van Zyl
Graphic Design//
Creative Direction
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 approach has been shaped by crafting narratives going beyond mere 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 exploration come a distinct and timeless visual languages.
A design approach shaped through the lens of both traditional craft and digital storytelling. This duality allows him to build visual narratives that feel timeless yet forward-thinking, rooted in strong conceptual foundations while alive with personality.
A design approach shaped through the lens of both traditional craft and digital storytelling. This duality allows him to build visual narratives that feel timeless yet forward-thinking, rooted in strong conceptual foundations while alive with personality.
The CommunionRestaurant
*Silver Loerie Award Winner 2022
Art Direction
Cape Town
2022
A wine bar and tapas in the heart of Cape Town. The Communion is a space to share wine, bread, thoughts and feelings. Briefed to develop an idea from scratch, I started from one of the oldest concepts in being human. Sharing. An idea derived from the communion practice in churches around the world and turned into a culinary experience for sharing and intimacy. With a simple visual approach- the contrast of old and new. Classic masters and contemporary digital storytelling. The church in the modern
Ferrari Amalfi M&C Saatchi Berlin
M&C Saatchi Berlin // Ferrari S.p.A
Berlin
2025
Tasked with the brief to pitch and develop the concept shoot for the new Ferrari Amalfi launched in July of 2025. Inspired by the Italian Riviera- endless skies and effortless scenery. The task involved creating detailed mockups for the static and moving launch video on location. From concept to angles. It’s visual storytelling for the new edition to the iconic Ferarri Collection.
View final film for a comparison to initial pitch.
PineHurstVice Golf Sporting Good GmbH
Vice Sporting Goods GmbH
Munich
2024
A line of products dedicated to the 2024 PGA Championship at Pinehurst, North Carolina. Conceptually combining iconography of a pine forest and visual storytelling for the techinical excellence to master the course- evolved a limited edition product line. From product to packaging design, the identity was carefully considered on each application.
Smith OpticsM&C Saatchi Berlin
M&C Saatchi Berlin // SmithOptics
Berlin
2025
Tasked with combining the importance of the product, the feature in the action photo and communication of typography. A series of digital OOH and traditional print designs telling the story of outdoor pursuit. Unfortunately a project which never fully realised but lived in.
Uncles BrandyNew Harbour Distillery
Uncles Brandy Pty Ltd
Cape Town
2022
An internship project to brand and package this unique brandy distillery in Somerset West, Cape Town. Dedicated to every uncle in South Africa. The branding approach was uniquely crafted through detailed illustrations and iconography representing the diversity of contemporary city life in South Africa. Premium craft without the bullsh*t.
Vice X- EditionVice Golf Sporting Goods Gmbh
Vice Sporting Goods GmbH
Munich
2022
X Edition is a celebration of Vice Golf’s 10 year anniversary. Revolutionising the golfing industry one golf ball at a time. This series of products had to respresent the ten years of Vice Golf’s push to change the traditional approach to the golfing world. The concept was finding the balance between traditional and forward thinking.
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