Vicky Tomlinson
Branding Designer / Co-Founder of Kind & Wild
Cape Town, RSA
www.vickytomlinson.my.canva.site/branding-design-ts
instagram @kindandwildstudio
Q What do you do?
“I’m the Co-founder of Kind & Wild - a strategy-first branding duo helping food + drink founders level up their brands and write their next chapter of growth.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
After over 15 years working in London at Top 100 agencies like Saatchi & Saatchi, as well as in-house on the busy e-commerce teams at NET-A-PORTER, Selfridges and ASOS, I wanted to take a step up and start my own studio to offer something more streamlined and collaborative to founders of CPG brands.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
We’re not your average branding studio - we’re a lean duo with deep roots in design, strategy, and storytelling. With my two decades of design experience and Jayson’s background in hospitality, coffee ops, and brand strategy, we bring both creative vision and real-world business sense.
Our signature DREAM process helps founders break through the noise, find their voice, and feel confident in their brand. We generally work with one brand at a time so you get our undivided attention.
Q What are you working on right now?
At the moment, we’re partnering with a fast-scaling coffee brand that’s ready to evolve. We’ve completed a dynamic strategy workshop and are now building out their refined brand vision and guide - the foundation for their next stage of growth, and a tool their team can use to confidently carry the brand forward once our work is done.
Q What’s your style?
I’m all about bold colours, clashing prints, and bringing energy into my spaces and what I wear but as a branding designer, it's not always about my taste, it’s about what’s right for the brand. The magic happens when strategy leads the way - when design becomes a reflection of who the brand is meant to be and connects with the people it’s meant for.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I would love to focus on photography
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Keeping up with social media posts
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Probably to help me with social media!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I’d remind myself that there’s no perfect timing to become the person you want to be or to do the thing you’ve been dreaming about doing. In my late 20s, I spent too much time comparing and worrying about where I thought I was meant to be. I’d tell that version of me: you’re not behind - you’re exactly where you need to be. I tell myself this all the time and I find it really comforting.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
How to adapt to the all the changes in the creative industry
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Right now, I’m looking for branding projects rather than ongoing retainer work. I’m most excited by the chance to help ambitious food, drink, and CPG brands shape their identity from scratch - creating something strategic, beautiful, and built to last.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Working on a full branding project with a challenger brand run by people who are fun, open- minded and aligned with our values.
Q: What is your rate?
From $5000 - $20000 depenging on the package and deliverables required.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Q Who is a creative you admire?
My bestie and incredible illustrator Charlotte @charlottemscott_illustration
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Walking! Walking is my go-to for clearing my mind and taking a break away from my desk. It's when some of my best ideas come to mind.
This member profile was originally published in November 2025.