Daniel
van Zyl
South African-born and now Berlin-based, Daniel blends a degree in Communication Design and Illustration with a career spanning from in-house to agency roles. His design process is shaped by crafting narratives that go beyond aesthetics. Specializing in the deep grounded research of concept and meaning, exploring emotional resemblance, and finding the final dance between form and content. Through this refinement he develops a distinct and timeless visual language.
Rooted in a lifelong passion for illustration, Daniel sees the medium as a way to fuel his creativity and keep his work alive with curiosity. Whether exploring personal projects or bringing a playful edge to client work, he embraces illustration’s power to tap into the imagination of his inner child. While professional briefs don’t always allow an illustrative approach, his personal explorations keep his craft evolving with a strong sense of discovery.
Rooted in a lifelong passion for illustration, Daniel sees the medium as a way to fuel his creativity and keep his work alive with curiosity. Whether exploring personal projects or bringing a playful edge to client work, he embraces illustration’s power to tap into the imagination of his inner child. While professional briefs don’t always allow an illustrative approach, his personal explorations keep his craft evolving with a strong sense of discovery.
A design approach modeled through the lens of both traditional craft and digital storytelling. This duality allows for narratives that feel timeless yet forward-thinking, rooted in strong conceptual foundations while alive with personality.
Employment
Junior Art Director
M&C Saatchi Sports and Entertainment
Berlin
December 2024 - Current
Senior Graphic Designer
Vice Golf Sporting Goods GmbH
Munich
February 2022- November 2024
Junior Graphic Designer
Vice Golf Sporting Goods GmbH
Munich
December 2021- Januray 2022
Internship Graphic Designer
New Hardbour Distillery
Cape Town
February 2021 - August 2021
Education
BA Communication Design
2022
Cape Town Creative Academy
City of Cape Town
https://ctca.ac.za/
Links:
danielvanzyl91@gmail.com
Behance
Awards
Silver Loerie Student Award- Branding and Idenity
Africa and Middle East