About Us

Our Story

Cactus Design & Printing Studio was born during the first COVID lockdown in 2021. With some extra time on my hands, I rediscovered my passion for graphic design. In 2022, I invested in equipment to customize t-shirts, mugs, and other products, and started creating projects for friends in the Brazilian community here in Auckland.

In 2023, I decided to take Cactus Design & Printing Studio to the next level and dove into a graphic design course. My mission? To be the go-to place for personalized products with quality, fair prices, and a laid-back approach. I believe every customized item has its own story, and I love adding a personal touch to each project — always with a smile on my face.

Why Cactus?

The name “Cactus” for my studio holds a special and personal meaning. The cactus is a strong, resilient, and adaptable plant, capable of thriving in the harshest conditions. These characteristics reflect the values we bring to each project: resilience, creativity, and the ability to adapt to any challenge to deliver the best result.

Additionally, the cactus is a symbol of the Sertão, a region in northeastern Brazil, where I’m from, specifically from the state of Pernambuco. The Sertão is known for its arid landscape and the strength of its people, and the cactus, with its ability to bloom amid the drought, represents the beauty that can emerge even in adversity.

Just like the cactus, Cactus Design & Printing Studio has strong roots, nurtured by my passion for creating and personalizing products that reflect the unique essence of each client. I’m here to bring authentic and creative ideas to life, with the same strength and resilience that the cactus symbolizes.

Meet Our Team

Creative

Rodrigo Coutinho

Founder / Graphic Designer / Sales

Rodrigo takes his job seriously, but he does like to have a laugh and enjoys life in general.
Communicating with people is one of his great skills and he likes to be active, team thinks he can be a bit too active sometimes.

Precision

Patrik Chmelik

Production Manager / Sales

Patrik has fantastic organizational skills and a good eye for detail. Patrik has a real passion for the industry and is always keen to get stuck in and learn. He is very excited to help take Cactus Printing to the next level!

Connections

Manu Duarte

Production Assistant / Sales

Manu is the newest member of our Cactus Studio team. Nothing stresses Manu out and our clients love dealing with her. In her free time Manu enjoys being outdoors and getting stuck into anything creative and hands on.