As technology becomes increasingly influential, the boundaries of traditional marketing need to stretch and evolve and multi-channel marketing campaigns should be carefully thought out to match the goals and objectives of the brand.

I’ve built Visual 8 as a nimble creative studio with a flexible structure that allows for solid collaboration with other industry specialists. In this way, I’m better equipped to develop great creative solutions that’s centred around the client’s needs. I run Visual 8 as an ambitious, creative freelancer and consultant with a love for all things ‘design’. I project manage and consult on all work that is briefed in and call on my network of outsourced expertise when and if required. This flexible structure allows you to engage with me as you would a traditional agency but on an ad-hoc basis. I’m personally involved in producing the best creative work and offering valuable advice throughout the process.

The services I offer are:

• CREATIVE: Branding, Graphic Design and Advertising.

I have extensive experience and a thorough understanding of graphic design for both print and digital use. At Visual 8 I am able to offer graphic design for both Above-the-Line (ATL) and Below-the-Line (BTL) advertising.

• DIGITAL: Website Design and Development, Digital and Social Media.

I have a good understanding of the link between digital communication and the human experience, in marketing and design. The vast reach of this media type and its ability to gauge immediate responses is overwhelming.

In collaboration with my tech-orientated associates, I take pride in creating clear and effective online communications to support your business growth strategy. Building an online presence specific to your brand is vital in the ever-changing tech landscape. Whatever digital services you are looking for, I am confident that I can help.

• MARKETING: Marketing Plan and Strategy Outline

Think of your marketing strategy as the ‘recipe’ for your business. It lists all the ingredients you need to create success. Without a comprehensive outline of your marketing strategy that includes your business goals, you don’t have a solid foundation on which to formulate the marketing plan, which is effectively the ‘method’ you’ll use to achieve those goals effectively and will ensure a good return on investment (ROI).

I offer hand-holding Sessions to formulate a marketing strategy outline and help you plot out your marketing plan within your budget.

• GIFTS: Bespoke Gift Concepts, Branded Gift Items, Corporate Clothing and Merchandise

An integral part of marketing and branding is the creation of industry-specific promotional merchandise. At Visual 8 I custom create or source branded gifts, rewards, prizes and giveaways for corporate and other clients. I am able to brand almost anything with your company or personal logo – all you have to do is imagine it. I’ve also custom designed and created some effective marketing tools, desk drops and 3D function invitations.

If you are an entrepreneur or owner of a retail or corporate business and would like to know more about how you can leverage your brand’s potential. I offer retainers for clients who need ongoing design, branding or advertising requirements at accessible pricing with payment terms suitable to your budget.

I don’t regularly send out emails and I am not a fan of spam but if you subscribe to my mailing list you’ll be notified of any news from my side.

If you have never thought of outsourcing the creative, digital and print media of your business to an experienced freelance graphic designer/art director I’m here to highlight how your company can greatly benefit by making the move. Say goodbye to traditional barriers and hello to a world open to limitless possibilities!

1. Cost-effectiveness: Hiring me can be more cost-effective by comparison to maintaining a full-time, in-house designer. I typically work on a project or retainer basis, allowing companies to pay for the creative services I offer only when they are needed, avoiding the costs of salaries, benefits, and overhead expenses that come with hiring permanent employees for this work.
2. Flexibility and Scalability: Working with me offers flexibility and scalability to corporate companies. I can be hired for specific projects or periods of high demand, allowing companies to adjust their design resources according to their needs. This flexibility is particularly useful when dealing with fluctuating workloads or when additional design expertise is required temporarily.
3. Diverse Skill Sets: I have gathered a wide range of skills and experience, having worked on various projects across different industries and I have a network of trustworthy associates who I would recommend when and where needed. This diversity allows companies to work with specialised expertise, ensuring the availability of expert freelancers who can handle specific design, development, illustration, photographic or any other requirements.
4. Fresh Perspectives and Creativity: Corporate design work can often become creatively restricting. As a freelance professional, I bring a fresh perspective to design projects. I am able to offer unique and creative ideas, even if they don’t fit the constraints of a specific corporate culture and maybe deviate slightly from the usual. This infusion of new ideas can help companies enhance their engagement with their target audience in new ways.
5. Faster Turnaround Time: I am accustomed to working independently and managing my own schedule. This can result in faster turnaround times for design projects, as I focus solely on the task at hand without getting caught up in internal processes or bureaucracy. Quick turnaround times can be a great advantage when responding rapidly to market demands.
6. Reduced Administrative Burden: I’m a service provider and I invoice from my business, Visual 8, to yours – it couldn’t be easier! Companies do not need to worry about recruitment, onboarding, training, or providing equipment and software. I work with my own computer and software, allowing companies to save time and resources in these areas.
7. Global Access: I can be based anywhere in the world and so can you. Working remotely via online platforms has become the most effective way of doing business globally. I may just have the specialised skills and unique cultural perspective that aligns with your brand and target audience.

These benefits are certainly worth considering if your company is looking for a professional freelance partner for its internal communications, brand maintenance and marketing needs. I work towards establishing clear communication channels and project management structures to maintain consistent quality of creative work.

I offer monthly retainer packages at a competitive fee that are contract-based. These retainers allow for ad-hoc work to be done without the added fuss of per-project billing if that is preferred. I encourage you to get in touch with me to find out more. I never turn down a casual chat over coffee, even if it’s over Zoom.

A short story and a lesson in Marketing, Advertising and Design by Claudia Folgore-McLellan creative consultant at visual 8.

This is one of those stories that’s worth sharing for the sheer delight of the embellished rumour that the recipe survived the SS Quanza shipwreck, off the coast of East London, but this isn’t true an most likely crept in as some sort of marketing spin, somewhere along the way.

A short story and a lesson in Marketing, Advertising and Design by Claudia Folgore-McLellan creative consultant at visual 8.

Another amazing South-African brand that has been around since the days where we’d spot a friend an extra two bucks for a pack at the school tuck shop or spaza, is SIMBA Chips. Sharing is caring.