About – Kenny Nthongwa

Who is Kenny?

CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL

I am a creative professional with over 12 years of experience in the signage and graphic design industry, with a strong background in graphic design, visual communication, signage production, and large-format applications.

I work closely with vinyl applicators, vehicle wrappers, installers, and riggers, giving me a comprehensive understanding of the creative and production process, from initial concept development and artwork preparation through to printing, finishing, and final installation. This hands-on exposure has allowed me to develop a practical understanding of how creative concepts translate into real-world applications.

Every design I create is driven by curiosity, storytelling, and a keen eye for visual detail. What began as a passion for colour, composition, and visual communication has developed into a career focused on shaping brands, developing visual identities, and bringing ideas to life through creative design and art direction.

Over the years, I have learned that great design is about more than simply looking good.

Effective design should communicate clearly, create an emotional connection, and resonate with its intended audience.

I enjoy developing creative solutions that balance aesthetics with purpose, whether I am creating a brand identity, preparing artwork for large-format production, designing signage, or working on editorial and visual communication projects.

My experience extends beyond graphic design into sign making, signage installation, production processes, and business systems, giving me a broader understanding of the relationship between creativity, manufacturing, and business requirements.

Creative Philosophy

I believe design has the power to evoke emotions, communicate ideas, build identities, and create meaningful connections.

My approach combines creativity with practical knowledge, allowing me to consider not only how a design looks, but also how it will be produced, applied, experienced, and understood.

I am constantly exploring new ideas, techniques, technologies, and creative approaches to expand my capabilities and push the boundaries of what is possible.

Whether working on branding, signage, large-format artwork, advertising, or visual communication, my goal is always to deliver work that is visually impactful, purposeful, and relevant to its audience.

This portfolio represents my professional journey, the experience I have gained, and the creative work that continues to inspire me.

It is also a reflection of my commitment to continuous learning, creative growth, and finding meaningful ways to bring ideas to life through design.

MY JOURNEY

My Journey So Far
Junior Graphic Designer 2014-2015
I began my professional design journey at Jetline in Welkom, where I worked as a Junior Graphic Designer. This role provided valuable experience in professional design environments and helped establish the foundation of my career.

Senior Graphic Designer 2015-2016
I later progressed to the position of Senior Graphic Designer at Core Brands Free State, an advertising company based in Welkom. In this role, I expanded my design capabilities while gaining greater responsibility for creative projects and visual communication.

Graphic Designer/DTP Operator 2016-2017
My design journey continued at Valos, where I worked as a Graphic Designer and gained extensive practical experience in sign making and business systems. This experience strengthened my understanding of the relationship between design concepts, production requirements, and the final physical product.

Freelance Graphic Designer 2018-2020
Took the leap into full-time freelance design, partnering with clients across industries to build bold, thoughtful visuals.

4. Graphic Designer & Large Format Operator 2020-2025.
I had the opportunity to go beyond simply sitting in front of a PC and creating visually striking designs.

I also gained valuable first-hand experience seeing my artwork move through the entire production process, from the RIP software and pre-press preparation to printing, cutting, finishing, and the final product.

This hands-on experience gave me a deeper understanding of how digital artwork is transformed into physical applications.

I had the opportunity to operate and work with a range of professional large-format production equipment and software, including Roland VersaWorks, TitanJet Eco-Solvent printers, UV roll-to-roll Graphking printer, and the AM.CO.ZA Vinyl Cutter.Being involved in each stage of the process strengthened my technical knowledge and helped me understand the importance of preparing artwork correctly for different printing and finishing requirements.

It also allowed me to bridge the gap between creative design and practical production, giving me a more complete understanding of the sign-making, branding, and large-format printing industry.

This experience has shaped me into a more versatile designer, someone who not only understands how to create compelling artwork, but also understands how that artwork is produced, finished, and brought to life in the real world.

MY SKILLS & TOOLS

I am a precision-driven Graphic Designer and Pre-Press Specialist with a comprehensive mastery of industry-standard ICT and design software.

My expertise spans the entire production pipeline, from designing intricate business cards to engineering massive 12-meter billboards with a flawless command of raster and vector mechanics.

Utilizing Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and Photoshop, I build and optimize assets to ensure absolute visual fidelity.

Expert in advanced print preparation, I deliver technically immaculate, production-ready layouts complete with precise registration marks, bleeds, and RIP-software optimizations.

My hands-on understanding of finishing processes, including vinyl cutting and lamination press operations, guarantees that every design transitions seamlessly from the screen to high-quality physical execution.

I got an opportunity to operate few machines that includes, Roland Roland VersaCAMM SP-300, Roland VersaUV LEF-20, Titan Jet 1.6 Eco Solvent printer, AM.CO.ZA 1.8 Eco Solvent Printer, Graph King 3.2 UV Printer, Various Vinyl Cutters and Cold Lamination

My Skill & Tools

Corel Draw 85%

Adobe Illustrator 95%

Adobe Photoshop 85%

Adobe Premiere Pro 65%

Adobe After Effects 50%

Photo Print 75%

Titan Jet 95%

Main Top 60%

Adobe InDesign 75%

Adobe Audition 60%

Web Design 95%

Roland Versaworks 70%

Education & Professional Development

I hold two internationally recognised certificates in Adobe Illustrator CC 2015 and Adobe Photoshop CC 2015, obtained through Damelin Correspondence College.

I also hold an NQF Level 4 qualification in Information Technology (Technical Support) and completed studies in Signage Installation and Manufacturing through FACHS International College, Midrand Campus.

Adobe Illustrator CC 2015 Certificate

Institution: Damelin Correspondence College

Module 1: Workspace, Documents, and Navigation
Module 2: Selection and Basic Shapes
Module 3: Fills, Strokes, and Color
Module 4: Drawing with the Pen Tool and Paths
Module 5: Organizing and Managing Layers
Module 6: Typography and Text Manipulation
Module 7: Output, Exporting, and File Management

Adobe Photoshop 2015 Certificate

Institution: Damelin Correspondence College

Module 1: Photoshop Basics
Module 2: File Types & Color Editing
Module 3: Selection
Module 4: Tools & Techniques
Module 5: Layers & Type
Module 5: Enhancement & Retouching Tools
Module 6: Cloning & Transformation

Information Technology NQF Level 4 (Technical Support)

Institution: Fachs International Technology

Module 1: IT101 - End User Computing
Module 2: IT102 - Hardware and Software Fundamentals
Module 3: IT103 - Networking Fundamentals
Module 4: IT104 - Security Fundamentals
Module 5: IT106 - Operating Systems
Module 6: IT108 - Technical Support
Module 7: IT109 - Business Skills

Signage Installation, Manufacturing, and Commercial Design at NQF Level 5

Institution: Fachs International Technology

Course Modules Covered:

SABS Signs Compliance
Basic Vinyl Application
Basic Vehicle Wrapping
Basic Sign Assembly
Basic Illuminated Signs
Basic Coreldraw Training
Basic Adobe Illustrator Training
Vehicle Paint Protection Film
Automotive Window Tinting
Architectural Window Tinting

Entrepreneurship & Innovation NQF Level 5

Institution: University of the Free State (School of Business)

Module 1: Workspace, Documents, and Navigation
Module 2: Selection and Basic Shapes
Module 3: Fills, Strokes, and Color
Module 4: Drawing with the Pen Tool and Paths
Module 5: Organizing and Managing Layers
Module 6: Typography and Text Manipulation
Module 7: Output, Exporting, and File Management

Short Courses

My additional training and professional development include short courses and programmes in:

ICT A+ and N+
Computer Application Technology
Basic Computer Skills
Basic Business Management Skills
Business management and entrepreneurship
Basic Financial Management
Basic Marketing Management

"When we first started working with Kenny over five years ago, we were in a tough spot. Our previous provider had turned an 8-week website build into a grueling 6-month ordeal, leaving us with a site that was almost impossible to edit or update. Bringing Kenny Nthongwa on board was an absolute game-changer. We initially started on a monthly retainer for immediate fixes, which eventually led to a complete website rebuild. Now, we have full control to edit our site and post new content ourselves.Over the past year, our web projects have been seamless. We’ve kept Kenny on a monthly retainer because the system works flawlessly for our business, we simply send a WhatsApp or email, get an estimated completion date, and the work is always delivered on time. The ability to manage conversations, share links, and upload images all in one area has made our lives so much easier."

Khethiwe Mothobi Founder & CEO of Tailor Made Trading & Projects

"You have broken perceived barriers to Emancipation, through Innovation/ Creativity Commitment, Discipline and Grit.I'm truly Inspired by your Energy...Keep going.....the journey is long"

Alexis Mosholi Founder Motswedi Wa Boitumelo

"I absolutely love working with Kenny! Their team is incredibly creative, responsive, patient, and professional. They listen closely to our needs and always deliver exceptional results. I couldn't ask for a better partner!"

Lerato Mosoeu Owner at Lighthouse Technologies

"Simply the best! Kenny and his team are incredibly passionate about their work, highly creative, and brilliant at what they do. It is clear they have truly perfected their craft."