
Portfolio
Design & production specialist — from vector artwork and embroidery digitising to operating and repairing the machines that bring the work to life.

01 — Biography
Jacobus Gerhardus van der Westhuizen was born on 4 November 1985 in Cullinan, South Africa. For more than 36 years, he has proudly called Mbombela, Mpumalanga home, where he has built an extensive career founded on creativity, technical expertise, innovation, and practical problem-solving.
With over 21 years of professional experience, Jacobus has established himself as a multidisciplinary specialist across the graphic design, signage, marketing, printing, information technology, photography, engineering, planning, social media, and website design industries. His diverse background enables him to approach every project from both a creative and technical perspective, delivering solutions that are visually compelling, commercially effective, and engineered for long-term success.
As a professional Graphic Designer, Signage Expert, Project Manager, and Photographer, Jacobus has successfully managed projects ranging from corporate branding and visual identity development to large-scale signage systems, digital marketing campaigns, website development, print production, and complex project coordination. His ability to oversee projects from initial concept through to manufacturing, installation, and final delivery has earned him a reputation for reliability, precision, and exceptional attention to detail.
Committed to continuous professional development, Jacobus has studied Project Management, Time Management, Team Management, Autodesk Maya 3D Graphics, and the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite. These disciplines have strengthened his leadership abilities, technical design expertise, workflow efficiency, and three-dimensional visualization skills, enabling him to bridge the gap between creative design and real-world production.
In addition to his formal training, Jacobus is largely self-taught in several highly specialised technical fields, including 3D Printing, CNC Routing, Laser Cutting, Professional Photography, Website Design, and Social Media Management. His passion for learning and willingness to master new technologies have allowed him to remain at the forefront of an ever-evolving industry.
What truly sets Jacobus apart is his hands-on approach to every project. He believes that understanding the manufacturing and installation process is just as important as creating the design itself. Whether applying vinyl graphics, manufacturing three-dimensional signage, operating CNC machinery, working with timber, assembling displays, or solving practical installation challenges, he takes pride in being actively involved in the execution of his work.
Beyond the workplace, Jacobus enjoys building, repairing, and creating. His practical skills extend into woodworking, general fabrication, home maintenance, plumbing, electrical work, and DIY projects. He enjoys working with his hands, solving problems, and continuously improving both his technical abilities and craftsmanship.
Self-motivated, highly driven, and passionate about excellence, Jacobus approaches every opportunity with professionalism, integrity, and determination. He believes that success is built on continuous learning, strong relationships, meticulous planning, and a genuine commitment to delivering work of the highest quality.
Today, Jacobus continues to help businesses strengthen their brands through strategic design, impactful signage, professional photography, innovative marketing, digital solutions, and comprehensive project management. Combining creative vision with technical expertise and practical experience, he remains dedicated to producing solutions that not only meet expectations but consistently exceed them.
02 — Skills
03 — Career
Graphic Designer
36 Ehmke Street, Mbombela
September 2004 — November 2005
Permanently ClosedGraphic Designer
12 Stinkhout Crescent, Mbombela
November 2005 — December 2006
OperationalGraphic Designer, Digitizer, Printer Operator
26 Central Park, 12 Suikerriet Street, Mbombela
July 2006 — January 2011
Permanently ClosedGraphic Designer, Manager, Printer Operator, Project Manager, CNC Operator, CO2 Laser Operator, 3D Manufacturer, Costing Specialist, Brand Manager
36 Waterfall Avenue, Mbombela
September 2011 — April 2022
OperationalGraphic Designer, General Manager, Printer Operator, Project Manager, CNC Operator, CO2 Laser Operator, 3D Manufacturer, Costing Specialist, Brand Manager
5 Wolfaard Street, Mbombela
April 2022 - December 2024
Permanently ClosedGeneral Manager, Costing Specialist
18 Rapid Street, Mbombela
January 2025 - August 2025
Operational04 — Contact
Available for freelance, contract and full-time opportunities. Reach out any time.
05 — Websites
A selection of live client websites — design, build and content by Gerhard. Click any preview to visit the site.
06 — Documents
PDF FileMulti-page company profiles, product catalogues, signage proposals and menus — each item is a PDF file. Click a cover to open the full PDF in a new tab.
07 — Window Branding
One-way vision and printed vinyl window graphics — designed and applied to coaches, buses and commercial vehicles.
08 — Selected Work
A selection of identities and brand systems delivered across radio, aviation, food, security, hospitality and industrial sectors.
09 — Print & Advertising
Flyers, posters and promotional artwork designed for retail, hospitality, broadcast and service brands across the Lowveld.
11 — Vehicle & Marine
Full-colour vinyl wraps designed, printed and applied to bass boats and deep-sea rigs — turning hulls into rolling billboards.
12 — Stationery
Print-ready business card designs across property, engineering, automotive and plant-hire brands.
13 — Packaging
Full wrap-around DVD sleeves and disc labels — bespoke layouts built around wedding, event and celebration photography.
14 — Product Packaging
Wrap-around bottle labels — hand wash, bleach, chilli sauce and bottled water — designed for FMCG production and retail shelves.
15 — Brand Systems
Full Corporate Identity guideline documents — logo systems, usage rules, colour palettes, typography and tone of voice. Featured: Lekazi Fuel CI 2026.
16 — Environmental
Shopfront signs, flexface lightboxes, wall graphics and vehicle stickers — production-ready artwork for automotive, hospitality and retail brands.
17 — Vehicle Branding
Full and partial vinyl wraps, decal kits and fleet livery — designed, printed and applied on cars, bakkies, vans and trucks.
18 — Digital
Widescreen desktop and event wallpapers — sport, motoring, wildlife and photography brand pieces composed for high-resolution screens.
19 — Visualisation
Photoreal architectural and forecourt visualisations — from luxury estate gates and interiors to full filling-station rebrand concepts.
20 — Quick Gallery
A mixed snapshot gallery of signage, forecourts, packaging artwork and wildlife photography.