Helen Pestana

Helen pestana

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location of Helen PestanaHigh Wycombe, England, United Kingdom
Followers of Helen Pestana164 followers
  • Timeline

  • About me

    Managing Creative Director | Graphic Design & Visual Communications I Educator

  • Education

    • University of the witwatersrand

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      Bachelor of arts - ba graphic design & visual communications first class
    • The open university

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      Master's degree art of the twentieth century distinction
  • Experience

    • Ideadata

      Jan 1984 - Dec 1985
      Design manager

      Shortly after graduating I was offered a position at Ideadata as a computer graphics designer. Ideadata had the distinction of being the first organisation of its kind utilising computer generated graphics in the communication and presentation arena. I became instrumental in pioneering its development worldwide, collaborating with Apple and Dicomed.My tasks included;The design and preparation of audio-visual presentations, magazines and newspapers advertisements, posters and exhibition stand designs.The preparation and execution of concepts, sketches and illustrations for clients.Design and delivery of presentations at internal workshops.Six months after joining I was promoted to design manager where my primary objective was to produce high level, computer generated design solutions for our clients and to train the growing number of designers being hired. Show less

    • The presentation company (presco)

      Jan 1986 - May 1993
      Creative director and partner

      Having excelled at my previous position, I was offered a partnership and with a team of four spearheaded an operation in Europe – The Presentation Company (PRESCO).Besides being a fully fledged partner and director of the company I was responsible for the management of all creative work and the traffic and production departments.Under my creative direction The Presentation Company rapidly grew into one of the largest and most creative visual communication companies in the UK.My tasks included:Liaising with clients on creative requirements, scheduling, coordinating and managing the efficiency of the department as a whole, the idea generation and design of high profile audio-visual and multimedia presentations and promotional campaigns including retail merchandising, magazine inserts, posters, digital media and annual reports.Some of the clients with whom I worked are:Mc Kinsey and Co, Warner Brothers, Hambros Bank, Nestle, Harrods, Anglo American, BT, British Airways, Gartmore, Eagle Star, The CSO, De Beers , British Aerospace, Virgin, The Ministry of Defence, The Post Office, Holiday Inn, BHS, Norwich Union and Hilton Hotels. Show less

    • Rugby world cup

      Jun 1993 - May 1996
      Creative director

      As Creative Director, I was responsible initially for preparing the creative aspects of the tender documentation and presentation pitch to secure the contract for the development, conceptualisation and world-wide distribution of the official Souvenir Publication for the 1995 Rugby World Cup.Once the contract was awarded, I became responsible for the creative and production aspects of this enormous project. My tasks included:The creative direction and management of a team of 12 designers.The design and layout of the 400 page, full colour publication including the sourcing of all relevant archive photography and articles both locally and internationally and the coordination of all litho positives from advertisers such as Nike, Warburg’s, Ericsson and Avis.The design, conceptualisation and production of all promotional material pertaining to the launch of the publication. This included the supervision of the total budget for radio, television and the worldwide printed media campaign. (The publication was promoted and distributed in South Africa, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and South America.)The conceptualisation and creative development and implementation of a roadshow which toured the country with key players from the various national teams, Francois Pienaar and an international group of players and journalists. Show less

    • The marketing shop became knowstosis

      Aug 1996 - Nov 1998
      Creative communications director

      The Marketing Shop provided design and marketing services across a multi- disciplined front. I was responsible for managing the above the line, below the line and through the line departments on a creative level. I was also responsible for researching the feasibility of the ultimate development of a multimedia department which included web design and animation design.Some of the clients with whom I worked with are:BMW, Microsoft, EDS, Phillips, South African Airways, Tata, Toyota, Revlon, The African National Congress, Smith Kline Beecham, Dimension Data, Acer Computers, Mercedes Benz and Country Escapes Premium Leisure. Show less

    • The marketing partnership ltd

      Jul 1998 - Feb 2001
      Creative communications director

      The Marketing Partnership commanded the utmost respect from the Chartered Institute of Marketing UK. Within the repertoire of services, we offered a sweeping spectrum, from the tactile allure of direct mail and the artistry of design and advertising to the visual storytelling of exhibition design. We wove narratives with public relations finesse and offered strategic counsel that steered brands toward success.As the Creative Director, I had the privilege of orchestrating the entire creative journey. My responsibilities spanned the breadth of creative endeavors, from those initial sparks of client briefs to their realisation. This encompassed the daily curation of a talented team of designers, guiding them toward greatness.Conceptualisation was my forte—whether it was crafting the visual poetry of catalogue design, or providing art direction for photoshoots. Annual reports were transformed into visual masterpieces, corporate identities were honed to perfection, and brands came to life! I took charge of direct mail campaign strategy, overseeing meticulous planning, execution, and the grand unveiling of campaigns.But it wasn't just the creative sphere I navigated. I also orchestrated a harmonious symphony of suppliers, collaborating with diverse partners such as media experts, copywriters, repro houses, printers, web programmers, illustrators, photo libraries, art workers, and modeling agencies.I received the honour of being invited to become a partner and director of the company, a testament to the passion and dedication I invested in every project.Among the names we had the privilege to collaborate with were Lloyds Bank, Rohan Adventure Clothing, United Distillers and Vintners, Smirnoff, Baileys, All Bar One Pubs, the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Rothschild’s, Marks and Spencer, The Post Office, Espirit.co.uk, The National Farmers Union, MAFF, British Heritage, British Airways, Almay, Alpha Airport Services, and a host of other esteemed partners. Show less

    • The consultancy house

      Apr 2001 - Apr 2008
      Managing director

      Freelance and consultancy creative work, ranging from communication strategies, web design, exhibition design, brochure design, direct mail promotional campaigns, packaging design, product design, newsletters to above the line advertising for a diverse range of clients including:Nelson Mandela and the ANC, Revlon, Almay, Syco and Simon Cowell, Lloyds, Marks and Spencer, BDO, Royal London, Ultrasis, The Chartered Institute of Insurers, Solutions Corporate Communications, Rzed Advertising, Medics UK, Seafarer, BMW, Boots and The Hellenic College of London. Show less

    • St. bernard's catholic high school

      Sept 2007 - Jul 2019
      Educator

      During my tenure as an Advanced Skills Teacher, Head of Department (Art & Design/Technology, and Graphic Design), and Governor, at St Bernards High School, my focus was on nurturing students' creative and strategic thinking abilities. I also lectured at colleges and universities while continuing freelance work as a consultant in communication, marketing, and design.My passion for fostering a positive, contemporary learning environment drove me to leverage my management and creative leadership skills, drawing from extensive industry and educational experience to steer my departments towards excellence. At St Bernards High School, I spearheaded the development and delivery of ambitious curricula across all key stages, underpinned by the conviction that creativity is transformative.Through the implementation of diverse pedagogical techniques and strategic initiatives, I led an underperforming department, resulting in it becoming oversubscribed and one of the highest achieving design and technology departments nationally. My global perspective, shaped by diverse experiences across multiple countries, informed both my strategic outlook and teaching methodologies.Central to my ethos was a commitment to excellence, manifested through the delivery of inspirational lessons and the maintenance of consistently high academic standards. I encouraged independent learning, fostering the progress of each student while fostering a cohesive team environment through my effective leadership style.Drawing from my rich experience in the creative industries, I seamlessly integrated real-world insights into my teaching, placing a strong emphasis on nurturing creativity and problem-solving skills. My successful career as an educator, is a testament to my unwavering dedication to excellence, innovation, and creativity, whether within the classroom or industry. My commitment to inspiring others to realise their full potential is what drives and underpins all of my work. Show less

    • Ibiz consulting

      Jul 2019 - now
      Director

      We're not your run-of-the-mill design agency – we're more like a pocket-sized powerhouse of creativity! Picture this: a team of experts who eat, sleep, and breathe creative marketing, design, social media, and website wizardry. That's us! When we say we specialise, we mean it. We're all about crafting solutions that are not just exemplary but mind-blowingly memorable, perfectly suited to your unique needs. We believe in shaking things up, in taking that bold step away from the ordinary, so you don't just fit in; you stand out!Need design services? Well, you're in luck! We've got a whole arsenal of customized design services waiting for you. Whether you're a brand-new startup or a seasoned business looking to conquer new horizons, we've got the creative firepower to make sure you get noticed in all the right ways. We are good at making noise!Our modus operandi? We're your partners in crafting solutions that are not just memorable but also precisely aligned with your unique business needs.What sets us apart? We thrive on unorthodox thinking, always ready to chart a course that diverges from the ordinary, ensuring that your presence in the competitive market shines like a beacon.From the inception of a new business venture to the evolution and expansion of your existing enterprise, our comprehensive range of customized design services is at your disposal.In the world of marketing, wisdom comes from experience. We can confidently assure you of tangible, quantifiable results, thanks to our wealth of knowledge, a proven track record, and our unwavering commitment to the pursuit of creative excellence. Show less

  • Licenses & Certifications

    • Advanced skills teacher

      General teaching council for england
      Sept 2009