FREELANCE Graphic Designer / Technical Illustrator
Listing reference: gelmr_000009
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 26 June 2026
Position summary
Industry: Building & Construction
Job category: Illustration and Graphic Design
Location: Durban North
Contract: Freelance
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
Introduction
Gelmar is looking for a technically minded freelance designer who can create professional DIY instruction leaflets, installation guides, fitting instructions, and technical diagrams for home improvement and hardware products.
The ideal person must be able to understand how products are assembled and installed, and then translate that into clear, user-friendly visual instructions.
This role is best suited to someone with experience in technical illustration, industrial/product-related design, cabinetry/kitchen hardware, furniture assembly instructions, or DIY/home improvement content.
Job description
The designer will create:
- DIY instruction leaflets
- Product fitting instructions
- Installation diagrams
- Exploded views and assembly diagrams
- Step-by-step installation guides
- Technical product illustrations
- Packaging insert instruction sheets
- Product specification layouts
Examples of products include:
- Barn door systems
- Undermount runners
- Aluminium profile frame systems
- Sliding systems
- Hinges and hardware
- Cabinet fittings
- Storage systems
- Home improvement accessories
Minimum requirements
Software
Must be proficient in:
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
Bonus:
- CAD experience
- Technical illustration software
- 3D rendering or SketchUp experience
Technical Requirements
The ideal candidate should:
- Be technically minded
- Understand construction and installation processes
- Be able to interpret product drawings and hardware specifications
- Understand measurements, tolerances, and fitting clearances
- Create accurate technical diagrams
- Think logically through installation steps
- Simplify technical information into easy-to-follow instructions
- Understand how end users interact with DIY products
Design Requirements
The designer should be able to:
- Create clean, easy-to-read layouts
- Use icons and diagrams effectively
- Produce instruction manuals with minimal text reliance
- Follow brand guidelines
- Ensure consistency across multiple instruction leaflets
- Design for print production
- Prepare print-ready artwork
Ideal Background
Strong preference for candidates with experience in:
- Hardware or home improvement industries
- Kitchen or cabinetry industries
- Furniture assembly instructions
- Manufacturing or engineering environments
- Technical illustration
- Packaging design with technical components
- Retail DIY brands
Deliverables
Typical deliverables may include:
- Print-ready PDF files
- Pack insert layouts
- Editable Adobe files
- Technical vector illustrations
- Multi-language instruction layouts