Joanne Gilau Logo
Joanne Gilau Logo
Joanne Gilau Profile Pic

Hi! I'm Joanne

and I am a 

Graphic

Designer

Joanne Gilau Profile Pic

Hi! I'm Joanne

and I am a 

Graphic

Designer

Personal introduction

About Me

I am an optimistic and passionate person with a quirky sense of humor and a natural flair for design. I am a devoted mother and dedicated spouse, and my approach to life is marked by a blend of empathy and perseverance which is fueled by a profound motivation to lead a fulfilling and balanced life. These qualities contribute to my ability to navigate challenges in both my personal and professional endeavors.

I love beauty, I adore my family and I most certainly relish a good challenge.

Professional Summary

What you need to know

I am a dynamic and results-driven senior graphic and digital designer with a passion for delivering innovative and high-impact visual solutions. 

As a seasoned professional, I excel in transforming creative concepts into compelling artworks, consistently exceeding project goals and client expectations. My commitment to excellence extends to both my professional and personal life, reflecting in my approach to challenges and bringing a solutions-oriented mindset to every endeavor.

My specialization lies in original graphic design and detailed layout projects, where I showcase proficiency and creativity. I thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments, demonstrating the ability to work autonomously or within a team, and I am comfortable in leadership roles when the opportunity arises. Committed to continuous growth, I contribute a creative perspective to projects I undertake and am willing to go beyond what is required to ensure success within the team.

In summary, my commitment to excellence is not just a professional ethos but a personal philosophy. I revel in opportunities where my extensive experience, coupled with my creativity and solutions-oriented mindset, can contribute to the success of both the projects I undertake and the teams I collaborate with.

Key Skills

What I bring to the table

Graphic Design

Highly proficient in the Adobe Suite, particularly Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver, and Illustrator.

Solid understanding of layout and typography principles for effective visual communication.

Experienced in creating visually compelling content on online design platforms such as Canva.

Knowledgeable in designing for print, including print processes and requirements.

Digital Design

Best practice knowledge of developing digital assets tailored for various social media platforms.

Experience creating animated gifs for Google Display Ads in various dimensions.

Adept at application interface design and skinning of custom platforms.

Foundational skills in animation and video editing employing Premier Pro and After Effects.

Web Design and Development

Adept at developing responsive websites using Content Management Systems such as WordPress and Joomla. 

Solid understanding of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design principles. 

Working knowledge of wireframe software such as Figma.

Entry level knowledge and transferable skills for web design on platforms such as Wix and Squarespace.

HTML Email Marketing

Proficient in HTML with the ability to inline code CSS for custom email designs.

Familiarity with mailing platforms such as GetResponse, ActiveCampaign, MailChimp and Everlytics, with transferable skills to other systems.

Interpersonal Skills

Building and maintaining client relationships, with ongoing management of expectations and deliverables. 

Creative problem solving with a resilient, determined approach to challenges.

Punctual, reliable and respectfully straightforward. 

Administrative Proficiency

Organizational skills with keen attention to detail.

Conscientious timekeeping and deadline management.

Neat and tidy keeping of filing and assets.

Excellent telephone etiquette.

Employment History

Professional Journey

Project Placed (previously Project Displaced) 2020 - current

Volunteer Graphic Designer

I take immense pride in contributing my graphic design services to Project Placed, an award-winning initiative dedicated to providing free career coaching and valuable services to jobseekers across Australia. Their impactful work has positively influenced over 3500 individuals in the last three years.

Project Placed’s incredible initiative resonates with my personal values and I am honored to play a role in supporting such a meaningful cause and making an positive impact in our community.

Insomnia Marketing Innovation 2022 - 2023

Multimedia Designer

The most satisfying part of my role was focusing on creating fresh campaign artwork for new and existing clients, contributing to marketing strategies and presentations, and providing occasional copywriting assistance. I particularly enjoyed liaising directly and building professional relationships with clients, growing my reputation within the boutique agency. My day-to-day responsibilities including creative layout and design, development of custom HTML emailers, and the design and development of the company website. I also had the opportunity to learn fundamental skills in motion graphics and video editing from the lead video editor. Operating in a small, close-knit team, I often had the opportunity to work autonomously and take the lead on various new and exciting projects.

Self Employed 2009 - current

Freelance Multimedia Designer

Since 2009, I have undertaken additional freelance projects whenever opportunities arose and work-life balance permitted, honing my skills in graphic and multimedia design. Between 2020 and 2022, I transitioned to full-time freelancing during the height of the pandemic. This period allowed me to further refine my expertise in various aspects of multimedia design, ranging from custom HTML emailers to website wireframing and development, as well as creative graphic design. While prioritizing primary responsibilities, I continue to embrace occasional side projects for selected clients, contributing to a diverse and well rounded skill set.

Emperors Palace 2013 - 2020

Graphic Designer and Content Creator

Servicing 12 properties in the Peermont group, I thrived in this fast-paced, high-pressure role. Whilst working on various different brands, I successfully navigated constant changes in artwork, deadlines, and other hospitality industry challenges. Facilitating effective client communication was an integral part of my success in this role. My regular responsibilities were conceptualising and adjusting artwork for various platforms including but not limited to social media posts, press adverts, website assets, posters, flyers, billboards and digital artwork. In addition, I built custom HTML emailers, maintained content on the company website and contributed to various marketing activities such as overseeing photo shoots and managing press advert chaselists. I also took lead on the internship programme, training junior designers, and was actively involved in corporate social initiative projects such as the Peermont Hotel School, Peermont CSI awards and Peermont Top Achievers campaigns.

Additional Experience​
Insurance Claims Administrator​

My 4 years as a household insurance claims administrator taught me valuable skills in mediation and conflict resolution. Whilst dealing directly with clients in heightened emotional states, I was responsible for initial contact, claims registration, assisting with official reports to brokers and underwriters, and accurately interpreting and applying insurance policy wording. Additional tasks included overseeing building and content repairs, assisting with trauma counselling arrangements, temporary accommodation and car hire, and administrative tasks such as invoicing and crosschecking supplier quotations.

Soldier - Sapper Engineer

My military service instilled discipline, resilience and pride. I completed Basic Training as the best academic student during the June 2003 intake, was trained as field sapper and GIS operator at the Engineer Corps, and deployed to Burundi from February to August in 2005 as a representative for the United Nations during their first democratic election.

TERTIARY EDUCATION​

Relevant Qualifications

Bachelor of Technology in Multimedia Design

2006 – 2009
Tshwane University of Technology,
Pretoria, South Africa

Leading in the Digital Age

Online Certification 2018
edX – Boston University

Introduction to Psychology

Online Certification 2018
Coursera – Yale