Lara van Pletzen

Open to work

Junior graphic designer and illustrator

Pretoria, South AfricaJunior

RemotePart-time$60k expected / year

Contact this talentProfile updated Feb 18, 2026

About

Hi my name is Lara, I’m a 26-year-old artist and graphic designer based in Pretoria, South Africa. My main focus is on illustration, fine art, Brand Identity Design, Graphic Design and digital art. I am interested in graphic design as a tool for storytelling and exploring and learning more about the psychology of the human mind, both my own and others. Alongside design, I draw inspiration from music, exploring how sound, emotion, and behaviour influence identity and perception. My work is driven by emotion and pattern, thoughtful typography, and symbolic visuals that translate complex ideas into clear, human-centred design. I use symbolism and metaphors in my work, whether for an individual, a company or a brand. I am particularly drawn to projects that merge digital culture and contemporary theory with real-world applications such as branding and wedding design. I enjoy exploring identity, memory, and attitude through design, creating work that is both conceptually grounded and visually refined and connected.

Professional details

Job title: Junior graphic designer and illustrator
Job category: Illustration
Experience level: Junior
Contract type: Part-time
Work modes: Remote
Current location: Pretoria, South Africa
Open to relocation: No
Expected salary: $60,000 per year

Skills

adobe photoshop, illustrator, indesign

Preferred work areas

USAUKEU

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AI profile score

Feb 18, 2026

52of 100

Fair profile

Lara's profile shows a creative and thoughtful approach to graphic design and illustration, with a focus on storytelling, psychology, and human-centered design. However, several areas need improvement to enhance market value. The candidate is based in South Africa (Tier 3), which limits global opportunities, but openness to remote work and areas like the USA, UK, and EU is a positive. The job title 'Junior graphic designer and illustrator' is relevant but could be more specific to increase demand. The job category 'Illustration' has moderate demand, but broadening to 'Graphic Design' or 'Brand Identity' might attract more roles. Skills are limited to Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign; adding tools like Figma, Canva, or After Effects, and soft skills like project management or client communication, would boost competitiveness. The experience level is junior, so highlighting specific projects, internships, or freelance work with quantifiable outcomes is crucial. No resume is provided, which severely impacts credibility; creating a structured resume with sections for education, experience, skills, and portfolio links is essential. No links are included; adding a LinkedIn profile, online portfolio (e.g., Behance, Dribbble), or GitHub for design work would improve visibility. Language proficiency is implied as English, which is valuable, but stating it explicitly with proficiency levels would help. Actionable suggestions: 1) Expand skills list with both technical and soft skills, 2) Create a detailed resume with measurable achievements, 3) Add professional links to showcase work, 4) Consider upskilling in high-demand areas like UI/UX design or digital marketing to increase job prospects.

Country tier40/100
Job title60/100
Category70/100
Skills50/100
Summary60/100
Experience40/100
Links0/100
Resume0/100
Language80/100

How to improve

The professional summary is descriptive and conveys passion but lacks structure and key details for job applications. To enhance it: 1) Start with a strong opening statement, e.g., 'Creative Junior Graphic Designer and Illustrator specializing in brand identity and digital art, with expertise in Adobe Creative Suite.' 2) Incorporate specific skills and tools, such as 'Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating symbolic visuals and human-centered designs.' 3) Highlight achievements or projects, e.g., 'Designed branding materials for [mention a project or client] that improved engagement by X%.' 4) Mention career goals, e.g., 'Seeking part-time remote opportunities in the USA, UK, or EU to apply storytelling and psychological insights in branding projects.' 5) Keep it concise (3-4 sentences) and focused on value to employers, removing overly personal details like age. This will make it more professional and targeted.

Contact this talent

For recruiters. Lara gets your message by email and decides whether to reply.