Testimonials

In a design career spanning near on twenty years I have had the distinct pleasure to work with some top International brands and trusted to be there at day one for client brands just starting out.

Clients have included, but not limited to; The Office of the Presidency of South Africa, OUTsurance, Altech Technology Concepts, Altech Netstar, MiWay, Interflora,Trainiac, Earcandy, Incredible Connection, Contemporary Insurance Brokers, Master RC Models, Citroen, Regus, Debswana (Debeers Botswana), Powertech IST Group, The Aveng Group, Softline Pastel, Sage, Electrovend, PIKITUP (Jhb), NIA (National Intelligence Agency), UNESCO, Endangered Wildlife Trust, Onderstepoort, ESKOM, ACSA, South African Breweries - Miller / Brutal Fruit, Vodacom ladder of learning Acadamy, Traffic Freeflow, Vitadew, Same Old Story (band), Mandoza (Kwaito Musician), NVI Advisory, Molefi & Heunis, Land Administration & Audits, Edugear, Upstream Advertising, Auto & General, WITS (The University of the Witwatersrand) Dial Direct, Hippo, AA Insurance,Mpact, Virgin Money, Silver Poker, CCS (Construction Computer Software) and SKYBAY Design Studio.

I have also had the great honour of contributing to the design community through my involvement with, curriculum development, mentoring and training future designers through my affiliation with various Higher Education Institutes over the course of eight years, Namely Inscape Education Group, University of Pretoria, Pearson Institute of Higher education, Midrand Graduate Institute and CTI.

Below are letters of recommendation and endorsement received from Clients and Direct Upline Managers and Colleagues who believe in what I do.



Some kind words from my Clients:

 

Not only does Gareth deliver world class animation and motion graphics, you are always guaranteed an excellent level of client service and delivery that is on time every time! We've been working with Gareth since 2011 and recommend him with confidence to our broadcast and corporate clients.He's an excellent communicator, an absolute perfectionist and a real asset to have on your team.

Louise Barnes: Head of Operations EarCandy Audio Post Production 

 

Gareth Smart
Creative Director
SKYBAY Design Studio


To whom it may concern,

Please find this recommendation for the above mentioned individual.
Altech Technology Concepts employed Gareth Smart as a Freelance Designer, ATC was commissioned to design and develop a
large website which Gareth was able to deliver exactly what the client requested. Gareth has subsequently designed elements for
some of our other corporate clients and again has delivered magnificent pieces. Gareth is an out of the box thinker and always
comes up with creative ideas; he always goes above and beyond.

Gareth’s work is always precise and attention to detail is communicated through his artwork.
I would recommend Gareth for any Multimedia and graphic design work; I would unquestionably work with Gareth again.


Yours Sincerely,

Kelly Wheeler: Project Manager Altech Technology Concepts / Altech Autopage

 

To whom it may concern
RE: Reference Letter

This serves to confirm that Gareth Smart contracted for Construction Computer Software (CCS) in conceptual phase of re-aligning and design elements.
We found him to be professional, very knowledgeable in his field, easy going and agreeable to work with.

It truly felt like he was one of the team and had the best interests of the brand and company at heart.
We would recommend him to any organisation and look forward to collaborating with him in the future.

Regards,

Peter Cheney: Managing Director Construction Computer Software

 

30 November 2015

To whom it may concern
Gareth Smart

I have known Gareth Smart in the capacity of supervisor of his Honours studies and as a colleague of the Midrand Graduate Institute department of Graphic Design. Gareth has been a lecturer on the MGI Pretoria campus for a number of years.

As an Honours student Gareth proved to be an enthusiastic and committed individual who was eager to engage with Graphic Design and Graphic Design education on a deeper level. He was willing to follow instructions and to take the initiative in both his practical and written work. Ultimately he has made a sound start as a postgraduate student and researcher.

As a lecturer Gareth has always been willing to provide feedback to the course developers and to discuss aspects of the Graphic Design degree that he felt could be adapted or improved on. He has encouraged his students to push their design work as far as possible.
I would highly recommend Gareth in any role as he has a passion for Graphic Design and a willingness to engage with Graphic Design on a number of levels. I wish him success in his future endeavours.

Regards,

DR: Sue Giloi: Dean Creative Arts and Communication Midrand Graduate Institute

 

26 October 2015

To whom it may concern:

My name is Johann Botha, and it is my pleasure to write this referral letter for Mr. Gareth Smart.

I have worked with Gareth at CTI Education Group in my capacity as graphic design and animation lecturer since January 2013, and due to many of our disciplines overlapping, we have worked together and supported each other on various occasions.

Based on my observation of his abilities, I strongly believe he has the potential to be an outstanding addition to any team.   His industry experience in his chosen field stands him in excellent stead, allowing him to always recognise teaching opportunities.  This also means he can always relate any theoretical situation to a real-world example.  He excels at creating a rapport with his students, thus enabling him to both nurture and push his students to greater heights.

At all times I have found Gareth to be dependable and hard-working, and wouldn’t hesitate in working with him in the future.  I therefore recommend him to any interested party.  I will also be happy to provide any further information, should it be required.

Yours faithfully

Johann Botha: Lecturer, CTI Education Group



11 October 2018

To whom it may concern.

I highly recommend Gareth Smart as a candidate for employment - Gareth and I have worked together for nearly 2 years at OUTsurance holdings (2009 – 2010). Gareth was employed by OUTsurance as the digital coordinator/ Digital Team lead.

His responsibilities were but not limited to ensure that the digital team delivered the highest quality digital campaigns and keep all design in line with current design standards and principles. His other task also included broadcast design whereas he was responsible for all motion and titles as well as animated TV advertisement.
Gareth has great work ethic, communications skills, very knowledgeable and most important attention for detail – he was also an excellent mentor and showed great leadership skills. Gareth would be a tremendous asset to any organisation and I would work with him at any given time – I highly recommend him.

Please don’t hesitate to give me a call at any time if you would like to discuss anything further related to Gareth, his skills or background.
Kind regards,

 

 

Victor Willemse: CUA, Senior User Experience Designer, Freethinking.


10 December 2018


How could one describe Gareth I ask myself...

This is man that has fulfilled the difficult task of not only being my teacher but my mentor, this is a guy that has dedicated his life to the selfless art of imparting knowledge to the next generation. Gareth goes above and beyond for every student that crosses his path. Gareth has the unique ability to teach as a Chameleon, he adapts every part of himself to make his audience feel heard and respected. He gets the best out of everyone and gives his students a wealth of knowledge.

On a personal level, Gareth is the type of mentor that cares, he takes personal pride in others success and gives you wings to fly, he broadens your mind and opens your eyes as all great academics do. I am eternally grateful for his mentorship

 

Johnny Allison: Illustration and Design Professional

21 January 2021

Gareth is a must-have member on any academic management and design lecturing team. His expert knowledge and skills in the design working world as well as the tertiary education space, together with his kindness and care for students, co-workers and his genuine humanity makes him invaluable. Gareth works well with people and has extensive experience in the practice and education of graphic design, audiovisual design, interaction design and related fields. During his time at Inscape, we worked closely on launching a new Interaction Design course and his inputs and assistance played a large role in the success of the programme. Gareth is always ready and available to have a good conversation, to do the hard work and goes the extra mile. I can recommend him without hesitation.

 

Inge Economou: Dean of Digital design and Technology Faculty, Inscape Education Group



Some previous Clients



Like what you see?

In it for the long haul? Me too!Keen to start a conversation about what we can do with design together, get in touch for a chat and let's start that conversation.Below are further links to my personal Instagram page - fun space I get to post personal doodles and experiment. You will also find my professional Shutterstock Contributor page as well as my Professional LinkedIn page.