ABOUT
Alchemy 1 was established in 2004 by Carel de Beer. In 2013, the business was registered as Alchemy 1 Productions (Pty) Ltd, now trading as Alchemy 1 Studio.
The name was chosen to highlight the similarities between marketing (design) and the ancient practice of alchemy. In the same sense, as the alchemist strives seeks to turn transform lead into gold with the philosopher's stone and achieve immortality through the elixir of life, the designer/art director strives to turn the weight of marketing into gold, turning it into a single precious element that will stand the test of time. We believe that the essence of creativity serves as the basis of the alchemist's work, the elixir of life, the magical formula that can transform the basis of reality.
Through continually striving for this perfection, the alchemist created the wonders of the modern world. From alchemy, science has evolved and transformed the world we live in – sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. The goal still remains: Turn something as worthless as dust into something that has value.
When all these elements are synchronised and in harmony, alchemy takes place and gold is created.
Experience it by working with me.
The name was chosen to highlight the similarities between marketing (design) and the ancient practice of alchemy. In the same sense, as the alchemist strives seeks to turn transform lead into gold with the philosopher's stone and achieve immortality through the elixir of life, the designer/art director strives to turn the weight of marketing into gold, turning it into a single precious element that will stand the test of time. We believe that the essence of creativity serves as the basis of the alchemist's work, the elixir of life, the magical formula that can transform the basis of reality.
Through continually striving for this perfection, the alchemist created the wonders of the modern world. From alchemy, science has evolved and transformed the world we live in – sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. The goal still remains: Turn something as worthless as dust into something that has value.
When all these elements are synchronised and in harmony, alchemy takes place and gold is created.
Experience it by working with me.
CAREL DE BEER
Creative Director | Senior Graphic Designer | Videographer
Carel is a multi-disciplinary creative with over 30 years of experience turning ideas into visual stories that connect. From branding to board games and documentary films to t-shirt designs, my work brings together imagination, design thinking, and a love of storytelling.
He's created for international and national brands, NGOs, and indie artists. Built identities, interfaces, and immersive campaigns. Produced documentaries that made audiences cry (in a good way). Designed a board game and patented it globally. Dropped two electronic music albums, the most recent was created using his lyrics and generative AI. And yes, he has a t-shirt brand full of puns.
My approach to design is human-centred and joy-infused. Whether it’s UX, motion graphics or layout, I bring a deep respect for craft and concept — with a healthy dose of humour and wordplay along the way.
Listen to his latest album, Paparazzi
Visit Tat My Tees
Creative Director | Senior Graphic Designer | Videographer
Carel is a multi-disciplinary creative with over 30 years of experience turning ideas into visual stories that connect. From branding to board games and documentary films to t-shirt designs, my work brings together imagination, design thinking, and a love of storytelling.
He's created for international and national brands, NGOs, and indie artists. Built identities, interfaces, and immersive campaigns. Produced documentaries that made audiences cry (in a good way). Designed a board game and patented it globally. Dropped two electronic music albums, the most recent was created using his lyrics and generative AI. And yes, he has a t-shirt brand full of puns.
My approach to design is human-centred and joy-infused. Whether it’s UX, motion graphics or layout, I bring a deep respect for craft and concept — with a healthy dose of humour and wordplay along the way.
Listen to his latest album, Paparazzi
Visit Tat My Tees
CAREL DE BEER
Creative Director | Senior Graphic Designer | Videographer
Carel is a multi-disciplinary creative with over 30 years of experience turning ideas into visual stories that connect. From branding to board games and documentary films to t-shirt designs, my work brings together imagination, design thinking, and a love of storytelling.
He's created for international and national brands, NGOs, and indie artists. Built identities, interfaces, and immersive campaigns. Produced documentaries that made audiences cry (in a good way). Designed a board game and patented it globally. Dropped two electronic music albums, the most recent was created using his lyrics and generative AI. And yes, he has a t-shirt brand full of puns.
My approach to design is human-centred and joy-infused. Whether it’s UX, motion graphics or layout, I bring a deep respect for craft and concept — with a healthy dose of humour and wordplay along the way.
Listen to his latest album, Paparazzi
Visit Tat My Tees
Creative Director | Senior Graphic Designer | Videographer
Carel is a multi-disciplinary creative with over 30 years of experience turning ideas into visual stories that connect. From branding to board games and documentary films to t-shirt designs, my work brings together imagination, design thinking, and a love of storytelling.
He's created for international and national brands, NGOs, and indie artists. Built identities, interfaces, and immersive campaigns. Produced documentaries that made audiences cry (in a good way). Designed a board game and patented it globally. Dropped two electronic music albums, the most recent was created using his lyrics and generative AI. And yes, he has a t-shirt brand full of puns.
My approach to design is human-centred and joy-infused. Whether it’s UX, motion graphics or layout, I bring a deep respect for craft and concept — with a healthy dose of humour and wordplay along the way.
Listen to his latest album, Paparazzi
Visit Tat My Tees