Wade Ross Skinner
Founder & Creative Director — Brands, Products & Circular Systems
Cape Town, South Africa / Remote
Website
instagram @wolfandmaiden @boundeverywhere
youtube
Q What do you do?
“I help founders and companies turn ideas into real, scalable products and brands. This includes defining strategy, designing products and identities, setting up manufacturing and supply chains, and leading creative teams from concept through launch—often with a focus on modular, repairable, and circular systems.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I learned by building. I co-founded and launched businesses from an early age, taking on everything from product design and branding to operations, sales, and finance. Over time, I scaled teams, opened retail stores, raised capital, and refined my leadership and creative direction through real-world experience rather than theory.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I bridge creative direction and execution. I’ve founded and scaled real businesses, designed products that are manufactured and sold, and led teams across strategy, design, operations, and finance. This means my work is grounded in what actually works, not just what looks good.
Q What are you working on right now?
I’m building and advising a small portfolio of ventures, including modular product brands and a creative consultancy. My work spans creative direction, product and system design, manufacturing strategy, and go-to-market support—often with a focus on circular and repairable products.
Q What’s your style?
I’m drawn to design that is quiet, functional, and built to last—where form, material, and systems are equally considered. My work sits at the intersection of brand, product, and manufacturing. Projects like Wolf & Maiden and Bound represent this, while my current consultancy work focuses on extending these principles into circular, modular systems.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I want to focus more on long-term system design: creating modular, circular product ecosystems that can scale responsibly while supporting local manufacturing and durable brands.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Moving from proven concepts to scalable systems takes time and focus. The friction comes from switching between visionary work and operational detail—especially when building multiple ventures in parallel.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I’d hire someone to act as a project and systems assistant—supporting research, supplier coordination, documentation, and follow-ups to reduce context switching and execution friction.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
In my early 20s, I wish I’d known that clarity beats hustle. Systems, boundaries, and long-term thinking create far more leverage than constant urgency.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I’d want to speak to experts who’ve successfully built long-term, decentralised production ecosystems, to better understand how design, incentives, and operations align at scale.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m looking for opportunities to work with founders or teams on early- to growth-stage projects—shaping brand, product, and systems from the ground up, especially where design, manufacturing, and long-term thinking are valued.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I’m at my best working with partners who see design as a strategic tool, not just an aesthetic layer. The most positive experiences I’ve had combine shared values, clear decision-making, and a commitment to building something meaningful and durable.
Q: What is your rate?
I work across hourly, project, and fractional engagements.
• Hourly: from $100/hour
• Project-based: typically $5,000–$25,000+, depending on scope and complexity
• Fractional / ongoing: custom retainers for longer-term collaboration
I’m open to working with early-stage founders and impact-led projects where there’s strong alignment.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Start with an email. Share what you’re building, what you need help with, and what success looks like. Budget context is helpful, but curiosity and clarity matter more. Bonus points for thoughtful references or a good sense of humour.
Email: waderskinner@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wade-ross-skinner/
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Koos Groenewald — Koos has a rare ability to connect brand thinking, culture, and execution without overcomplicating the work. He brings clarity to complex problems and balances strong creative instinct with practical delivery. A thoughtful leader who understands both people and systems.
@koooooos | LinkedIn | Website
Rotem Shachar — Rotem approaches design with precision, restraint, and deep respect for function. His work reflects a strong understanding of product thinking, materials, and real-world use—design that’s elegant because it’s considered, not because it’s loud.
@rotem_shachar | LinkedIn | Website
Tammy Tinker — Tammy brings clarity, structure, and intelligence to brand and communication work. She has a strong strategic lens and a talent for translating abstract ideas into clear narratives that teams can actually execute against.
@tammytinker | LinkedIn
Merwe Marchand — Marchand’s work shows a strong sense of composition, restraint, and visual confidence. It’s design that feels intentional and timeless, with a clear point of view and excellent craft across branding and visual systems.
@merwemarchand | Portfolio | Website
Jana Hamman — Jana brings a thoughtful, refined approach to brand and visual design. Her work shows strong restraint, sensitivity to detail, and a clear understanding of how systems hold together across touch-points. She balances aesthetic clarity with strategic intent, which makes her a valuable collaborator.
@janasburg | LinkedIn | Website
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Make things. Move daily. Simplify relentlessly.
This member profile was originally published in February 2026.