Hello ! My name is Zerena Pillay, I am currently completing a higher certificate in Graphic design. I would describe myself as a passionate firecracker with a sensitive soul. As a designer, the values I practice with are passion, power and love.
Previously studying Visual Communication Design at Stellenbosch University has given me a critical perspective while Red and Yellow has fine tuned my Graphic Ability and skill set by allowing my Creativity to flow freely.
Expressing creativity happens through many forms. Although my passions include graphic design, digital design and illustration.
My most memorable moment at Red and Yellow was when I found out I had won the Sneaker Exchange challenge and won a bursary to study at Red and Yellow. This is one of the most memorable moments of my life.
As a woman of colour I believe it is of utmost importance to empower future generations and equip our young to grow through social and political barriers. I believe that design has the power to redefine the lens in which we view our world as well as foster new connections within various socio-political contexts.
About me
Web Design
When first conceptualizing the feel good design I thought about the website design. The first thing that came to my mind was my most memorable moments in life that were accompanied by the most beautiful sunsets. Visualised hues of yellow and orange provoked thoughts about the Sun.
The Sunrise represents a new day to be grateful, it also evokes memories of good times in nature and in being outside. This led me to the concept the website. A website that users can use to share sun stories. The sunrise symbolizes a new day, a new day symbolizes a new chance, to be alive and do the best we can. For this we can be grateful. Gratitude and being grateful that we are alive and well are all the reason to be happy and positive.
Social Media Design
Our aim is to communicate the brand using natural and organic forms and styles without directly visually depicting and forms of hemp or cannabis within the design. The supporting text is there- for the only direct indicator towards THC and CBD culture.
When conceptualising the design i visualized a design that was light and airy. While the Dank Garden brand doesn’t want to directly reference Cannabis culture , I thought of incorporating clouds to bring a light and fresh, fun and whimsical feeling to the brand.
Collateral
This design includes a visual narrative within our infographic. I have decided to use a narrative that is explained throughout a timeline rather than a literal narrative or story with a traditional beginning, middle and end. Rather a timeline was timeline and iconography to guide guests through the itinerary or story of the event. Therefore the story of Dank Garden is told through the use of visual media including still photography, illustrations and is also enhanced with graphic elements.
Publication Design
The front cover illustrates a scene in which you would find yourself while part of the Vanlife culture. The background is filled with browns and oranges which go on to be the main highlight colour that runs throughout the magazine.
While photography was used to give more context to the magazine the illustration formed most part of the graphic style and vibe of the magazine. The colour pallet and use of circular elements creates synergy within the design.
The mixture of fonts also created a dynamic feel while only using two columns allowed the magazine to be more readable for the viewer. Even though the reference to the older days of Vanlife are used the design style is geared more towards a younger target market.
Online Advertising
Goddess Calendar is a collaborative project that seeks to encourage positive change through collaboration with like-minded individuals, companies and organisations. Goddess Calendar has been launched on social media with daily calendar posts. We have collected and curated over 365+ days which is accompanied by artwork and information that is relevant to the specific topic, object, person or cause, highlighted on that specific day, among other original content we produce.”- Nadine Williams. GC Founder, CEO & Creative Director
