About
the earth is round is a value-driven African agency specialising in branding, communication & content creation for organisations working for the greater good of society and our planet.
We genuinely care about our clients and one another, we are reliable and have loads of experience in the social justice space – as well as in the field of communication. All of our clients found us through word-of-mouth. We guarantee professional results.
Vision
To do work that strengthens dignity & peace in this world and reduces suffering.
Mission
To serve social & environmental justice NPOs and ethical businesses with excellent, fit-for-purpose design, branding & content creation.
Goals
- To be an outstanding full service agency for organisations that work for an sustainable, equitable & dignified future for all on this planet.
- To do excellent communications work which stands out in a crowded visual world.
- To retain our sense of humanity and humour through it all
Our values & ethics
- Commitment.
- Better work always.
- Thoughtful engagement.
- Responsibility for ourselves.
- Collaboration.
- Generosity.
- Transparency.
- Decent work & livelihoods.
- Love & care for our work, ourselves, for one another, our society & planet.
Team
Karien van der Westhuizen
Creative Director & Founder
Specialities: graphic design, branding, creative direction, communication strategy, copy writing
I have more than 30 years experience working in and around media, starting off as a newspaper librarian – and going on to work as principal graphic designer at the University of Cape Town before founding the earth is round in 2007. From 2017 we exclusively work for organisations whose work bend the arc towards diginity for all living beings. I love humans and the complexities of perception, the arts, my job, nature, dancing & meditation.
Teneille Francis
Graphic Design
Specialities: Graphic design, animation/motion and web design.
I studied Graphic design at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and have been working full-time as a designer for 4 years. I’m learning animation & motion design on the job and love upskilling and challenging myself. My work is more than just a job as I feel strongly about the missions of the organisations we work with. I love design & illustration, spending time with loved ones, Minecraft, animals (except mozzies) and a classic good-prevails-over-evil movie plot.
Michelle Nelson
Studio Manager
Specialities: Project management, account management, traffic, finances, operations, logistics, print and digital production as well as a good shoulder to cry on.
I have 18 years experience in the communication and brand agency world, as a studio manager I wear many hats, but manage stressful situations well. Reaching deadlines and balancing budgets are what make me tick, I love an old spreadsheet and a schedule. Working in a creative environment is very important to me, I love seeing the creative process unfold into clever, eye catching communication. The work we do at the earth is round is meaningful and it gives me great pleasure to be part of the team. Other things that bring me joy are dogs, being in nature, music, the arts and cooking.
Saurabh Baniya
Web Development