Hello!
I’m Mikayla, a Senior UX/UI Designer based in South Africa; focused on building clear, functional, and conversion-driven digital products. I work closely with founders, product teams, and engineers to turn complex ideas into simple, scalable user experiences.
I don’t just design screens, I design systems that help products make sense, feel intuitive, and perform better.
✅ Senior UX/UI Designer (Product)
✅ End-to-end SaaS & Digital Product Specialist
✅ UX Strategy ᐧ UI Design ᐧ Design Systems
🎯 Current Focus: SaaS Platforms • Vibe-coding • Conversion-driven Web Experiences
- WHAT I BRING TO YOUR PRODUCT AS A UX/UI DESIGNER (PRODUCT):
👩💻 UX Strategy & Product thinking:
I design with structure first: user flows, journey mapping, information architecture, and experience strategy. My focus is always on reducing friction and improving clarity across the product. I LOVE research.
👩💻 UI design for REAL products:
Clean, scalable interfaces for SaaS dashboards, mobile apps, and responsive web platforms. Built to be consistent, usable, and easy to extend as products grow.
👩💻 Figma Expertise & Design Systems:
Advanced Figma workflows including components, auto-layout, variables, and scalable design systems. As a former developer, I create structured files that make developer handoff smooth and reduce back-and-forth.
👩💻 Dev-handoff ready design
I collaborate closely with developers and provide clear specs, interaction states, and structured Figma files that translate cleanly into code.
📌 SELECTED EXPERIENCE
• SaaS Redesigns:
Improved usability of complex workflows by simplifying navigation and restructuring core user journeys.
• Mobile App UX Overhaul:
Streamlined onboarding and key flows to reduce friction and improve task completion.
• Web Conversion Improvements:
Redesigned landing pages and product flows to improve clarity and user decision-making.
• Web & Landing Pages:
Website & landing page design
Prototypes with Loveable
Design with Figma
🧠 HOW I WORK
Discovery & Research → understand goals, users, constraints & pain-points.
UX Mapping → flows, journeys, structure
Wireframes → rapid layout exploration
UI Design & Branding → clean, scalable visual system, graphics, custom icons
• If possible, this is where I would collaborate with the dev team to ensure the UI is feasible & viable.
Prototype → test and refine interactions, use external vibe coding tools if desired
Handoff → developer-ready Figma + documentation through HTML or React code documentation.
💡 WHY CLIENTS WORK WITH ME
I balance product thinking with strong visual design. My focus is not just making things look good, but making them work better; for users and for the business.
If you need a designer who can think, structure, and execute across the full product lifecycle, I can help.
Multi-disciplinary designer: I have worn many hats and I'm here to use them to ensure the best possible experience for my clients.
"But now Mikayla, why are your rates so low?"
- Simple, I live in a third world country when my currency is weaker than anywhere else in the world.
Now lets get talking :)
[Keywords: Figma Designer, Figma Expert, Figma to Loveable, Figma To Wordpress, Web to Figma, Web Design Expert, SaaS Design, Responsive Web Design, Figma, Figma Prototyping, AI Development, AI Vibe Coding, Design Systems, Web to Figma, App to Figma, Mobile Design, Insurance, Banking, B2B, Product Designer, B2B2C Product Designer, UX Research, UX Design, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Loveable, Claude, Framer, UX Designer, UI Designer, UX/UI Designer, Interaction design, Landing Page Designer, Mockups, Digital Design]
Web Design
Branding
Figma
Mobile App Redesign
Mobile App Design
UX Research
UX & UI Design
UI/UX Prototyping
Brand Design
Mobile UI Design
Adobe Creative Suite
UX & UI
UX Wireframe
UI Graphics
De Waal I.
Pretoria, South Africa
$45/hr
5.0
35 jobs
Professional Motion Design & Reliable Project Management
I help businesses of all sizes solve communication challenges through high-quality motion design.
With 25 years of experience and a foundation in Information Science, I manage your project from the first storyboard to the final render. Whether you are a small business needing a clear explainer or an agency requiring complex visual systems, I provide a structured process that ensures 100% reliability. By using optimized AI workflows, I deliver professional results with a 30% faster production cycle than traditional methods.
Professional, dependable, and always keen to chat. Let’s create something grand.
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Illustrator
Brand Identity & Guidelines
Motion Design
Layout Design
Logo Animation
Logo Design
Adobe Photoshop
Video Production
Video Animation
Animation
Video Intro & Outro
Motion Graphics
2D Animation
UI Animation
Anni K.
Pretoria, South Africa
$30/hr
4.8
22 jobs
Hello Future Partner!
I’m Anni, a creative human from sunny South Africa - designer, maker, print pro, and AI collaborator! I’ve spent the last decade in the world of printing, design, and digital production, where precision meets creativity.
By day, Im a technician at the MakerSpace at one of South Africa’s top design schools, helping students turn their ideas into tangible creations - this includes your not-so-average 'print shop'; workshop (yes power tools!) and a traditional printmaking studio. When things quiet down, I love jumping into freelance projects that let me blend my hands-on technical skills with a bit of creative magic.
What I Do
Graphic Design & Print Setup – from logo redraws and marketing materials to apparel, packaging, and signage.
Print File Perfection – I make files production-ready for Riso, Sublimation, Laser Cutting, 3D Printing, Vinyl Cutting, and Large Format Printers.
AI Training & Creative Collaboration – I help train AI systems in translation, localization, and visual design tasks, including prompt optimization and creative alignment.
Copywriting & Localization – clear, engaging copy that fits your tone, region, and purpose.
Photo Editing / Mockups – color correction, product touch-ups, and print-ready image prep, Smart Mockups - I can make you your own templates!
Tools of My Trade
Design & Print Software: CorelDRAW (incl. Technical), Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma, FlexiCut, Versaworks, Rastalink, Lightburn, RD8Works,SAi Production Manager, VersaLaser, ICura, Litchi, Prusa, Inkscape, GIMP, you're still reading this list? I promise there's more!
Hardware Experience: Riso Printer, Latex LF Printer (with white ink!), Laser Cutter (CO2 & Fiber/Mopa), Sublimation Printers (large & small format), Vinyl Cutter, 3D Printers.
Why Work With Me
I’ve been a printer operator and design fixer for over 10 years — that means I know exactly what causes print issues before they happen. I’m quick, detail-obsessed, and love helping clients avoid costly reprints.
Also, being South African means two things:
I’m awake while most of the world sleeps (time zones = your secret weapon).
I get things done! We are a nation that seriously never stops!
If you’re looking for a person who thrives under pressure (no, really, I love it), understands both design and production, and can even help with AI-related projects, I’m your person.
TL;DR:
✅ Design, photo editing & copywriting
✅ Print file setup for any machine (okay, almost any machine!)
✅ AI training in translation, localization & design
✅ 10+ years hands-on print & design industry experience
✅ Reliable, real, and ridiculously resourceful
Let me bring your project to life or finally put that looming task to rest [yes, that one!]
Web Design
Adobe Illustrator
CorelDRAW
Adobe Photoshop
Article Writing
Copywriting
Business Writing
Image Editing
Layout Design
WordPress
Print Design
Graphic Design
Logo Design
Biography
Mieke S.
Pretoria, South Africa
$17/hr
5.0
14 jobs
Hi, I'm Mieke!
I blend professional expertise with genuine passion, specializing in pet industry content and digital media. With over 3 years of professional writing experience backed by 20+ years of hands-on exotic pet knowledge, I deliver content that educates, engages, and connects.
Writing & Content Creation
I specialize in creating clear, engaging content across multiple areas:
- Pet and animal content (especially exotic pets and parrots)
- Educational and informational articles
- SEO-optimized blog writing
- Website copy
- Social media content
- Product descriptions
- E-books and long-form content
- Professional transcription (English and Afrikaans)
Digital Marketing & Design
- Social media management across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
- Content planning and scheduling
- Brand-aligned content creation
- Technical content communication
- Wix website creation and management
- Graphic design solutions
Industry Expertise
My pet industry knowledge is supported by:
- Veterinary Practice Assistant diploma (in progress, focusing on exotic pets)
- International Society of Animal Professionals membership
- Published work for multiple pet organizations and veterinary practices
- Currently authoring a comprehensive cockatoo care guide
I pride myself on delivering work that's deadline-driven, thoroughly researched, and crafted with attention to detail. Whether you need technical content simplified, educational material that engages, or strategic social media management, I bring both expertise and enthusiasm to every project.
Web Design
Canva
Wix
Ayoola Joshua A.
Pretoria, South Africa
$50/hr
5.0
2 jobs
I’m a results-driven Forex trader with a strong grasp of technical and fundamental analysis. I specialize in trading major currency pairs using a disciplined, data-informed approach rooted in risk management and continuous improvement.
With hands-on experience across platforms like MetaTrader 5, TradingView, and various ECN brokers, I develop and execute trading strategies based on macroeconomic trends, chart patterns, and key price action signals. My approach emphasizes consistency, emotional control, and capital preservation. *** I’m a creative and detail-driven Web Designer with a passion for building user-friendly, modern websites that not only look great but also work beautifully.
Technical Analysis
Trading Strategy
Data Analysis
Risk Management
Financial Trading
Psychology
Nina C.
Pretoria, South Africa
$25/hr
5.0
2 jobs
I’m a graphic and web designer with a BA in Fashion Media (2021) and marketing experience since 2022.
I specialize in creating brand identities, websites, marketing materials, and digital campaigns that are visually appealing and effective. From rebranding and style guides to reports, presentations, and social media content, I focus on designs that communicate clearly and achieve results.
I’m proficient in Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Figma, Canva, and Webflow (design only), and I work efficiently to bring creative ideas to life for businesses of all sizes.
Adobe Photoshop
Print Design
Graphic Design
Packaging Design
Print Layout
Photo Retouching
Magazine Layout
Copywriting
Editing & Proofreading
Video Editing & Production
Content Creation
Blog Writing
Fashion Writing
Pattern Illustration
How it works
Post a job for freePost a job
Tell us what you need. Create your own job post or generate one with AI then filter talent matches.
Hire top talent fast
Consult, interview, and hire quickly, so you can meet the freelancers you're excited about.
Collaborate easily
Use Upwork to chat or video call, share files, and track project progress right from the app.
Payment simplified
Manage payments in one place with flexible billing options. Only pay for approved work, hourly or by milestone.
Don't just take our word for it
“Upwork provides an umbrella-level of security. I can see a talent’s work history and ratings. I can hold payments in escrow. I can communicate through Upwork Messages instead of working through my email address.”
KD
Kim Darling
Emerald Tiger
“Upwork is the best platform to hire skilled professionals when we're not looking for a full-time employee. All the companies in our portfolio use Upwork to find talent across a wide range of fields.”
DM
David Merry
Kinetic Investments
“Our very specific requirements can be a challenge—With Upwork, we’re able to access a bigger community to ensure the success of our projects.”
Top interview questions to help you hire the right Web designers, faster.
How do I hire a Web Designer near Pretoria, on Upwork?
You can hire a Web Designer near Pretoria, on Upwork in four simple steps:
Create a job post tailored to your Web Designer project scope. We’ll walk you through the process step by step.
Browse top Web Designer talent on Upwork and invite them to your project.
Once the proposals start flowing in, create a shortlist of top Web Designer profiles and interview.
Hire the right Web Designer for your project from Upwork, the world’s largest work marketplace.
At Upwork, we believe talent staffing should be easy.
How much does it cost to hire a Web Designer?
Rates charged by Web Designers on Upwork can vary with a number of factors including experience, location, and market conditions. See hourly rates for in-demand skills on Upwork.
Why hire a Web Designer near Pretoria, on Upwork?
As the world’s work marketplace, we connect highly-skilled freelance Web Designers and businesses and help them build trusted, long-term relationships so they can achieve more together. Let us help you build the dream Web Designer team you need to succeed.
Can I hire a Web Designer near Pretoria, within 24 hours on Upwork?
Depending on availability and the quality of your job post, it’s entirely possible to sign up for Upwork and receive Web Designer proposals within 24 hours of posting a job description.