David Stell

References

“David is driven to create innovative and user-friendly designs which make the user think whilst remaining near comfortable paradigms.”

Roy Goddard, Head of Development, Compsoft plc

“David Stell has delivered to the industry students capable of hitting the ground running...in both second and third year Graphic Design and Art Direction. With his sense of humour and passion David will be sorely missed, but will be an asset for any future employer”

Clayton Sutherland, Faculty Head, AAA School of Advertising

“My experience of Dave was that he is an honest, trustworthy and conscientious employee whose integrity is beyond reproach. His contribution in our design studios is still felt to this day. His teams respected him and he was a well-liked member of our staff.

We would highly recommend him, as he will bring value to your organization as he did at MML.”

Derrick Petersen, Human Resources Director, Maskew Miller Longman

“David’s attitude has always been very positive: he is not territorial about design or the designers and has the ability to see the bigger picture, which enables him to make decisions that align with the company’s business objectives. As far as staff management is concerned, he has always tackled problems with staff tactfully, but in a hands-on, problem solving way. I have no hesitation in recommending David Stell for any position that might require the management of a large team of designers, and/or a challenging list of projects that have to be designed to very strict deadlines.”

Dorette Louw, Publishing and Editorial Director, Maskew Miller Longman

“Dave Stell was my lecturer at the AAA School of Advertising in Cape Town from 2002-2004. He was an efficient, easy to get along with, and generally all-round cool guy who often used to walk around bare foot. He was really great to work with, and an inspiration to learn from. I'd highly recommend him for any position in any company.”

Andrew Clements, Johannesburg

“David Stell was my Lecturer from 2000 to 2001 (at AAA School of Advertising) and I worked with him again at FCB Cape Town. David was a fantastic teacher with a wealth of knowledge. He was also the ‘go to guy’ for absolutely anyone in the college – he somehow managed to juggle his busy lecturing schedule with answering a multitude of questions and problems from students and staff. David is one of the lecturers that really stands out when I think back to my studies. He was unbelievably patient, knowledgeable, friendly, approachable and interesting. I think David would be an asset to any company. He’s really easy to get along with, and is passionate about his work. I envy anyone who gets to work with him in the future.”

Jen van Blerk, Graphic Designer/Art Director

“I have been fortunate enough to know David for the past 7 years and he has been someone that I value and keep in regular contact with. I have a small freelance based agency and specialise in design for web, David was the first person to introduce and teach me most of the skills that I still use to this day. David has a very keen interest in all things digital and an excellent sense of design, I believe that he will bring great value to any company that may be so fortunate as to have him.”

Fabien de Fontenay, Cadet

“Dave inspired me to look beyond the computer and into the world where imagination is key"

Kimon Bisogno, Graphic Designer/Art Director/Illustrator

“I have known David Stell for the past 13 years and worked with him on various projects. He’s great to work with, as he is able to manage a project effectively, yet still be part of “the team”. Although he has his own way of doing things, having had a lot of managerial experience, he is always open to (useful!) suggestions. David gets on well with most people. He is loyal and dedicated in both his private and professional life. He gets the job done, and done well!

I, for one, wouldn’t hesitate to have him on my team!”

Libby Harrison, Graphic Designer/Illustrator

 “I worked alongside David at BlueSulphur Ltd and Compsoft Plc. for one year. During my time with David, I interacted frequently with him and depended on him and the team he built around him for initial pitches and presentations of software development projects through to the design, look and feel of the finished applications. Very goal oriented as well as a team player, he was keenly devoted to his work, but being a real people person, he was also enjoyable to be around and his enthusiasm and passion for design was infectious.

David demonstrated from early in his tenure that he understood what business is all about. He was well organized. He kept a close eye on the financials, but realized too that customer satisfaction is what makes or breaks a client relationship. Doing well in business is easy if you are, as he is, driven in equal measure by both quality and efficiency.”

Nick Tubby, Account Manager, Compsoft Plc.

“While working with David at Compsoft I found him to be very professional and have an excellent eye for detail. David is extremely creative and his work is always inspiring and distinctive.”

Carla Stanley, Account Manager/Resources at Synergy Contracts Limited

“Dave was a lecturer of mine during my 3 years as a student at AAA School of Advertising, Cape Town. Dave had an excellent relationship with every student, working closely with us through each brief. He always pushed me where necessary to go beyond my comfort zone, as well as giving me the space to be creative, encouraging my own unique style.

Having formed a close relationship with Dave, I always felt comfortable to confront him with my weaknesses and felt he understood my creative process. Following my studies, I have kept in touch with Dave since and feel confident that he would be there to assist with anything I may need to know. Dave seemed to get along with everyone and managed the class effectively and always with a positive attitude. He played an instrumental role to me during those three years and feel his lectures were invaluable to my studies.”

Lian Anstey, Graphic Designer

“Many of our graduate creative students trained by Dave, have gone on to make their mark in the creative, design and advertising industry, not only in South Africa but across the world.”

Mel Tripp, Campus Administrator, AAA School of Advertising

"David was an excellent Creative Director and design lead. He always knew how to get the best out of me and always challenged me to take my ideas to the next level. He was also able to balance his role as manager with that of friendly colleague which made the working atmosphere in our office a fun and creative place to work.



David brought enormous gravitas and presence to any client meeting, making the business of buying more work a far simpler decision for any client."

Martin Sansom, Senior Designer, Bluesulphur Design Agency

More references and contacts are available on request.