G.V.D.W monogram logo

Portfolio

Gerhard van der
Westhuizen

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

Portrait of Gerhard van der Westhuizen

01 — Biography

Jacobus Gerhardus van der Westhuizen

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

Proficiencies

Software

  • CorelDrawProficient
  • Adobe PhotoshopProficient
  • Adobe IllustratorProficient
  • Adobe LightroomProficient
  • MS OfficeProficient
  • WilcomProficient
  • PastelProficient
  • CanvaProficient

Machinery

  • Roland PrintersProficient — Use & Repair
  • CO₂ Laser CuttersProficient — Use & Repair
  • CNC RouterProficient — Use & Repair
  • Embroidery MachinesProficient

03 — Career

Work Experience That Matters

Graphic Designer

Thuthuka

36 Ehmke Street, Mbombela

September 2004 — November 2005

Permanently Closed

Graphic Designer

Lowveld Media

12 Stinkhout Crescent, Mbombela

November 2005 — December 2006

Operational

Graphic Designer, Digitizer, Printer Operator

Simsib Printers

26 Central Park, 12 Suikerriet Street, Mbombela

July 2006 — January 2011

Permanently Closed

Graphic Designer, Manager, Printer Operator, Project Manager, CNC Operator, CO2 Laser Operator, 3D Manufacturer, Costing Specialist, Brand Manager

Extreme Signs

36 Waterfall Avenue, Mbombela

September 2011 — April 2022

Operational

Graphic Designer, General Manager, Printer Operator, Project Manager, CNC Operator, CO2 Laser Operator, 3D Manufacturer, Costing Specialist, Brand Manager

Nkomazi Promotions and Signs

5 Wolfaard Street, Mbombela

April 2022 - December 2024

Permanently Closed

General Manager, Costing Specialist

Total Signs

18 Rapid Street, Mbombela

January 2025 - August 2025

Operational

04 — Contact

Contact Me

Available for freelance, contract and full-time opportunities. Reach out any time.

05 — Websites

Live Websites

A selection of live client websites — design, build and content by Gerhard. Click any preview to visit the site.

06 — Documents

PDF File

Profiles, Brochures & Menus

Multi-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

Window Branding

One-way vision and printed vinyl window graphics — designed and applied to coaches, buses and commercial vehicles.

08 — Selected Work

Clients & Brands

A selection of identities and brand systems delivered across radio, aviation, food, security, hospitality and industrial sectors.

09 — Print & Advertising

Advert Design

Flyers, posters and promotional artwork designed for retail, hospitality, broadcast and service brands across the Lowveld.

10 — Large Format

Banners & Signage

Pull-up banners, feather flags and large-format wall signage — designed and production-ready for retail, hospitality, corporate and event environments.

11 — Vehicle & Marine

Boat Wraps

Full-colour vinyl wraps designed, printed and applied to bass boats and deep-sea rigs — turning hulls into rolling billboards.

12 — Stationery

Business Cards

Print-ready business card designs across property, engineering, automotive and plant-hire brands.

13 — Packaging

DVD Covers

Full wrap-around DVD sleeves and disc labels — bespoke layouts built around wedding, event and celebration photography.

14 — Product Packaging

Product Labels

Wrap-around bottle labels — hand wash, bleach, chilli sauce and bottled water — designed for FMCG production and retail shelves.

15 — Brand Systems

Corporate Identity

Full Corporate Identity guideline documents — logo systems, usage rules, colour palettes, typography and tone of voice. Featured: Lekazi Fuel CI 2026.

16 — Environmental

Signage

Shopfront signs, flexface lightboxes, wall graphics and vehicle stickers — production-ready artwork for automotive, hospitality and retail brands.

17 — Vehicle Branding

Vehicle Wraps & Branding

Full and partial vinyl wraps, decal kits and fleet livery — designed, printed and applied on cars, bakkies, vans and trucks.

18 — Digital

Wallpapers

Widescreen desktop and event wallpapers — sport, motoring, wildlife and photography brand pieces composed for high-resolution screens.

19 — Visualisation

3D Renders

Photoreal architectural and forecourt visualisations — from luxury estate gates and interiors to full filling-station rebrand concepts.