Published in the District Post, a regional Somerset West newspaper, on Friday 16 July 1999.

Design is a burning issue for 23-year-old Richard Meershoek. And this has given life to his locally-based graphic design studio – First Degree Design.

With a string of awards already to his name, Richard has set off trail-blazing.

In recent months he received the Gold Pack student award gold certificate in recognition of the best design in the category, as well as the Gold Pack student award gold certificate in recognition of the best overall design submitted.

These were not easy feats as judging criteria is based on industry standards of the National Executive of the Institute of Packaging (SA).

Loerie Award

Richard has also received a much-coveted Loerie student craft award in print and design from the Association of Marketers. All three awards were received within the space of one year.

Richard matriculated from Parel Vallei High School in 1994 and went on to study graphic design at the AAA School of Advertising – largely recognised as the advertising industry’s finest training ground.

He was awarded a Diploma in Advertising with specialisation in graphic design after completing the three-year course.

Having completed his studies, he launched out and now, through First Degree, he offers his services using state-of-the-art software and equipment. Services include the design of brochures, logos, corporate identities, general design work and, his favourite – packaging design.

Richard Meershoek can be contacted at (021) 852-8131 or 083 457 2290.

His office is located at 7 Linden Lane, Somerset West.