Theresa Acker

Background

About Theresa Acker

I've been working as a graphic designer for just on 30 years and still love what I do! I had an excellent grounding in print design, starting off my career in a printing company and really getting to grips with repro and the litho printing process. My studies, as well as working as part of a communications team, has ensured that I always see my work from an advertising and marketing perspective and I especially enjoy the direct marketing approach. Through the years I have specialised in greeting card design and illustration, book design and packaging. Inevitably, in more recent years I have also been designing for most digital platforms. I love that there are always new things to learn :) My work at the Children's Hospital Trust for the last 10 years has been so rewarding and I have learnt so much about all the facets of communications as well as fundraising - every day is an adventure. I am also so grateful for my regular freelance clients that keep my experience broad and ensure that I never get bored. I've been designing the Dirty Boots adventure guide for the last 11 years; various material for PATA (Paediatric-Adolescent Treatment Africa); Xago; ThinkMD; the Cape Town Child Welfare Society Annual Report; greeting cards for Shapiro's Products since the mid '90's; and logos, brochures and general branding material for a variety of clients from Paradise Touring to the Shark Centre. My packaging highlights included work for Yardley and Coty (You're the Fire range, Special Moments, Warrior, East West/Cuba.) I have also illustrated various children's books including Lulu and Tee's Peter, Pamela and Percy range. A highlight of my early career was designing Pieter van der Westhuizen's two coffee table books. I am deeply passionate about designing communications materials that effectively promote worthy causes, as it allows me to blend creativity with purpose to drive meaningful change. At the beginning of March this year I started at Evolve Unlimited and am already learning so much, especially around Power Point presentations and animation as well as working on detailed and comprehensive brand guidelines for more corporate organisations. I look forward to continuing sharpening my design skills and seeing what my experience can bring to my new position :)