Louise Raciti

I am an honest, hardworking, and reliable individual. I don't do half jobs and I believe in working to the best of my ability with great attention to detail.

After studying IT: Software Development and with over 14 years’ freelance design experience including over 5 years’ experience at advertising agencies, I have developed my design skills in such a way that my creative ability also stretches into marketing, management, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.

Software Skills: 

• Windows & MacOS 
• Adobe Acrobat, PhotoShop, InDesign, Illustrator, Lightroom, XD, After Effects (Beginner), Dreamweaver (Beginner)
• Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• MailChimp, WordPress, Wix, HTML, CSS, Google Ads, Meta Business Suite, Facebook Ads Manager, Google Suite

Personal Traits: 

Honesty, Integrity, Teamwork, Leadership, Initiative, Communication, Attention to Detail, Analytical Thinker, Problem-Solver

Senior Graphic Designer, September 2021 – present

Adlab Advertising, Cape Town, South Africa
Adlab is a full-service digital property marketing agency. Reporting to the Client Account Manager and Managing Director, I conceptualised and managed the full brand development process.

• Researched trends and projected industry changes to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
• Directed and delegated tasks for constant flow of work.
• Conceptualised brands that appeal to set target markets.
• Streamlined processes to promote faster production times.
• Developed and improved admin and design protocols.
• Researched latest methodologies to drive innovation.
• Managed the entire brand development process ensuring continuity.
• Content writing and thorough review to maintain tone and style.
• Produced and analysed campaigns for continuous improvement.
• Analysed engagement and results and reported back.
• Online community management to maintain customer relationships.

Graphic Designer, April 2019 – August 2021

Adlab Advertising, Cape Town, South Africa
Adlab is a full-service digital property marketing agency. Reporting to the Client Account Manager, I conceptualised brands and collaborated with team members. After two years, I was promoted to a senior position.

• Coordinated tasks for constant flow of work.
• Conceptualised brands that appeal to set target markets.
• Streamlined processes to promote faster production times.
• Managed the entire brand development process ensuring continuity.
• Content writing and thorough review to maintain tone and style.
• Produced and analysed campaigns for continuous improvement.
• Analysed engagement and results and reported back.
• Online community management to maintain customer relationships.
• Researched latest methodologies to drive innovation.

Freelance Graphic & Web Designer , January 2008 – present

• Worked with clients to gather and define requirements, establish scopes, and manage project milestones.
• Preparing quotations/invoices.
• Conceptualised brands that appeal to set target markets.
• Managed the entire brand development process.
• Produced and analysed campaigns for continuous improvement.
• Met with customers to present mock-ups and collect information for adjustments.
• Researched trends and projected industry changes to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Graphic & Web Designer, September 2016 – July 2018

Web-Active, Cape Town, South Africa
Web-Active was a graphic and web design agency. Reporting to the Client Manager and the Director, I completed briefs and assisted in presenting ideas to clients.

• Worked with client manager to gather and define requirements, establish scopes, and manage project milestones.
• Conceptualised brands for set target markets.
• Designed website layouts, templates, and unique branded looks.
• Took on roles as graphics assistant and graphics specialist to provide range across projects.
• Trained junior staff in design.
• Social media design and management.

Reason for leaving: Limited career-growth prospects
 

Graphic Designer, June 2016 – August 2016

XOXO Designs, Cape Town, South Africa
XOXO Designs is a graphic design company. Reporting to the Owner, I completed various design elements for print, digital and packaging.

• Interpreted briefs and produced high-quality designs.
• Conceptualised designs for set target markets.
• Designed website layouts, templates, and unique branded looks.
• Employed design fundamentals when selecting typography, composition, layout, and colour in design work.
• Developed creative design for print materials, banners, and signs.

Reason for leaving: Short-term contract ended
 

Lecturer, July 2015 – May 2016

Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Nelson Mandela University is a sought-after educational destination and the most diverse university in South Africa. Reporting to the Head of Department (HOD) in the IT & Engineering faculty, I was a lecturer for the Information Systems module provided to first-year students.

• Prepared and led lectures for Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint 
  and Outlook, as well as Internet Explorer.
• Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations.
• Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centred learning.
• Implemented instructional technologies in course delivery to engage and educate students.
• Developed schedules and determined reading lists giving students appropriate time to complete assignments and absorb information.
• Created and designed quizzes, tests, and projects to assess student knowledge.
• Impartially evaluated papers, projects, and homework assignments of students, delegating grading to teaching assistants when appropriate.
• Reviewed program materials and coordinated updates to keep department materials relevant and accurate.

Reason for leaving: Relocated

Academic Administrator, February 2015 – May 2016

Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Nelson Mandela University is a sought-after educational destination and the most diverse university in South Africa. Reporting to the HOD in the IT & Engineering faculty, I oversaw all student admin relating to the Information Systems module and dealt with student queries. After 5 months, I was promoted to Lecturer and continued to manage admin tasks.

• Optimized student educational strategies with clear advice on course reasoning and progression.
• Conferred with educators to rebalance classes, increase resource utilization, and integrate new technology.
• Collaborated with school faculty to define and prioritize departmental strategies and direction.
• Assisted in determining space needs for faculty and revenue operations within department.
• Prepared variety of different written communications, reports, and documents.
• Organised, monitored, and managed student assistants to ensure schedules were followed and students were assisted correctly.
• Set up, scheduled and invigilated test sessions.
• Actively listened to students' concerns and provided academic support.

Reason for leaving: Relocated

Registration Assistant, Jan 2012 & Jan 2013

Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Reporting to the Registrar, I assisted with data processing for university registrations.

• Processed cancellations, changes, or special requests promptly.
• Recorded costs accurately and explained additional fees to students.
• Used University IT software to manage student record database, maintaining information confidentiality.
• Alerted supervisor of technical issues involving registration process.
• Coordinated with staff to process proof of registration paperwork and direct to appropriate departments.

Reason for leaving: Short-term contract ended
 

Bachelor of Technology:
Information Technology: Software Development

Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Graduated: December 2015

National Diploma:
Information Technology: Software Development

Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Graduated: April 2014

Matric Certificate:
Cambridge HIGCSE, IGCSE & AS Levels

Harvest Christian School, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Completed: December 2009