Yes! Definitely!
illustrators
Hi! My name is Tannah Renou (@brittanyandveronica), I am a Graphic Designer and Illustrator based in sunny Durban. During the times that I'm not laughing at my own jokes, finding weird art on Pinterest or reading a book, I can be found illustrating on my ipad.
I have always been drawn to the weird and wonderful and often find bits of it popping up in my work. I love experimenting with different styles, proportions and mediums, and I love the freedom that art gives me to come up with new ideas and to then share those moments with other people.
Self-taught illustrator and graphic designer from East London, Sinalo
Ngcaba (@snalo_) is making a name for herself in Johannesburg with
her socially conscious illustrations that celebrate black joy and tackle
human rights issues like gender-based violence.
Her distinct graphic style features bold lines, patterns and bright colours.
Using popular culture motifs and text slogans, Snalo says, “I'm very
intentional in my illustrations, especially with my protest art.” She is
inspired by seeing other black artists flourish and having a positive
impact in the world.
Maryke Nel (www.miemiebird.com) is a Cape Town based part-time illustrator and full-time pajama enthusiast. Her brand Miemiebird specialises in commissioned illustrations and also original, illustrated prints of fun and quirky t-shirts.
In daylight she works in the film and television industry and unfortunately for this she always has to wear real clothes.
Naseerah Jadwat (@naseerah_jadwat) is a 23 year old pharmacist from Durban and is a self-taught artist. Drawing and painting are her most enjoyable endeavours and her favourite pastime. The joy of the creative process is what grabs her focus: “I love seeing small details come together as a complete picture”.
“I believe buying or creating any piece of art invites its meaning into your life and opens a window to all the novelty and aesthetics of the world.”
My name is Liam Joubert (@saturndrive.lj), born in the year '94 in Humansdorp but grew up in Cape Town. I always enjoyed drawing from a young age but never really saw it as a viable career path so it stayed as a hobby which sort of faded away. After knocking around the world for a few years not knowing what to do, I decided to study art but unfortunately got rejected by schools and colleges which further dented my confidence and I decided that maybe it wasn't for me. They say those that can’t do, teach, so I became a teacher in Asia. I started finding myself doodling in class and enjoying it. A few peering eyes from intrigued students and a barrage of compliments made me think I can maybe make something out of this and so I did. Creating art has always been a great outlet for me whether it's emotionally or simply for fun, and letting your imagination run wild is some of the best exercise you can get.
Leo Rheeder (@leorheeder) is one half of a twin. He found his passion for art at a very young age and has built his life around art. Leo and his twin (@Eonrheeder) have discovered their passion for creating art and digital content through social media and quickly gained a large following, inspiring them to continue to develop and explore life through the process of creativity and experience.
Leo enjoys exploring all forms of media and clings to the effect his art has on people, enjoying that it makes them feel and think more deeply than the visual presentation on the surface. Leo finished his honours degree in Graphic Design & Multimedia Design at the North-West University and is currently working on making a positive impact on the world through design.
William Owen (@wubbelu) - I am an enthusiastic 21-year-old in my third year of studying Graphic Design at DUT (2020). Being very curious at heart and visually oriented, my passion for creating things settled in at a young age - along with a passion for being a nature-loving, barefoot-backpacking, tree-climbing, trail-exploring guy.
These days when I can't do the above, I put most of my creative energy into photography and illustration - but I am always excited to learn new skills and mediums - like 3D art or animation. I don't have a signature style or a set medium yet, and I'm glad about that because the process of figuring things out creatively and exploring different solutions is the best part of design and illustration. I'd love to be 75 someday - still fussing about composition and colour.
My name is Silas Motse, well known as "Ras" Silas Motse (@rassilasmotse_studios). I am a portraiture and mixed media
artist who works with a concept of capturing feelings to narrate contemporary concepts using different African people. I'm currently working on a theme I call The Middle Passage Revisited which
was inspired by Tom Feelings.
My calling was born and bred in a small location called Motlatla in Thabanchu, in the Free State province. When I left high school, i
went to study and completed my Fine Arts Diploma and a PGCE at
the Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein. I then moved to Gauteng where I worked as a high school educator and resigned in
2019 and I'm currently pursuing my calling as a full time Visual
artist and fashion entrepreneur.
Hello! My name is Lindi Joubert (@dis_lindi & @lin_disign) and I
am currently a Graphic Design Honours student at the Northwest
University of Potchefstroom.
I am an enthusiast. I strive to spread positivity, almost like peanut
butter. I am always hungry for good humour and keeping the tribe
eager for a taste of moreness. I create opportunities to see and
admire things differently. I love to create, to be hands-on and to be
inspired by the many beautiful things life has to offer.
I aspire to grow as a Graphic Designer, to have the opportunity to
share my passion and intake on visuals to the world in and outside
South Africa.
Nkululeko Zulu is a Soweto born Illustrator at heart and Graphic Designer by trade, operating under the moniker Art N War (@artnwar), which is also the name of his design business and graphic t-shirt line.
I work as an independent Graphic Designer and Illustrator with small brands and a couple of big ones lately.
Recently I started creating work that reflects a lot of my culture and heritage as a black Zulu man, work that gravitates more towards the African aesthetic. Still early stages in the transition or journey and the work is experimental but greatly rewarding and exciting to explore a different side of my creative mind.
Jana Coetzer (@poppiefield_ / @yanawithaj) is an actress and
self-taught illustrator who hails from the Free State. She has always believed in the healing power of the arts. What started out as an aid
to help with anxiety turned out to be something magical: the birth of PoppieField.
“I never thought my little creations would end up in galleries, on
clothes, socks, bags, stickers, in the homes of strangers and, of
course, on the rad It’s Not Made In China water bottles. I’m in love
with the journey and I’m humbly grateful and excited to see myself
grow in this direction.”
Riaan Beukes (@riaan_beukes_tattoos)
I'm a tattoo artist from Cape Town and have been tattooing since 2016. Drawing and creating has always been a big part of my life. After I left school I briefly started airbrushing, but went into panel beating and eventually then Lithographic printing. I never stopped drawing and painting on the side, and I finally quit printing and found my love for tattooing.
I love drawing nature themes and conceptual artwork, as well as biomechanical and steam punk related themes. I'm passionate about realism tattoos and seeing a client's vision coming to life on their skin.
Tebogo Lethuba (@tebogo_lethuba)
I'm a young illustrator and graphic designer from Johannesburg.
My work is hugely inspired by the African identity and aesthetic.
I try to incorporate my style when working with different clients
and brands.
Jeanne Human (@human_jeanne.art) is a Third Year Fine and
Applied Art student at the Tshwane University of Technology. Her goal
is to complete her Master’s degree and inspire young South African Artists as a Lecturer. She is a Pretoria-based freelance Artist and Illustrator with way too much ambition, dreams, and energy to ever
sit still.
“I breath in colour, see in brushstrokes and live for that moment
when all the world’s sounds become quiet; that moment when
shadows find peace in-between leaves, and sunbeams stop for a
second to create art inspired by its own untouched beauty.”
My name is Cameroon Heinamann (@rooondesigns) - like the country. I am 22 years old, and currently a freelance graphic designer, illustrator, content creator and the owner of a brand called PAWPAW crochets.
I have studied graphic design and have done a short course in film. I have always been extremely creative whether it is through art or film or styling, and I love to sit down and let my imagination take me.
In my spare time I like to spend time in nature, especially at the beach and in the water. I have a golden retriever who is my best friend and I enjoy seeing my friends and surfing. My dream is to travel the world's islands and make art.
Janka van Zyl (_jankaa___) is a grade 11 scholar at Penryn College in Mpumalanga. The following is an explanation of the concept behind her portrait: I made a series of portraits using the translation of the word "heritage" from each of the 11 official languages. In the portrait chosen for the bottle, the word used to create the portrait is “Ilifa”, the Xhosa word for heritage. I’m excited to promote positivity in South Africa again. We should embrace the diverse cultures, languages and heritage of our land as it is what makes us the “Rainbow Nation”. I want to highlight the beauty of these elements and make more people aware that ones heritage, culture and language, form part of your identity. Subsequently,
it should unite us as a nation rather than divide us.
Laura Jacobs (@laurajacobs92) is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Cape Town, South Africa.
Growing up in the metropolitan hub of Johannesburg ignited her passion for art at a young age. She is motivated and driven in her pursuit to develop her unique style of illustration.
She is constantly working on perfecting her art and developing new ways to elevate her standard of work. With that in mind she still adheres to and prefers traditional drawing of pencil on paper and she hopes to one day make an impact on the industry through sharing her illustrations world-wide - as she says: “They do say 'dream big’ after all!”
Tanya Vermaak (@tanyav_25) is a student at the Open Window
Institute of Art and Digital Sciences where she studies Illustration
and Communication design. Art and creativity have been her passion
since as far back as she can remember.
“I love experimenting and trying new things. I started off with more traditional mediums and I’m now exploring new methods of creation
and broadening my skillset. I hope to sell my illustrative products
and to enjoy what I do every day.”
Elme Strydom (facebook.com/elme.strydom), originally from Kroonstad is currently working as a Graphic Designer in Polokwane.
She has an insatiable curiosity and desire to learn and has studied a range of subjects ending up with a degree with majors in Art History and Literary Theory and with minors in Psychology and English Language.
From a young age, Vincent Van Gogh has been a strong in fluence in her life and is one of the reasons she studied Psychology and Art History.
Other infl uences, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol, have also helped to shape her artistic style.
My name is Phathu Nembilwi (@phathudesigns). I grew up in the
small town of Thohoyandou in the far north of the Limpopo Province of South Africa.
After high school, I left my hometown and moved to the big city of Johannesburg to study Graphic Design.
My studies are over and I now work as a graphic Designer and Illustrator. You can find my work on instagram and Behance.
Craig Perumal (@craig_perumal) is a 21+ 5-year-old pharmacist and illustrator from Durban. He spends his free time drawing (when he isn't trying to decipher doctors’ bad handwriting on prescriptions!).
Craig is also secretly a "granny": he enjoys baking, crocheting and anything creative. He uses humour and nostalgia to enhance his style of art which he describes as a manifestation of an “unmedicated imagination”. Largely self-taught, Craig hopes one day to write and illustrate children’s books.
I’m Amber Daniel (@arttss_by_amber_) - 16-years-old and from a small town in Mpumalanga known as Sabie, I go to school at Penryn College outside Nelspruit.
I have a passion for culture and embrace different types of art forms. I believe that art is the realm of absolute truth and that, together with dance and music, it can heal the world. Art is a language that has been designed for everyone to understand.
I have always dreamt, since I was a little girl, to be an entrepreneur of
my own business, and I know that I determine my destiny.
Lumkile Mzayiya iQaba (@lulongwe1989) hails from the small town of Matatiele in the Eastern Cape. Lumkile’s parents, especially his mother, played a huge role in molding his love and passion for people, art, design and food. He enjoyed growing up in a rural area, under the Drakensberg mountains, but felt rural life had its limitations.
Lumkile left his hometown to experience city life and the modern world in Durban where he studied visual arts at the B.A.T. Centre. He took part, along with international artists, in Cope17 in 2011. His work has been exhibited at both the Durban Art Gallery and the Johannesburg Art Gallery. He is presently exploring life as an artist in Cape Town.
AJ McIntrye is a Cape Town based Architect who dabbles in illus-
tration & comic strips which you can find on his blog: The Board of
Decisiveness (theboardofdecisiveness.wordpress.com)
"My work is primarily about experimenting with lines & patterns, but
I’m really interested in the potential of comics & illustrations to create ambiguity & be open to different interpretations & allowing the reader
to fill in the blanks & picture the silences that surround the panels.
I’ve been influenced by a variety of great artists including the likes of Edward Gorey, Tom Gauld & Chris Ware.
My greatest comfort in life is sitting quietly drawing lines with good
music in the background. I have self-published two comic-strip compilations as well as two graphic short stories & have produced
limited edition prints for exhibitions on occasion."
Amy-Jane Jenkins (@littlejaneflorals) is a Durban-born-and-based Visual Arts teacher. She studied Communication Design at Rhodes University and is currently teaching at a Durban high school.
In her spare time, Amy loves nothing more than to become absorbed in the act of creation and tries to incorporate design principles into watercolour florals, stationery design and mixed-media portraits.
Hi! Christi-Lee. Christi for short. (@christilee_) I am an illustrator / designer, and love learning and growing as a creative. I have many interests and can chat about almost anything, except sport (stereotypical creative). Mostly I like talking about my dog and the latest series, movies or books I have read. I have been told I give great recommendations. My sense of humour and underlying beliefs form the foundation of my creative process and are my biggest inspiration.
I am currently doing an MA in Design (focusing on illustration) at the University of Johannesburg. I also freelance and co-run an online initiative/gallery called The Coool Project. I teach and tutor (on the side) because I love sharing my knowledge and hope to be the catalyst some of my mentors have been in my life for someone else.
Njabulo Mokgathi (@fonix_bc), is a Durban graphic designer whose love for illustration started long before he learned the word “illustration”. His first inspiration came as a kid reading & watching cartoons & Anime. “I was really inspired by the unique style of Akira Toriyama (the creator of Dragon Ballz)”.
#Taylormadebluu was inspired by my mother, Lucky Nhlengethwa, who has always worked from home sewing & selling clothes. In creating my own style, I took the technique of sewing & stitching & incorporated it into my work. I'm also influenced by the concept of dystopia. My characters are tailor made (TaylorMade) to inspire & motivate, which makes me the Tailor (Lol)”
Jess Nicholson (www.jessnicholson.com) can't really decide who she is. She lives in Durban and for most of the day she works as a journalist, sometimes writing, sometimes editing. But when words fail, she turns to drawing, and this is probably what she would most like to be doing.
Jess also likes to play with children all the time, and her drawings often have a child-like quality to them. She studied Fine Art and English and has, over the years, also worked doing layout and graphic design for newspapers and magazines.
Clarice Brink (@artwanderess) is a Durban-based designer and artist.
Art has always been a big part of her life from a young age and discovering watercolour in university, where she qualified as an interior designer, has seen her fall in love with her art all over again.
Jacobus Silwer (@jacobussilwer) was schooled in Bloemfontein & studied Graphic Design at Technikon Free State from 1999 - 2002. Jacobus has been a professional singer/songwriter/entertainer since 2012, writing music & lyrics for plays. He also sculpts but his love for sketching has been life-long.
“I’ve done WAY more sketches than I have written songs. Ballpoint pen became my favourite early on. I love the BIC "click" 0.7mm black on brilliant white mounting board. Most of my work is monochrome & is usually nature-inspired - especially trees. I LOVE trees! My wife, Lizzy, is also an accomplished artist, she mostly paints and photographs the trees I want to sketch". We live on a lion farm with our 9 month old daughter, Emmalé”.
Michael Kostakis (@mikekostasis) is a Durban-based illustrator & practicing digital designer. He has experienced the creative scene in Gauteng, but decided to relocate back to his hometown to ply his
trade in Durban where he currently works in an agency.
Michael has been drawing and painting (mostly on Microsoft paint) his whole life but adds: “I fell in love with vector style illustration as I grew
as a designer. I love exploring new styles of illustration and making
use of contrasting palettes. I love to create local authentic work which expresses my views visually.”
Muzi Nkosi (@muzi_sensei) was born in 1995 in Pretoria but grew up in the town of Nelspruit. He is currently studying graphic design, but the art journey began at 8 years of age when he first saw Dragon Ball Z on TV.
“Since then i haven’t been able to put the pencil down.” From early on he desired to be the world's best manga artist. “Hey! I'm working on that!”
Georgina Taylor (@__jorj__) is based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Her work often features native fauna and flora though not exclusively, and her preferred medium is watercolour, “It captures my energy and signature and allows for the detail and translucency that I love.”
Georgina’s technique is unconventional, “I was never formally trained in watercolour. Instead, I studied to be a jeweller, but after graduating I was drawn back into illustration - a childhood obsession.”
Meghan Kenmuir (@manifest_designs) was born in Durban and is currently working as a freelance Graphic Designer in the creative hub of Woodstock, Cape Town. Meghan recently graduated from Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography with a BA in Visual Communications (and majoring in Graphic Design).
When she's not designing, you can find her performing and singing in and around Cape Town. Meghan describes her style as "digital-based and bold", however, she says: "I am forever experimenting with different mediums and compositions and always pushing myself to try new things!"
Teedee Dlamini (@teeds_dlamini) is in her final year at Vega School
of Brand Leadership. She believes the illustration narratives make her work unique, allowing her the opportunity to authentically celebrate & preserve an African aesthetic.
“I make sure that when I design my illustrations I allow them to dance with excitement and represent everyday occasions, by allowing the viewer to experience the journey of the illustration piece. “
Divan Schutte (@divster23) is a fashion designer specialising in weddings and matric farewells. He does some painting and illustration on the side. "I've been drawing ever since I could speak," he says.
His illustration was chosen as the winning entry at the Bloem illustration competition in Oct 2018. Divan is passionate about food and also about animals and their welfare and he has cut animals and animal products from his diet. It's a stand we whole-heartedly approve of!
Dan Kalmer (@mr_kalmersutra) is a Johannesburg-based software developer who loves to draw everyday. He enjoys filling sketch books from cover to cover.
Dan's illustration was the winning submission at the illustration competiton held at the Smoking Dragon New Year Festival. Besides drawing, his other passions are reading and dogs.
Elmeri Steyn (@stickytoffeestudio) is a Bloemfontein-based illustrator/graphic designer & the brains behind Bliksim Upcycled Tins. Elmeri studied art at Pretoria Technikon {"about 1000 years ago!"} & recently earned a certificate in Graphic Design from The California Arts institute.
She is passionate about colour & patterns. For illustrations she uses Copic & Posca markers, & occasionally watercolor ("if I can find the box!"). Elmeri says she does not know how not to be creative. "I have two lovely studios: one on the couch (& coffee table) & one in/on my bed! Imagine waking up with pens and paper at the ready between the sheets! – I drive my family nuts". She has turned her creativity into a business – "so it never feels like work! And for this I do have a 'normal' studio – can’t see clients in bed – not so professional!"
Joshua Mackenzie (@joshmackcreates) is a Durban-based artist. When it comes to the artistic process, his style tends to vary from piece to piece. Joshua is an ever-changing individual and is always willing to learn new things that interest him.
As of 2019, Joshua is completing a degree in Multimedia Design at Vega School of Brand Leadership. Of art, Joshua states: "I believe art is a physical form of celebrating human diversity."
Laurine Lindner (@laurinelindnerart) is a graphic designer, fine artist & illustrator. She has her own studio (Lindner Design) & credits God for her success. “It is hard work & not many creatives have the luxury & freedom of working for themselves. I wake up grateful everyday."
Laurine studied graphic design & interior décor & loves working in many mediums, pushing herself to learn new techniques & skills. When she’s not in her studio or helping the cat get comfortable, she’s fixates on DIY projects & dreams of living “where there are more trees than buildings”.
Leanne Van (@leannevaloves) is an illustrator from the small town
of White River, Mpumalanga, currently living in the UK. With a background in fashion her favourite subject matter is people,
patterns and awesome outfits. “I am constantly working on my
illustrative style & trying to master new techniques. Inspiration is all around me & I am always inspired by other illustrators and their
unique perspective.”
David Griessel (www.davidgriessel.com) was born in 1990, studied Fine Art at the University of the Free State.
He graduated in 2012 and lives in Cape Town in a flat “with way too many plants” and “draws pictures for a living”. To view more of his work go to his website (see above).
Rogan van den Berg (@feral_dude) is a resident illustrator & 3D Artist currently working at Feral Child Animation studio based in Durban.
He brings a unique style of illustration with an added 3rd dimension to his work. Rogan is also part-producer, building larger creative teams when extra artists are required.
Thobani Khanyile (@knight_till_dawn) is a graphic designer born & raised in Kwa-mashu, Durban. His range of skills include illustration, corporate design, concept & animation. "I like to be spontaneous but at the same time I plan ahead, which makes me a thinker and a person that likes balance to life.” The creative process makes Thobani feel alive. “I am art and art is me”. “Expressing myself in the most honest way is key to me because art is a language, so when I create, I'm communicating my ideas & thoughts. I represent the thoughts that are to be expressed, because if there is nothing new under the sun I can only echo.”
Jil Jarvis (@jiljarvis) is a Durban-based digital collage artist who sells prints & toys at the I Heart Market. Jil's background is in animation & this is where she developed a love for illustration & for the creation of other-wordly characters. Although she studied Fine Art and Digital Design, Jil is largely self-taught. “I take photographs of the world around me & use them to create creatures from other worlds. I love working with both organic & industrial shapes & am obsessed with detail.“ She is planning an interactive storybook & game aimed at teaching children about energy healing.
Andrea Vonn Shunmugam (@andrea_vonn) is a proudly born-
and-raised, tea-drinking, Marvel-loving, graphic-designing Durbanite.
She has always seen the world through pictures, drawing on every surface imaginable (much to her mother’s dismay). With her head in
the clouds, and her pens, khokis & pencils in her hands, Andrea’s
deep-rooted passion for design took shape.
"Good art is a talent. Good design is a skill. I bleed design & love every aspect of it. This year I challenged myself to create not just for me - but for others. The result is a series of artworks for multiple commercial products, such as notebooks & now this water label. Fancy that!"
LUMO is small a design studio based in Westville, KZN. Sharing
a passion for illustration, typography and design, brothers, Daniel
and Raymond Loumeau started working together more than 10
years ago.
Ankia Lloyd (@wolfie_artpage) studies Fine Arts at Stellenbosch University. She is passionate about all things art: writing, drama, singing, dance, photography, drawing, fx make-up. She loves experimenting believing: “It's important to push yourself to become better". Van Gogh is her greatest inspiration: “it's not so much his art as his story & the emotion he put into his work that inspires me”.
Of the creative process, she says, “I try not to over think things. Much of my art I create with a fun view to it & as it progresses I start to attach meaning to it.” Ankia doesn’t like being put in a box & tries to always see the beauty & the adventure in life. “My mind is open and my dreams are big. I believe you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.”
Izabel Maria Tobias (@izabeldoorart) is a freelance artist, illustrator & educator living
& working in Cape Town. She works in a variety of mediums & believes that a creative education is at the core of innovation and sustainability and, therefore, essential to the foundation of a thriving society. Izabel enjoys creating interactive art, where the viewer
plays an essential role in the meaning-making process. By encouraging viewers to craft
a subjective narrative, a mutually beneficial relationship is born. She naively believes that
art can change minds and worlds. She is open to collaboration and commissions.
Rein van de Wall (@reinoland) is a 40-something-year-old (acts like a 20-year-old), father of 3 and a creative, working at Wisdom & Youth advertising in Durban. Umhlanga was his stamping-ground where he grew up surfing, skating & creating. Rein got into the creative world by default when he was hired by Zigzag Surfing magazine to be their designer even though he had no training or work experience. This forced him teach himself multiple disciplines of creative application, and is probably why he teaches himself something new creatively almost everyday. To release creative tension, he writes, illustrates and doodles in a notebook. Thanks to his daughter, Gabi, who suggested that he submit some of his artworks, he’s now on our bottles. Thanks Gabi!
Riaana Pieters (@riaanapieters), originally from Jeffery’s Bay, is a single mother currently living in Bloemfontein. Riaana’s talent & passion for art was obvious from a young age as she loved to illustrate all the time. Today this passion finds expression during the nights she experiences insomnia & her notebooks are filled with the illustrations that dwell in her imagination. Riaana's dream is to live her artistic life more fully.
Placed on Earth as a weeping fetus, Dain Kasheel Durgapershad learnt that tears never really get you anywhere. As Dain grew, he discovered that the road to success was through originality & effort. This thought-process shaped the creative person he is today – a well-rounded designer whose work hits all the right frequencies. His illustrations offer variety influenced by music & anime among others. Harnessing the conceptual nature of design, he incorporates diversity in his illustrative work, never allowing his work to fall into commonality & mediocrity.
Lindy Pelzl (@lindy_doodle) is a Durban based illustrator currently working in the fashion retail industry. Lindy likes to work in a broad variety of styles in many different mediums, constantly trying new things. Her favourite themes often involve elements from the natural world, and she prefers organic curves to manmade shapes.
She enjoys adding an element of humour in her artworks, and quirky animal characters often crop up. She aspires to one day be a children’s book illustrator. “Art is an extension of who I am, and as I play around with new techniques and create new artworks, I feel like I am continually growing. It makes me happy and keeps me inspired.”
Helga Malan (@helgamalandesign) studied graphic design at Pretoria Technikon. After stints in design jobs she moved to Jozi and has worked through the line to above the line. Her passion is illustration - digital or hand. In 2016, she undertook the #iloveyellow project to create a yellow-themed illustration every day for a year. “This was a big challenge but I received so much positive feedback and this was the fire-starter to focus on illustration as a career.” Helga began freelancing and says, “It has been an amazing journey and I’m loving everything about it”. She still does design work “to balance things out” as well as sculpture, jewellery, portraits, wallpaper and more - “I just love working with my hands”.
Gregory Darroll (@gregorydarroll) is a freelance designer, illustrator and animator with an uncanny need to create something new everyday.
"I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. So much so, that I often battle to remember the last thing I drew. Being ‘creative’ has always been a constant part of my life. Studying design at DUT was a no-brainer in terms of career progression, then a move into advertising was the next inevitable step.
I create content for various ad agencies & private brands, locally & abroad, as well as maintain a regular turnover of personal projects. I’m lucky enough to say that I do what I would be doing if I wasn’t at work."
Julie Smith-Belton (@juliesmithbelton) is a Durban-based illustrator who describes herself as a professional daydreamer - “I dream with my hands & I play in paint.” Julie studied fine art & graphic design & says she has always been drawn to art. Art is her escape – “its a way to get lost in my thoughts, to play & to create without fear of failure. It makes me feel like me.”
Julie is presently a home-schooling mom who is nurturing the talents of her four creative muses (all 10 years & under). She started Duck Duck Samoosa (@duckducksamoosa), an enterprise through which her children can express themselves through playful creativity while teaching them to be entrepreneurs. “I dream of travelling the world with my family, of experiencing art everywhere we go, of documenting our journey through our art and impacting the world through playful creativity and love.”
Jackie Zhang (@jackie.z.yo) is a UX/UI designer based in Pretoria,
a resident of the digital world & a full-time cat person (if his cat permits). Jackie is a self-taught illustrator. He has explored many different styles
& mediums but feels that his best work is done digitally.
He likes to juxtapose different themes in his work to make it “fun & weird” but “ultimately, I just want to make cool stuff." "I love to create & be creative & have found that I can achieve this through drawing & illustrating. I also always aim to make my work functional with the user or audience in mind as a side effect of being a user interface/user experience designer.”
Anna-Claire Whysall (@tigertitz) is a 20-something-year-old tattooer from Durban. Day-to-day you can find her at Trade Mark Tattoo, drawing all day, every day, and cuddling her dog, Zeppelin, in between.
“I like to draw bejewelled water ladies, tigers, jungle scenes & wild florals! I draw a lot of things I kinda wish I owned like elaborate earrings and necklaces! I always try & give my ladies character & a backstory! At the moment I am really into drawing big scenes, perfect for back or front pieces!"
Nicole Treadwell (@_nicole_treadwell_) is 16-years-young & hails from Witbank. “I have always had a love for art & it took me years to find my own personal style. I have a massive love for fine detail & patterns so I incorporate them into my drawings. I am practicing my skills in other media to grow my style & my drawing quality.”
After completing High School in Pretoria, she wants to study graphic design. “My aim is to open my own company where I can share and build on my art and give the same opportunity to other artists."
James Chappe (@jameschappe) is an 18 year old Durbanite illustrator and Digital Design student at Vega School. He specialises in detailed marker and fine-liner work but is broadening his artistic reach into other media and the digital sector.
James has been drawing for as long as he can remember: "Every one of my school textbooks were doodle-riddled. I was lucky enough to grow up in a home which encouraged a passion for creativity.”
Shelby Guerin (@shelbyy.art) is a 16 year old from Nelspruit who grew up drawing and always found peace in it. “Art allows me to express myself when i don’t have the words to do so. There are no rules; you can interpret art any way you want to. A work of art is unique to you, though it may be seen differently by many. I love that about it!”
Sebastien Quevauviliers (@sebastien_draws) is a Durban-based artist. He has illustrated children's picture books and contributed to the local and international gift paper and bag industry. Acrylic inks and graphic tools are his favourite media. He is currently working in the apparel industry as a print and colour specialist.
Josh Ihlenfeldt (@Joshthumbs) has been “keeping the stoke alive since ‘95”. Josh grew up on the North Coast of Durban and, from as far back as he can remember, has always been in-touch with the surrounding nature: he is often submerged in the ocean and getting his hands dirty in the garden. Arts, crafts and photography fill up his days. Josh is in the final year of a Visual Communications degree at Vega School and, he says: “I look forward with delight, for creativity is in abundance.”
Cristy Zinn (@loomadesigns) is a designer and illustrator by day and an author by night. She owns a small design company called Looma Designs which, to her delight, allows her to make stuff all day long. Cristy loves reading, watching and listening to stories of all kinds, and is mildly obsessed with making playlists for everything. She is living proof that you're never too old to start something new.
Skye Steen (@skyetdraws) is a 25-year-old, half-Irish, coffee-drinking, geeky, passionate creative, born and raised in Durban, South Africa. She earned her Diploma in Visual Communications at the Durban University of Technology in 2013 with full distinctions, which gave her an enjoyable month-long internship, straight out of her studies, at THB Disturbance. From there, she was hired by The Fire Tree Design Company where she currently works as a Graphic Designer and Illustrator.
Sandesh Jugmohun (@sandesh_jugmohun) is a graphic designer, well-versed in various design & branding platforms. He likes to be referred to as a "Durban Cat" while currently working his trade in Jozi. His focus is on digital design, but remains attached to the handmade. "I enjoy creating with my hands before anything else - feeling the texture of a wall, smelling the paper I work on, & seeing how imagery translates from paper to the walls. "Sandesh is a long-practising calligrapher who regularly enters the PMB Royal Show & is recognised as an active graffiti, calligraffiti & street artist. He has been involved with international artists integrated into the digital calligraphy space & projects at ISEA 2018 Durban, & has worked with Public Art Labs in Berlin as a Calligrafitti Ambassador.
Jaclyn Matthias (www.forestfiredesigns.co.za) is a 26-year-old female designer based in Durban. Hard working individual – extremely passionate about Digital Design, Animation and Corporate Identity. To view more of her work visit her website (address above).
Cameron Lofstrand is an illustrator, designer and musician from Durban and The Valley of 1000 Hills. Born in 1993, he has been drawing and scribbling for as long as he can remember. He spent most of his time in school drawing and doodling instead of paying attention. Cameron has a crude, cartoonish, and colourful style, often depicting strange and disturbing images/doodles/cartoons that float around his brain. His media of choice include permanent marker, fine-liner, ink, and watercolour.
Katharina (Kat) Richter (@kat_r_art) is a 20 year-old, Durban-based artist. She got hooked on art at the age of seven and names Frida Kahlo as her main inspiration. Kat has taken part in exhibitions, done many commissions, worked in the tattoo industry and is planning to study fine art in 2018. She is passionate about animals and the environment, and this can be seen in much of her work. Kat specialises in ink, fine liners, detail, etching and dotwork.
Kat Kali (@katharinekali) is a "Durban based lover, grime kid, baby mama, contemporary popsurrealist and chronic doodler just living the dream. She spends her days slaying demons by making things, and gets a real kick out of the fifth dimension, writing about herself in the third person and saying 'yippee ki-yay motherfucker.' "
Lauren Holliday (@holliday.illustrates) is a 24-year-old Illustrator from misty Hilton, in the KZN Midlands. She is currently based in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Her passion lies in children’s book illustration and design.
"I love anything cute and colourful (unicorns are the best) and bring this style into my artwork. If you are looking for custom design illustrations or to bring a quirky touch to any children’s book - then I am the designer for you...”
Jade Gaines (@jadiefox) was born in Durban and lives in Johannesburg but, she says, “I've found my home in art”. “I love video games, tasty food and adventures. I'm obsessed with the sky (night and day) and art (of course)".
Jade enjoys exploring the artistic process through all forms of media and her greatest satisfaction comes from creating interesting artworks that make people feel deeply. Currently studying a BA in Fine Art, Jade hopes to be a practicing artist when she’s done. “Until then, I intend to plague the earth with my art until someone notices it (notice me senpai).”
Tasheera Jai Jai (@the_caramello_bear) is an illustrator and graphic designer. She has an empathetic connection with the world which translates into deeply emotive illustrations and a passion for people. Her experimentation with drawing started at a young age as a means of expressing the complicated concepts she couldn’t yet fully grasp or verbalize.
Tash is currently based at Arc Design Studio in Umhlanga Ridge, Durban and she is currently investigating the use of graphic novels as a therapeutic tool to heal trauma.
Mario Nobrega (@lincoln_inc) is a visual artist that works under the alias of Lincoln Inc. He works predominantly in the media of illustration and photography, but also experiments with web design. He currently resides in Durban and is working as a freelance visual artist, while studying a visual communications degree at Vega. His main influences are dotwork, tattoos and urban photography.
Josh Brimble is a designer presently working at BFG in Durban. Design is his first love, but when he's not at work, he's likely to be distracted by one of his other passions - skating, art and music. What he loves most about the design process is the experience of being able to give his ideas shape and form and then seeing the public's response when the product hits the market.
Paige Baites (@my_life_as_paige) discovered the beauty in art when she was about 9 years old. “I had just come home from watching an animated movie, and had the urge to draw every scene I remembered." From then on, there was no stopping her. Ten years later, Paige loves to create something new every day, pouring herself into her word. “There is nothing better than being able to create something from emotion, or better yet, create something just because”.
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