I studied Graphic design in Cape Town at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology but most of my Artistic training came from High School, The National School of the Arts. My first commercial jobs came as referrals from my friend and mentor Sindiso Nyoni. The first job was an editorial illustration for the biggest magazine in the country, The Sunday Times. The second was a Packaging job for Motherland Coffee. We collaborated and I got to draw a few characters for the packaging.
After I graduated at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, all I wanted to do was work independently or at Studio Muti. I wanted to stay in Cape Town but the low pay and high cost of living didn’t add up so I returned to my family in Johannesburg. I realised how niche Illustration is in South Africa. I spent 6-months spamming people with my portfolio & CV. I had to settle an internship at a local advertising agency called Black River FC after a month there it was clear that my skillset would go to waste rolling out layouts for billboards and making presentations.
The internship was fruitful though. The ECD referred me to Grid Wordwide, a branding, and design agency, It wasn’t an illustration agency but it was a step closer.
I communicate ideas and tell stories using pictures.
I’ve really been enjoying the Futur by Chris Do & the Arrest All Mimics podcast.
People tend to live in social bubbles, so they tend to hire who they know. It’s great if you manage to get yourself in the right circles but detrimental if you’re not. Weirdly I feel like it’s easy for me to move around because I’m foreign. I don’t identify too strongly with any social bubble. I’m getting a few international commissions now and I’m working on getting more of those.
I developed my style organically by drawing a lot. After some time you notice what subject matter & visual style you gravitate towards. I think the basis of everyone’s style is deeply rooted in their interests and worldview. Draw consistently, you don't even have to finish the drawings.
I’ve got a few good commissions coming up, one in advertising & the other for a University in Scotland. I’m also planning for a solo exhibition during the second half of the year.
I’m going international.