stories, as well as book reviews, and reporting on breaking news, among others. They were published under my maiden surname 'van Wyk'.