Graphic Designer & Photographer

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

From telex to fax, the moon landing and conscription, to tv and the birth of the interwebs – I started with a pencil…

About Me

The creative adult is the child who survived.

Mike Barwood – I am older, maybe wiser, mostly calm and I listen. Experience and years and the journey which continues each day, every morning, I can say, “Yay, another day I’m alive”

Max Design (tap to read)

Operating from Gqeberha, South Africa, offers crisp, clean, clear design from logos, graphics, brochures, print media, and web development to posters or digital presentations.
Solid design based on pure principle works across all media and your visual presentation is your first line of communication, so make sure it’s clean, clear and bold – and says exactly what you want it to.

Whois (tap to read)

Max Design consists of Mike Barwood and a group of established affiliates. Whether you need a logo designed, a concept created, additional branding, adverts that work and more bang for your buck – contact me for a quote or to discuss what you have in mind – you get a wealth of experience and incredible design work.

Vision (tap to read)

“Be regular & ordinary in your life like a bourgeois
so that you may be ViolenT & oRiginaL in your work”

I’ve always said, “See with your eyes, shoot with your heart”

My Services

I provide the best service for you.

From a concept to a design – layouts, a logo, anything you imagine – it can be done – and if I don’t know how to do it – I will find out how to, making sure you get what you imagined and wanted.

Graphic Design

Your first point of contact – what people see – your logo, your brand – make sure it works for you.

Photography

I am passionate about imagery. See with your eyes, shoot with your heart.

Web Design

Nowadays anyone can build a website. Make your website work for you, for bespoke applications – I work with an affiliate Black Alsatian

Photo Manipulation

Anything is possible – imagine it … I can Photoshop, well. Come see …

My Work

Projects I've been working on....

Projects currently underway or recently completed.

tap for short showreel

Use a Freelancer

Mike Barwood

Freelancers are a rogue breed, hungry and dedicated – with no assured paycheck at the end of each month, no benefits or paid leave, each job is precious, big or small – you get devoted commitment.

Testimonials

Feedback from my clients.

Clients are the lifeblood. Each one treasured and respected. Jobs come and go, people and relationships linger, the essence of sustainability….

Mike is absolutely brilliant at what he does. We have used his talents for almost 20 years and he has CONSISTENTLY given us top class work. He cares about what he does and is always giving maximum effort.

Gino Fabbri Comedian, MC, Drummer, Entertainer & Streaming Host

Love Mike's artistic creativity and quick response to graphic design requests even when given minimal details with which to work. Gets the job done at affordable rates too! Had Mike develop a new website and my business expanded exponentially.

Merryl Leverington CEO Healthy Lifestyles

Mike has worked with us at Siyawela on multiple occasions. He is a talented photographer – capturing our special occasions in ways that allow us to remember the events from beginning to end. In a professional context, Mike’s creative and organisational skills stand out. Mike’s photos allow us to tell our stories in an inspiring, and entertaining way.

Paula du Plooy Executive Director - Siyawela

Max Design…Max excellence….Max Customer service. Mike Barwood has over the past 12 years provided all our marketing collaterals in South Africa and throughout South East Asia and the GCC countries. From international acts such as Bonnie Tyler and Alison Moyet to the build from ground zero, Brands and theatre shows and corporates like Liberty- he is not just a supplier but a vital part of our team. He has created a number of exhibitions in collaboration with ourselves and the Smithsonian. My first call on creative go to guy. His work is exemplary and exceptional. I could go on ….just work with him and you will see

Colin Law Executive Producer

Mike Barwood is a phenomenal photographer and has edited many of my posters over the past few years. I highly recommend his services!

Brendon Peel International Illusionist

I first encountered Mike's gifts in 2012, working with him to design a book cover using my artwork. I haven't looked back. We've done 11 covers thus far. He is a joy to work with, his feel for colour, font, proportion, orientation etc. is never dull, he is highly responsive to briefs and not shy to suggest alternatives or fresh possibilities.

Silke Heiss Poet & Artist - Knysna

Mike has worked closely with Siyawela for several years, and we have found his service to be professional, prompt and affordable. His willingness to go the extra mile (literally on many occasions!) has been appreciated, and he has a wonderful way of adapting to the contextual needs of the programmes we offer. His relaxed, engaging approach puts people at ease resulting in an excellent product.

Kathy Balshaw Director of Client Relations, Siyawela: Ready to Succeed

I started using Mike’s services about 15 years ago, and always enjoy our creative interactions. He has designed numerous poetry book covers for me, and for the projects I work in. He has designed pull-up banners, the pages of children’s books, logos for small businesses I have mentored, and letterheads, as well as web pages. I value good work, and lasting relationships, and I have found both with MaxDesign.

Brian Walter Poet, Academic, Facilitator

Mike Barwood has completed several Web design and Photo projects for me over the last few years, and I can say with certainty that I would rather work with him than anyone else. He is honest, his fees are fair, his input is always well considered, and he has the skills and experience necessary to consistently deliver excellent service. I recommend him without hesitation.

Kevin Abraham Director - Honeybird Business Consulting

Contact

Come say hi - drop an email

Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth)

59 Eastbourne Road, Mount Croix

mike@maxdesign.co.za

+27(0)82 486 5966