Cape Town–based illustrator and designer Naomi Buissinne is a TDK 2025 Silver and Bronze Award winner whose work blends refined storytelling with expressive illustration. Currently studying at Cape Town Creative Academy, she draws inspiration from mentors, hands-on experimentation, and the rich creative culture of her city. Naomi’s practice is shaped by curiosity, discipline, and a desire to build a meaningful creative career.
Tell us about where you study/studied and some of your highlights and favourite lecturers and if you are self taught, how did you do it?!
I studied at Vega, where I completed my Higher Certificate in Creative Development, and I’m currently finishing my degree at Cape Town Creative Academy. Studying there has really helped me grow both technically and creatively.
Two lecturers who had a major influence on me are Wiehan de Jager and Clayton Sutherland. They taught me Communication Design and Illustration and consistently pushed me to strengthen my ideas, think conceptually, and develop clearer visual storytelling.
A big highlight for me was my Communication Design final project, “Tea for Two”, where I created and branded 15 separate items in under four weeks. It was incredibly chaotic but extremely rewarding, and it showed me how much I’ve grown in illustration, packaging, and identity design.
Another highlight has been experimenting with different illustration styles, which eventually helped me find my own style as an illustrator. That process of exploration has been one of the most valuable parts of my studies.
A smaller but memorable highlight was when our class literally made pinky promises to show more work the following week. My design journey has been a mix of hard work, experimentation, mentorship, and discovering where my strengths and passions lie.
Tell us about your tools / what tech, programs, equipment and environment do you do your best work in?
I primarily work between my iPad and laptop, depending on the project. My iPad is definitely my favourite tool. I use Procreate for most of my illustration work because it allows me to draw more naturally, experiment quickly, and explore different styles and textures.
On my laptop, I rely heavily on the Adobe Suite, especially Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. Illustrator is my go-to for anything more graphic design focused, and it is where I refine my illustrations that I first created in Procreate. InDesign is essential for layout-based projects, and Photoshop helps with image adjustments and mixed media work.
My best work comes from combining both worlds: the expressive freedom of drawing on my iPad and the precision and structure of the Adobe programs on my laptop. This workflow gives me the flexibility to move between illustration and design.
Tell us some of your favourite, creative professionals and inspiring places in your city!
I absolutely admire Studio Muti and the illustration work they produce. Their style, detail, and creativity are a huge inspiration to me. I also find a lot of visual inspiration just driving around Woodstock and taking in all the incredible graffiti and street art. Cape Town itself has so many creative pockets, and I often get inspired at different wine estates like Meerlust and Spier, where the architecture, landscape and design details all spark new ideas.
I also love visiting the Hout Bay Market. Seeing the local talent, handmade crafts, and unique styles always leaves me feeling motivated and excited to create. And although she may not be a “professional” in the industry, my gran has always been one of my biggest artistic inspirations. The artworks she’s created over the years played a huge role in shaping my own creativity, and she’s the person I got my artsy side from.
Some individual creatives whose work I really admire include Daniel Ting Chong, Leah Hanhan, Minayuyu, and Kazuo Oga, all of whom inspire me in different ways through their visual style, storytelling and craftsmanship.
What are your biggest hopes and dreams for 2026, both for the world and your career?
My main career goal for 2026 is to continue building my presence as an illustrator and work in a studio or illustration company where I can collaborate with other creatives. Ultimately, I hope to have my own design studio in the future, working on projects that inspire me while supporting and learning from other talented artists. On a more playful note, I also hope my dad finally gets the pug in a tuxedo illustration I designed for him tattooed.
For the world, I hope 2026 brings more creativity, collaboration, and inspiration. Seeing communities support artists and share ideas in meaningful ways is something I really wish to be a part of.
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