Garth Van Heerden

GARTH VAN HEERDEN Creative Director � https://www.behance.net/garthfbb7 � https://www.linkedin.com/in/garth-van-heerden-/ � https://vimeo.com/user- Professional Summary Creative Director with over 20 years’ experience in motion graphics, live-action directing, design, and video editing. I’ve led award-winning campaigns across sports, broadcast, digital, and commercial spaces — from concept and scripting through to post-production and delivery. My work spans global brands like Adidas, Coca-Cola, Absa, Standard Bank, SA Rugby, Cricket SA, Showmax, KFC and Betway, with deep experience across DStv and SuperSport properties. I combine traditional storytelling and visual design skills with emerging AI-driven capabilities, using tools like RunwayML, Adobe Firefly, Sora, and Midjourney for image generation, video enhancement, and ideation. Known for leading multidisciplinary teams, shaping high-impact creative, and delivering at pace across platforms — from onair and social to branded content and immersive experiences. 01 — Experience Creative Director — PlayMakers / FuturePlay 2019 – Present • • • • • • Lead creative across motion design, live-action, editing, and branding. Expanded into AI-powered content workflows. Concept development, scripting, and creative direction across video and motion. Editing and delivering campaign assets for social, broadcast, and experiential. Directing cross-functional teams from storyboard to final cut. AI-assisted image and video generation to enhance speed and creative scope. Key clients: Adidas, Absa, KFC, Dell, Coca-Cola, Stanford Children’s Hospital, Hyundai, Nedbank, SuperSport, multiple DStv channels. Freelance Creative Director Sep 2017 – 2019 • • Led branding, animation and design initiatives for a variety of clients across industries. Developed media brands, main titles, commercials, show packaging, and digital campaigns. Creative Director — Clearwater Aug 2017 – Sep 2017 • Oversaw short-term campaign and brand development projects, working with broadcast and corporate teams in Johannesburg. Design & Animation Director — Masters & Savant Worldwide Nov 2015 – Jun 2017 • • • • • Directed creation of on-air toolkits, channel branding, and network campaigns. Led the launch of the Kwesé media network for Africa, developing the Kwesé mother brand and branding for 10 broadcast channels. Directed designers, cinematographers and animators on CI, motion packages, and on-air strategy. Completed advanced workshops in public speaking and pitch presentation. Worked with advertising agencies on brand campaigns across Africa. Creative Director — Birthmark Design & Digital Mar 2011 – Oct 2015 • • • Directed motion graphics, VFX, animation, and live-action for DStv Premium channels. Led weekly content output and annual strategies for 8 major DStv channels including Mzansi Magic, Channel O, Vuzu, and kykNET. Managed teams across scripting, production, animation, and editing. Design & Animation H.O.D. — Studio Zoo Feb 2009 – Feb 2011 • Oversaw design, animation, and production of on-air promos, corporate communications and commercials for DStv and Multichoice sub-brands. 02 — Core Skills Creative Direction (Motion, Live-Action, Campaigns), Video Editing (Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve), AI Content Creation (RunwayML, Adobe Firefly, Sora, DALL·E, Midjourney), 2D/3D Animation & Motion Graphics, Storyboarding, Scripting & Concept Development, Brand Identity & Visual Strategy, Cross-Platform Campaign Production, Leading Creative & Production Teams 03 — Awards & Recognition • Multiple Promax Gold awards including Best Logo Design, Title Sequence, and Public Service Announcement • Recognized at Loeries, PRISM, New Generation, and Assegai Awards • Clio Sports (New York): Wins for Absa #SheUntamed and SuperSport 'Sounds of the World Cup' • Judge at Promax BDA Awards • Record-setting 2023 for FuturePlay: 31 industry awards across 5 major campaigns 04 — Reference Kristi Kriel Senior Account Director, VCCP � - �-05 — Education Tshwane University of Technology National Diploma: Graphic Design 1994 – 1997 Pretoria Boys High School 1989 – 1993