About Us

About Sugarbird Gifts

Sugarbird Gifts is a Cape Town based studio creating illustrated posters, greeting cards, and keepsakes inspired by South African life. We turn local stories into contemporary illustrations that reflect South Africa in a playful, artistic way.
Sugarbird Gifts started in 2017 as a creative project and has grown into a studio where illustration and craftsmanship meet.

Hi, I'm Emmy!

I'm a graphic designer, illustrator and I have a slight obsession with turning destinations into illustrations.

A mountain, a penguin, a koeksister or a local slang… if it tells the story of a place, I'm probably already sketching it.

South Africa completely stole my heart. It's a country bursting with colour, character and unforgettable places, and it's the biggest inspiration behind my work. Every illustration is my way of celebrating the landscapes, wildlife, cultures and quirky little details that make this part of the world so special.

What started as a few sketches has grown into Sugarbird, a collection of illustrated travel posters, fridge magnets and gifts designed to help people remember the places they've fallen in love with.

Today, I also work with tourism boards, museums, lodges and visitor centres to create custom destination artwork that celebrates the unique story of a place. Because every destination has a story worth illustrating.

Sugarbird is a two person adventure. I work alongside Eric, who is from South Africa, and he's been an important part of the Sugarbird journey for many years.

I'm the one filling sketchbooks with ideas; Eric is the one who turns them into real products. He has a remarkable eye for detail, the patience of a saint, and a knack for making the impossible somehow possible. If something needs fixing, building, assembling or improving, chances are Eric has already figured it out.

Simply put, Sugarbird wouldn't be the same without him !

Local Collaboration

Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do.

We also work with local printers and suppliers across South Africa ensuring that every product is designed, produced, and finished locally.

Supporting local people and local businesses is not a side value for us, it is part of how we work every day.

What We Create

Our illustrations focus on capturing the feeling of South Africa through its culture, language, food, and everyday moments.

Everything is designed and produced in Cape Town, with a strong focus on originality and local identity.

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