From Freelance to Full-Time, Once More

One of the funniest—and lowkey annoying—things about my work life is that I seem to write more when I’m freelancing. But the minute I go full-time, my writing dries up.

Fast forward to 2025. I’m now at David Mascott Country School as the IT & Marketing Manager. Even though I’d worked with them as a contractor before, going full-time wasn’t exactly on my 2025 list. I was supposed to start in January, but we bumped it to February.

Since stepping in, it’s been full throttle. I’ve basically had to build two departments from scratch—IT and Marketing. Before this, Marketing was a shared task among managers. They’d ping me (or another contractor), get a few flyers made, post them on Facebook, and call it a day. IT was folded into the Finance Director’s job… a man with solid managerial experience but not much time for troubleshooting, sourcing tech, or running digital infrastructure.

Just like at Baker Tilly, I didn’t get much of an induction. Day one was: “Here’s the mess, fix it and send reports! 😂” So, I hit the ground running. First step? A full stock take of anything remotely IT-related: staff laptops, network devices, phones, TVs—you name it.

A. Getting Budget Buy-In

I needed money for repairs—but there was no IT budget, since the department technically didn’t exist yet. So I dusted off my old freelance sales skills and pitched the case. It worked, 90% of the time. Slowly, I began setting up a mini repair center in my office to handle maintenance in-house.

B. Building an ERP from Scratch

I was building an entire ERP system—solo. Occasionally I’d get help from some software engineer friends, but for the most part, it was just me, stitching together a system from scratch. The Accounting department was expecting it to be up on my first day of work! 😂

C. Managing Marketing in Peak Season

Oh, and no pressure, but I was also managing marketing during enrollment season. We’d just launched a secondary school and needed students fast. So weekly I was dabbling in SEO work, weekly newsletters to parents, attending school trips for pictures, social media research and other means to increase brand visibility.

A “slow” day would have me at my desk by 7:30am and heading home at 9pm. On the intense days? I’d be in by 6am and out around midnight or 1am. Wild times… but weirdly, kind of fun.

Where This Is Going

Each day feels like a mini case study in expectation management, tech leadership, and big-picture thinking. Unlike previous jobs where I was just following instructions, I now find myself in the driver’s seat—making long-term decisions, not just executing them.

Some personal milestones for this role:

• Make David Mascott an ICT hub in the province — a place other schools look to for inspiration
• Get the ERP system fully adopted across accounting, HR, student management, and enrollments
• Level up the school’s digital culture and internal comms
• Market the school so well that parents are lining up to enroll their kids two years in advance

We’re already starting to see that kind of interest, with parents asking about Form 1 spots for 2026. The momentum is building… but there’s still work to do. And I’m excited. I really believe we can do it.

Want to work with someone who can build systems and solve problems at scale? Let’s connect and bring your school or business vision to life.

Building a Website in One Week for Unarchived Living Cultures

Ever faced a project with a seemingly impossible deadline? That’s what happened when Unarchived Living Cultures, a project dedicated to capturing and amplifying the rich stories of marginalized communities in Zimbabwe, urgently reached out for a website.

The Tight Deadline and Broken Trust

The pressure was on from the start. Unarchived Living Cultures had just a week to pitch their new website to potential donors. This tight deadline stemmed from a previous bad experience. Their last developer had taken a deposit and vanished, leaving them with a financial hole and no website. Understandably, this situation made them skeptical about working with another remote developer.

A Digital Gallery for Zimbabwean Voices

They needed a vibrant online platform – a digital gallery showcasing diverse narratives from Zimbabwean communities: long-form text, images, videos, podcasts, and even documentaries. This platform would be crucial for their upcoming donor pitch.

Building Trust and Delivering Results

My job wasn’t just about building a website; it was about rebuilding trust. I provided social proof and reassurance that I was the right person for the job. And deliver I did!

Collaboration is Key

The key to tackling this challenge? Collaboration. With a one-week turnaround, clear communication and constant client involvement were paramount. We set up daily 15-minute calls to ensure seamless feedback. To prioritize functionality within the tight deadline, we focused on building a robust gallery foundation before diving into content integration. This agile approach not only met the launch deadline but also laid the groundwork for smooth content addition after launch.

Beyond Technical Expertise

This project went beyond the technical aspects of website development. Recognizing Unarchived Living Cultures’ passionate mission of storytelling, I actively listened to their narrative-gathering sessions, where they discussed the unique voices and traditions they were preserving. These insights became invaluable in shaping the website’s design and storytelling features.

Organic Growth

The launch of the website was a resounding success, exceeding even the client’s expectations. Without any dedicated marketing efforts, the website attracted over 200 weekly visitors through organic SEO. This demonstrates the power of a captivating online presence in drawing in a dedicated audience interested in Zimbabwean history and culture.

A Lasting Impact

This project transcended the boundaries of typical website development. It became a testament to the power of collaboration, active listening, and adapting to unique client needs. By prioritizing storytelling and focusing on functionality, I delivered a platform that amplifies marginalized voices from Zimbabwe and helps preserve crucial community narratives.

Have a story or project that needs a powerful digital presence? Let’s build something great — together.

My Chaos is Your Creative Advantage!

Let’s face it, fitting neatly into a single design box? Not exactly my strong suit. Why? Because honestly, I have no clue what kind of designer I am anymore. My first official graphic design project (2014) opened the door to a wild ride.

Since then, I’ve been everything from your friendly neighborhood graphic designer to a social media “rockstar”, wielding Facebook ads like they’re my secret weapon. Content creation? Yep. Photography? Check. Even dabbled in animation and video editing to keep things spicy. But wait, there’s more! Creative team leader? Been there, done that. Studio manager? Piece of cake!

Here’s the thing: these weren’t planned career moves, they were just… roles I ended up rocking after signing on for “graphic designer.” But hey, the plot thickens! My skillset extends far beyond the design realm. Accounting? Sure, why not? Sales? Let’s do it! Event planning? Totally crushed it (and the dance floor at the afterparty).

The Deep Dive (Because Apparently I Like to Dive Deep)

We’re talking CNC drawing, laser operation (pew pew!), materials design – basically, I can turn an idea into a tangible reality. Fashion design? Why not add a sprinkle of that in there too? Oh, and did I mention I hosted training sessions on digital marketing and branding? Because apparently, sharing the knowledge is something I do.

Website development? Easy peasy. Chatbots? Built them. E-commerce? Yep. Junior software engineer for a glorious two months? Don’t mind if I do. SEO consultant? Let’s boost those rankings! This doesn’t even include the sound production, voice-over work, and the occasional acting stint in an ad (gotta keep things interesting!).

The Resume Struggle is Real

So, the big question is: how do you cram all this glorious chaos onto a single piece of paper called a CV? It’s a head-scratcher, for sure. But fear not, dear reader, because writing is therapeutic.

The Elephant In The Corner, Finally

Look, the point is this: I may not have a fancy title that neatly defines my “designer type,” but that doesn’t mean I’m not valuable. I’m a quick learner, a problem-solving machine, and a master of wearing many hats (sometimes all at once!).

To Employers: Embrace the Multifaceted

When you fixate on a specific skill or experience, you might be missing out on a gem – a well-rounded creative who can bring a whole lot more to the table. Don’t get me wrong, subject matter expertise is awesome, but there’s something to be said for fluidity and adaptability.

I’ve worn all these hats, and guess what? I enjoyed the ride. Who knows what wild design adventures await? Bring it on!

Looking for someone who thrives in creative chaos and gets things done? Let’s collaborate — you bring the vision, I’ll bring 12 hats and a caffeine-fueled plan.

Is Your Business Missing Out Online?

Hey there! Let’s talk about websites. In today’s world, if your business doesn’t have one, you’re seriously missing out. Think about it: how do you find new restaurants, plumbers, or yoga studios? Most people search online first! But if your business isn’t there, how will they ever discover you?

Here’s Why You Need a Website (and How it Makes You Money!)

A website is your digital storefront, open 24/7, showcasing your amazing products and services. It levels the playing field against the competition and helps you win in a few key ways:

• Get Seen Everywhere: Imagine a giant, searchable phonebook for the whole world! A website puts you on the map, making it easy for new customers to find you. No more waiting for word-of-mouth to trickle in.
• Reach a Global Audience: Forget local limitations! With a website, you can connect with potential customers anywhere. It’s like having a sales team working around the clock, all over the world.
• Boost Your Credibility: A professional website screams “I take my business seriously!” It builds trust with potential customers, showing you’re here to stay and provide a quality experience.
• Show Off Your Stuff: Got incredible products or services? A website is your perfect platform to showcase them! Detailed descriptions, high-quality photos, and even videos can turn casual browsers into raving fans.
• Top-Notch Customer Service: Websites can be amazing for customer service too! Imagine a self-service area with FAQs, product guides, and easy contact forms. Happy customers, happy you!
• Marketing Magic: Websites are goldmines for data. You can track what people are interested in, how they find you, and what keeps them coming back. This goldmine of info helps you target your marketing efforts and make smarter business decisions.

The bottom line? A website is an investment that pays off. It helps you find new customers, build trust, and ultimately grow your business.

Want a site that attracts clients while you sleep? Let’s build your online presence and help your business grow.

WordPress Tunnel Vision: A Case Study in Strategic Updates

Context

I was tasked with updating a client’s website originally built and last updated in 2018. This included updating WordPress, PHP, themes (Enfold and all default WordPress themes from Twenty Seventeen to present), and plugins.

The Problem

One of the client’s goals involved integrating the Envato platform for stock imagery and plugins. However, while testing this integration on a cloned version of the website (to minimize disruption to the live site), the Envato plugin consistently crashed.

The Tunnel Vision Trap

Determined to resolve the Envato plugin issue, I became consumed with finding a solution. This led me down a path of focusing solely on updating everything to the latest versions, hoping it would magically fix the compatibility problem. This approach, while seemingly logical at first, turned out to be a classic case of tunnel vision.

A Shift in Strategy

While discussing the issue with a friend, a simple question sparked a crucial realization: was I neglecting alternative approaches in my pursuit of the seemingly “best” solution? Recognizing the potential dangers of tunnel vision, I decided to take a step back and re-evaluate my strategy.

Moving Forward Strategically

I adopted a more methodical approach, prioritizing the following:

• Compatibility testing: Individually testing theme and plugin updates on the cloned site to identify potential conflicts before applying them to the live site.
• Gradual updates: Implementing updates in a measured manner, starting with PHP and WordPress core, followed by theme and plugin updates. This allowed for easier troubleshooting if issues arose.
• Thorough testing: Testing every step of the update process meticulously to ensure website stability remained intact.

Lessons Learned

Although the initial focus on updating everything to the newest versions seemed sensible, it ultimately led to tunnel vision and delayed progress. Stepping back, re-evaluating strategies, and prioritizing a more controlled approach proved critical in successfully updating the client’s website.

Key Takeaways

• Incremental updates: Gradual updates minimize the risk of major disruptions and allow for easier troubleshooting.
• Test relentlessly: Comprehensive testing after each update step is essential to ensure website stability.
• Beware of tunnel vision: Recognize the potential for getting fixated on one solution. Take a step back and consider alternative approaches.
• Seek external perspectives: Discussing challenges with colleagues or friends can provide valuable insights and help break free from tunnel vision.

Need help with your own WordPress troubleshooting or upgrades? Let’s work together to solve your website problems with care and strategy.

Ditch the Bandwidth Drain: A YouTube Audio Player

I’m always listening to YouTube playlists & mixes while I work, but lately, it’s been a real struggle. My internet just can’t handle the streaming load, and constant buffering is killing my productivity (and sanity). 😩

I scoured the web for solutions, and while I found a couple of tools that seemed promising, they weren’t quite there. One was a bit hit-or-miss, and the other used just as much bandwidth as YouTube itself. 🤯 Not exactly the answer I was looking for.

So, I decided to take matters into my own hands (or should I say… code?). A lightweight, in-browser YouTube audio player that lets you stream audio without the video bandwidth.

How it Works

1. Paste your YouTube link into the player
2. Hit play. That’s it! Enjoy your music without the video overhead

This is still a work in progress, but the concept is simple: extract the audio stream from a YouTube embed URL and play it directly. No ads, less bandwidth.

The Lesson

Sometimes the best tools are the ones you build yourself. When existing solutions don’t fit your specific constraint (bandwidth in my case), rolling your own lightweight alternative teaches you more than using a polished library ever would.

Got a technical constraint you’re trying to solve creatively? Let’s talk — I love building lean, purposeful solutions.

Remote Design, Real Impact: My Time at Baker Tilly Central Africa

Designing Across Borders

As a mid-level graphic designer at Baker Tilly Central Africa, I was entrusted with the responsibility of providing remote design support to the regional offices in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, and Malawi. I collaborated closely with cross-functional teams, including partners, marketing, sales, IT, and quality assurance, to ensure that all creative deliverables aligned with the brand standards and marketing objectives of Baker Tilly International.

Thriving in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment, I excelled at managing multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and meeting tight deadlines. I took pride in conceptualizing and designing visually impactful booklets for all offices, such as tax reports, new service offerings, and other digitally published long-form information, all while adhering to the Baker Tilly International brand guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Brand-compliant design for print, web, social media, and video projects
• Cross-functional collaboration with partners, marketing, sales, IT, and QA
• Designed booklets, tax reports, and service offerings for regional offices
• Contributed to SEO and digital marketing strategy

Want a designer who understands brand consistency at scale? Let’s connect and bring that same rigour to your next project.

Creative Design Meets Manufacturing Innovation at Zimbabwe Badge & Medal

During my tenure as a creative designer at ZBM, the leading badge and medal manufacturer in Zimbabwe with over 45 years of experience, I had the opportunity to contribute to various aspects of the company’s marketing efforts. From designing captivating marketing materials to exploring innovative production techniques, my role encompassed a range of responsibilities.

Visual Design & Marketing Impact

As part of the ZBM team, I was responsible for creating visually appealing marketing materials that effectively showcased the company’s products and services. From preparing artwork for doming, laser manufacturing, vinyl and UV printing, CNC machining, and tool making, I played a vital role in ensuring the presentation of ZBM’s offerings was visually striking and aligned with their brand identity. I also took the initiative to introduce an online invoicing system, enhancing job management and minimizing losses by accurately billing based on labour costs, job time, and material expenses.

Versatility Beyond the Design Desk

Collaborating directly with company directors, I not only contributed to the design aspects but also participated in conflict resolution sessions, competitor analysis reporting, and staff training. Additionally, I engaged in video content creation for social media, troubleshooting laser equipment, and routine maintenance, demonstrating my versatility and commitment to supporting the overall success of ZBM.

What I Learned and Why It Matters

Through my experience at ZBM, I gained valuable insights into the intricacies of the manufacturing industry and honed my creative skills in a dynamic and demanding environment. My contributions were focused on enhancing the company’s marketing efforts and driving its growth.

With a deep understanding of the design process, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for innovative marketing strategies, I am well-prepared to bring my expertise to new challenges.

Need creative support that’s as hands-on as it is strategic? Let’s talk about how I can bring design, tech, and teamwork together for your business.