Russ is one of those rare creatives: an exceptional conceptual designer who also writes brilliantly. For more than 12 years, Russ has worked with me on projects big and small, for Fortune 50 companies and small entrepreneurs. He surprises and delights all our clients, and every job is done meticulously, paying attention to the finest details, and always on time. Russ will take a job from start to finish, ensuring that the end product is of the highest standard, whether print, digital or video. As Russ is authentic, so is his work, and to work with Russ is to work stress-free. He brings his experience to the table on every job, always ensuring an exceptional outcome. Working with Russ will be one of the best decisions you will ever make!

LIZ GRANTHAM

CEO, Egg Entertainment, Johannesburg

Russ was recommended to us and we weren’t disappointed. He built our brand and site with us, listening and responding to our changing needs with professionalism and grace. The process felt really smooth, when we asked for something he would do his best to accommodate, researching when necessary, then implementing the best and most cost effective solution available. Russ is a great designer and creative as well as a technician, making MR.SMiTH something of a one stop shop. He is a joy to work with and we’ll definitely be working with him again.

GARATH SYMONDS

Founder and Executive Coach, Reconnect, UK

I have worked with Russ on a range of creative design work, concept development and campaigns over the years and have come to know that Russ is the most inventive of creatives. His combination of creativity and professionalism makes him an absolute pleasure to work with. His clarity is unrivalled and he has an exceptional ability to transform vision and direction into beautiful, on-target creative. He is easy to communicate with and incredibly organised with remarkable attention to detail.

AMANDA SLABBER

Managing Director, LivePlus, Johannesburg

To say Russ has huge design talent is only part of the story. The other part is that Russ has Product Marketing talent. His incredible creative skills are complemented by his drive to really get under the skin of a product. To understand the target, their needs, and how the product solves these needs in a better way. His work has helped sales teams drive revenue and share growth across a large number of our products. Russ is a thought partner, a designer, a wordsmith and a real joy to work with.

CARYN ENGLANDER

Vice President, Global Product Marketing, Mastercard, New York

Working with Russ is a dream. He always takes the time to understand what it is that we want and the outcome always surpasses our expectations. Thank you, Russ, for bringing ideas to life!

LAURA DUBE

HOD, Content and UX, TheOptimal.me, Mauritius

Expect a lot from Russ. He will deliver, whether you need an award-winning corporate campaign, branding or a website. Russ is one of the few people I have come across who combines creativity with common sense, flair with attention to detail. He has helped us to win awards and win clients, and then to keep them.

MICHAEL SPRING

Director, Wild West Advertising, London

Russ performed with clarity, understanding and intellect – and was a joy to work with – as he created the online and offline branding for our company. His quality of work supersedes any design or development company we have partnered with in the past, he is passionate about delivering the perfect product and his time management is impeccable.

DANIELA SPRINGER

Head of Production, Blue Ice Africa, Cape Town

I loved working with Russ to create my corporate identity and website. He made the website process very easy for me, and once he had all the information he needed he created something not only beautiful to look at but also very functional and easy to navigate through. Russ was professional, friendly and eager to assist throughout the process. He took the time to truly understand my business and my needs and managed to capture my essence in a way that is creative, modern and informative. He is gifted in what he does, he pays attention to detail and is very efficient.

CAROLINE SMITH

Founder, Caroline Smith Health Coach, Johannesburg

When we asked Russ to create our new website, our only instruction was to ensure that it was different to all other accommodation sites. And he did just that! Russ has that rare ability to not only ‘think outside of the box’ artistically but also to be able to read the needs of the target audience which is so important. Another great advantage is that he has access to some of the best photographers. Ever since Russ created our new website we have seen a tremendous increase in traffic. Russ is a fantastic person to work with – such a pleasure.

CLIVE READ

Co-owner, Elephant House, South Africa

If you’re looking for the best you’ve just found him! Russ is talented, smart, intuitive, an absolute pleasure to collaborate with, and always strives to do the best job possible on projects of all shapes and sizes. He has helped bring various of my brands to life with great success, and I love working with him.

ELSA YOUNG

Founder, Huckhl, Johannesburg

Collaborating with Russ on our new corporate identity was a total pleasure – his thoughtful approach, interpretation of the brief and masterful creativity translated into the perfect evolution for our blooming brand!

TERRI ELLA

Co-founder, Bloom & Stone, Johannesburg

Russ is our go-to person when it comes to design, branding, marketing and strategy. We love working with him, he offers a wealth of experience and knowledge, delivers to the highest standard, is fun to work with and always comes up with innovative ideas. We wouldn’t use anyone else.

FIONA NAYSMITH

Founder of FeeFee's and Director of Red Anchor Recruitment, London

Working with Russ, and travelling with him to see my clients in Africa, is an inspiring journey. I find him to be intuitive around the clients’ needs, very creative with the solutions provided, and professional in all our interactions. His adaptability and understanding of local environments, and attention to detail, make it a pleasure to work with him.

NICK RISTIC

Founder and Managing Director, OneTwoSix Architects, Johannesburg

The effort, commitment and enthusiasm from Russ when he revamped our logo and created our website was amazing. His creativity is to be envied, and it’s a joy to meet someone who is so professional, goes the extra mile and produces exactly what is needed. Many thanks from all of us at Young Garden Design.

JO YOUNG

Co-owner, Young Garden Design, Johannesburg

I’ve had the privilege to work with Russ on a variety of advertising photography shoots. His creative insight, pleasant demeanour and clear passion for his trade is first class. A successful shoot is based on a thorough understanding of the brief, and with his hands-on leadership style, Russ ensures that I – and the rest of the team – are always clear on the objectives.

BEN BERGH

Photographer, Johannesburg

Russ’s work is of the highest quality and standard. He designed exactly the kind of logo and site I was looking for after just a few conversations. I highly recommend him and his work. 

JUSTINE JOHNSON

Owner, JJust Move, Johannesburg

Russ has the rare ability to take ownership of his work, no matter the project size. He is intelligent, reliable, diligent, a pro-active thinker and planner, and he produces very exciting and exceptionally creative work to boot!

JULIA LAUBSCHER

Director, Julia Laubscher Marketing Consultancy, Johannesburg

I had the opportunity to work with Russ on two corporate identity projects for new companies that I established. He proved to be highly professional, creative and always delivered work of a very high quality, on time. I would not hesitate to recommend him.

PAUL EDWARDS

Chairman, Equilibre Bioenergy and Merryn Capital, Mauritius

When I decided to set up shop on my own, I approached Russ to assist me. All I was really clear on was that I didn’t want anything that looked like any other legal firm out there. Russ guided me through the process of developing a brand and managed to create a “look and feel” that I believe is consistent with how I want to show up in the world generally – both in what I do and how I do it. I have so enjoyed working with Russ. In all my dealings with him over the years, he has been the model professional: reliable, patient and customer-orientated.  It is always a pleasure working with him. I recommend him unreservedly.

HANNAH WILSON

Founding Partner, Wilson's Attorneys, Johannesburg