40 Design jobs in Durban

Design Architect with Graduate M.Arch qualification

Location: Studio based position in Durban

Skill sets:

• Ability to express design concepts with clarity
• Graphic presentation ability

Requirements:

• CV (Final year subject results to be included)
• Design-oriented Portfolio
• Expected remuneration

• Entry level

• Full-time

• Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology

• Architecture and Planning

Note: The additional job postings and community insights are not relevant to this specific role and can be omitted for clarity.

January 12, 2025

Sawubona, my people! Let me tell you something straight. Are you stuck in Durban traffic on West Street, thinking, “Yoh, I can’t deal with this commute anymore”? If so, you’re in the right place. I’m about to share some powerful insights on how to teach yourself graphic design. You will be capable of working from home. Trust me, it’s going to change your life quicker than a taxi squeezing into a gap in peak-hour traffic.

Five years ago, I was that bloke sitting in a cubicle in Westville. I wore a tie that felt like a noose and dreamed about something better. Now? I run Warten Weg from my pad in Pinetown. I rock shorts and slops. I make more money than I ever did in corporate. Hectic, right?

But here’s the thing. Teaching yourself graphic design to work from home involves more than just watching a few YouTube tutorials. It’s not simply calling it a day. Nah, fam. It’s a proper journey, and I’m going to show you exactly how to make it happen.

How to Teach Yourself Graphic Design So You Can Work From Home

First things first, you need to understand the fundamentals. It’s like building a braai—you can’t just throw meat on the fire and hope for the best. You need to know what you’re doing.

• Colour Theory: Learn about colour combinations that slap harder than amapiano at a Sunday session.
• Typography: Understanding fonts is like knowing your wines—it seems fancy, but anyone can learn it.
• Layout Principles: This is your secret weapon, like knowing where to find parking at the Pavilion.

Pro Tip: You can teach yourself graphic design without spending a cent initially. Start with Canva and GIMP before dropping stacks on Adobe Creative Suite .

Now, here’s where most people get stuck when trying to teach themselves graphic design. They jump straight into trying to design logos for big brands when they can barely centre an image. Shame, man. Don’t be that person.

Start small:

• Make social media posts for your side hustle
• Create posters for your cousin’s car wash.

Listen, mshana, you need a portfolio that’s going to make potential clients say, “yasis!” Here’s how to build a design portfolio with no experience:

• Start with personal projects (they don’t need to know it was for your aunt’s birthday).
• Create mock projects for brands you love
• Document your design process (clients eat this stuff up).
• Make it look professional (even if you’re working from your bedroom in KwaDabeka).

Bru, in 2025, if you’re not online, you don’t exist. Here’s what you need:

• LinkedIn profile (yes, even though it’s boring)
• Instagram portfolio (this is where the magic happens)

Remember, design isn’t just about making things look pretty—it’s about solving problems.

Let me save you some money here. You don’t need everything at once:

• A decent laptop (doesn’t have to be a MacBook; relax)
• Adobe Creative Cloud subscription (student discount if you can get it)
• A good internet connection (fibre is your friend.)

• Second screen
• Coffee machine (trust me on this one)

Now we’re talking business! Here’s how to start making actual money:

• Start Local: Your first client will be that guy selling kotas down the road who needs a menu design.
• Use Your Network: Tell EVERYONE what you do now.
• Join Design Communities: Facebook groups, Reddit (r/graphic_design is your friend)
• Upwork and Fiverr : Yes, the rates are low at first, but it’s a start

• Trying to charge Hillcrest prices with Westville skills
• Not backing up your work (shame; I lost all my files once during load shedding)
• Taking on too many projects at once
• Not getting deposits from clients (got burnt bad on this one)

The best time to start was yesterday; the second best time is now.

Let me be honest with you—learning how to teach yourself graphic design so you can work from home isn’t easy. You’re going to spend many nights staring at your screen, wondering if you’re cut out for this. You’ll have moments where you feel like a proper chop.

But here’s the thing—every professional designer started somewhere. Even those charging R50k for a logo once searched online at 2 AM. They looked up “how to build a graphic design portfolio without clients. “.

Here’s where you can learn more:

• YouTube channels (Yes, including the overseas ones—just ignore when they say “y’all.”)
• Design books (actual books, not just Pinterest boards)
• Local design meetups (networking is everything, my friend)

This is what I want you to understand from this guide. It teaches you how to teach yourself graphic design to work from home. It’s this: it’s possible. I did it, starting from scratch, right here in KZN. No fancy overseas degree, no rich uncle funding my journey—just determination and a lot of late nights.

Remember, design isn’t just about making things look pretty—it’s about solving problems. And trust me, there are plenty of problems out there waiting for someone like you to solve them.

So, what are you waiting for? The best time to start was yesterday; the second best time is now. And when you’re successful, don’t forget about the oke who gave you these tips. Maybe buy me a vanilla cupcake at the next design meetup?

With dedicated daily practice and structured learning, most people can develop professional-level graphic design skills within 6-12 months.

You can start with free tools like Canva, GIMP, or Inkscape before investing in Adobe Creative Suite.

Yes, many successful designers are self-taught. They earn good incomes through freelancing. Some work remotely, while others run their own design businesses.

Lindani L. Thango is the founder of Warten Weg, a KwaZulu-Natal-based design studio specialising in branding and digital design. When he’s not designing or writing blog posts, you can find him braaiing with clients. That’s how we do business in South Africa. Otherwise, he is stuck in traffic on the N2.

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Direct message the job poster from Tevo (Pty) Ltd

Description of position:

We are looking for a Technical Graphic Designer to take poor-quality user manuals (often received from international factories) and transform them into professional, brand-consistent documents using Adobe Illustrator or InDesign.

You’ll be working with pre-existing templates and brand guidelines while also improving layout, visual clarity, accuracy, and grammar. The goal is to make every manual simple, clear, visually appealing, and error-free.

This position suits a Technical Graphic Designer who prefers typesetting, layout, vector illustration and detail-oriented work.

About The Role:

• Redesign and format existing user manuals to align with our templates and branding.
• Improve document layout using Adobe Illustrator and/or InDesign.
• Edit and enhance written copy to ensure clarity, correct grammar, and readability.
• Review technical content for completeness and consistency.
• Create or redraw diagrams and icons when necessary.
• Collaborate with product managers and the design team to ensure technical accuracy.
• Manage versions and updates of manuals over time.

Education: Formal Qualifications:

• Appropriate Design Diploma
• Skills & Experience:
• Proven experience in graphic design, DTP, or technical document layout.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and/or InDesign (Photoshop a plus).
• Excellent command of English for proofreading and improving written content.
• High attention to detail – accuracy is critical.
• Ability to interpret and clarify poorly translated or ambiguous product instructions.

Candidates must provide a CV, work examples and

• Seniority level Entry level

• Employment type Full-time

• Job function Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
• Industries Retail

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Tevo (Pty) Ltd by 2x

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa 1 day ago

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa 21 hours ago

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa 2 days ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.

Location: Durban, South Africa

Job Description:

Hire Resolve's client is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Design Engineer with a focus on water projects to join their team in Durban. The ideal candidate will have a civil engineering degree with a specialization in water and sanitation engineering and experience in designing water systems and infrastructure.

1. Conduct feasibility studies and site investigations
2. Prepare design plans and technical specifications
3. Develop cost estimates and project timelines
4. Construction contract documentation compilation and procurement processes
5. Collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and other engineering professionals
6. Monitor construction progress and provide technical guidance
7. Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations
8. Review and approve engineering drawings and documentation
9. Prepare and deliver project presentations

1. BEng, BSc or BTech degree in Civil Engineering or a related field
2. Professional registration with the ECSA or eligible to register
3. About 5 to 10 years of experience in the consulting engineering space specifically in water and sanitation fields
4. Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Model Maker/Pipe maker, Revit, ArcGIS, Global Mapper or similar software
5. Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards including SANS1200 and GCC2015
6. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
7. Excellent communication and teamwork abilities

Salary: negotiable. Our client is offering a highly competitive salary for this role based on experience.

Contact Hire Resolve for your next career-changing move.

To apply for this role, contact Alyssa Marson, Tameaka Futcher, Chandre Cordier, Wernardt Snyman, Elma Pelser or Henker Harmse at Hire Resolve or on LinkedIn. You can also visit the Hire Resolve website: hireresolve.us or email us your CV:

We will contact you telephonically in 3 days should you be suitable for this vacancy. If you are not suitable, we will put your CV on file and contact you regarding any future vacancies that arise.

Welcome to my professional logo design portfolio! Here, you’ll find a collection of my work. It showcases my ability to create compelling and effective logos. These logos help businesses of all sizes achieve their branding goals. I am passionate about using design to communicate brand messages clearly. I strive to create logos that are visually appealing and strategically sound.

I believe that great design is more than just aesthetics. It’s about understanding the client’s needs and goals and then using design to help them achieve those goals. I firmly believe in the power of simplicity. I always strive to create designs that are easy to understand. They should also be visually appealing. I also believe that design should be functional. I always make sure that my logos are easy to read. They are easy to reproduce.

My design process typically involves the following steps:

• Client consultation: I meet with the client to discuss their needs and goals for the logo.
• Research and concept development: I research the client’s target audience. I explore their industry. Then, I develop a few early concepts for the logo.
• Design and layout: I create the final design for the logo, including the layout, typography, and imagery.
• Presentation and revisions: I introduce the final logo design to the client and make any necessary revisions.
• File preparation and delivery: I prepare the final logo files for the client in a variety of formats. These include formats for both print and web.

I offer a wide range of design services, including:

• Branding and identity: I can help you develop a strong brand identity for your business. This includes your logo, colour palette, and typography.
• Print design: I can design a variety of print materials, including business cards, letterheads, and brochures.
• Social media graphics: I can create eye-catching graphics for your social media platforms, like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

I am quite knowledgeable in the fundamentals of graphic design. I know how to use a variety of design software applications. Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator , and InDesign are among them. I can communicate well. I collaborate well with clients to ensure that their goals are fulfilled.

To view more samples of my work, please visit my design portfolio. I have no doubt that my ability to produce excellent, useful designs will impress you.

My pricing is based on the complexity, scope, and time investment required for each project. I offer both hourly rates and project-based flat rates, depending on the specific needs. We can discuss this in more detail during our consultation.

We are currently on a search for a Head – Tooling & Design to join the largest manufacturer and distributor of major appliances company in Southern Africa, to be based in Durban, Jacobs. The role will be responsible for leading the tooling and design function to support production, new product development, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role ensures the efficient design, development, maintenance, and optimization of tooling, jigs, fixtures, and dies used in manufacturing processes. The incumbent will work closely with cross-functional teams, including production, R&D, quality, and procurement, to drive innovation, cost efficiency, and product quality.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :

Develop and execute a comprehensive tooling and design strategy aligned with business objectives.

Lead and manage the tooling and design team, fostering innovation, continuous learning, and collaboration.

Oversee the development of high-precision tools, dies, and fixtures to meet production and quality requirements.

Lead the design, testing, and validation of tooling, dies, and molds for new and existing products.

Ensure tooling solutions meet required specifications, tolerances, and performance standards.

Utilize CAD / CAM software to develop detailed designs and ensure manufacturability.

Collaborate with production teams to troubleshoot and resolve tooling-related challenges.

Oversee the maintenance, repair, and refurbishment of tooling to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Implement predictive and preventive maintenance programs for tooling assets.

Identify opportunities for design improvements, cost reductions, and efficiency gains.

Work closely with R&D and product development teams to support new product introductions.

Coordinate with procurement and suppliers for tool manufacturing, modifications, and material selection.

Partner with quality teams to ensure compliance with regulatory and customer requirements.

Develop and manage the tooling and design budget, ensuring cost-effective solutions.

Evaluate and approve tooling investments based on return on investment (ROI) and long-term business impact.

Drive cost reduction initiatives in tooling design, materials, and processes.

Ensure all tooling and design processes adhere to industry standards, health & safety regulations, and environmental guidelines.

Ensure compliance with all regulatory and procedural requirements.

Implement and maintain ISO, Six Sigma, and Lean Manufacturing principles in tooling operations.

Promote a culture of safety and risk mitigation within the tooling department.

Identify and implement strategies to inspire and foster a positive team culture.

Provide support for ad-hoc projects and headquarters initiatives to drive organizational success.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS :

Experience : 10+ years of experience in tooling design, manufacturing, and maintenance, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

Proficiency in CAD / CAM software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX).

Strong knowledge of die-making, mold design, machining, and manufacturing processes.

Expertise in materials selection and heat treatment for tooling applications.

Industry Knowledge : Experience in high-volume manufacturing industries such as automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, or heavy .

Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Excellent project management and organizational skills.

Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.

Ability to mentor and develop high-performing teams.

Advantage with Six Sigma Green Belt / Black Belt

Tooling uptime and reliability.

Reduction in tooling development time and costs.

Successful implementation of new tooling for product launches.

Cost savings from tooling optimizations and process improvements.

Compliance with safety and quality standards.

• Design, test, and refine electronic circuits and printed circuit boards (PCBs) for telemetry and IoT applications.
• Work on multi-layer board designs, ensuring performance, manufacturability, and compliance with product requirements.
• Contribute to low-level software development, assisting in firmware programming and embedded integration.
• Collaborate closely with software developers, testers, and product stakeholders to align hardware with broader system requirements.
• Take part in prototype testing, hardware debugging, and performance tuning.
• Support integration of devices with backend systems via communication protocols like sockets and REST APIs.
• Operate within a Linux-based engineering environment this is a hardware-centric role, but an appreciation for software and scripting is essential.
• Maintain clear documentation and ensure alignment with project goals and deadlines.

• Proven experience in hardware design, especially mixed-signal (analog/digital) circuits.
• Strong skills in PCB layout using tools such as KiCAD, Seetrax, or similar.
• Familiarity with microcontrollers like Atmel (ARM Cortex-M0/M4) or ESP32.
• Hands-on exposure to embedded programming whether in C, Python, or Dart and the ability to assist in debugging software-hardware interactions.
• Understanding of communication protocols used in IoT systems (e.g., serial, TCP/IP, REST).
• Confident working on Linux-based systems this is a must.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work with cross-functional technical teams.
• Ability to take initiative and contribute to both structured projects and fast-moving prototypes.

• Exposure to RF design, wireless communication technologies (e.g. WiFi, ISM bands).
• Experience with development platforms like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, DFM principles, and hardware testing tools like oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers.
• Mobile or Flutter development experience.

Job Title: Design Engineer –Mid/ Senior

Barrows

Moving Retail Forward | Moving Communities Forward | Moving People Forward

About BARROWS

"Join the Barrows team and help move retail forward!

We are a dynamic and innovative point of Sale Company that is dedicated to driving progress and sustainability in the retail industry. Our team of experts is passionate about creating solutions that are both innovative and eco-friendly, helping to shape the future of retail for generations to come.

At Barrows, we believe in the power of collaboration and creativity. Our team is made up of experts in a variety of fields, from engineering to marketing, and we work together to bring new ideas to life. We are looking for individuals who are driven, creative, and dedicated to making a positive impact in the world.

As a member of the Barrows team, you will have the opportunity to work on exciting projects and help shape the future of retail. Whether you're developing new software, designing innovative hardware, or working on marketing campaigns, you'll have the support and resources you need to succeed.

But at Barrows, we're more than just a company - we're a community. Our employees are valued members of our team, and we believe that their success is our success. That's why we offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment that allows our team to thrive. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, we have opportunities for growth and advancement at every level.

So if you're ready to be part of a team that's Moving Retail Forward, we'd love to hear from you! Apply today and take your first step towards a fulfilling and exciting career at Barrows."

About the role:

We are a team that embraces lifelong learning and continuous improvement. We understand that our magic lies in our ability to adapt our processes to suit any brief or client requirement. Our propensity to collaborate rapidly and unlock critical knowledge and experience on demand, gives us an edge within the industry, that allows us to operate at an extremely fast pace, whilst maintaining the highest quality output in limited time frames.

A Senior Engineer in our team is expected to lead both projects and people. We need a team player who will assist in the mentoring and coaching of junior design engineers and graduates, as well as manage and deliver on projects or department based responsibilities. It is important for a senior engineer to be collaborative as they will be working alongside various other professionals and teams such as industrial design, sales and marketing teams, electronics engineers and manufacturers.

Key Performance Responsibilities:

• Coordination of team and people including coaching junior engineers
• Critical decision making by understanding process flows of production, specific product designs and understanding the holistic product development life cycle.
• Planning & Organising by ensuring on time delivery for engineering as part of product development as well as work towards project specific timelines
• Technical/Design Engineering including 3D modellingand technical drawing packs for manufacturing purposes

Requirements and Experience:

Critical Decision making

• Understand the process flow of Production in order to mitigate incorrect decisions
• Understand the holistic product development life cycle from Studio to Production to assist in the decision making process.

Planning & Organising

• Ensure on time delivery for Engineering part of the product development
• Ensure time is managed well to mitigate any delays in engineering part of the product development.

Technical Engineering

• Create 3D models and drawing packs for Manufacturing purposes

Adhoc

• Any other reasonable request from management including particular projects as and when needed

Minimum experience/requirements & Skills:

• Mechanical Engineering Degree (BSc)
• 3D CAD
• Creo advantageous
• 5 -10 years of experience in manufacturing with a diverse knowledge of processes.

Join a leading Southern African manufacturer as Head of Tooling & Design , where you’ll take the reins of a strategic department central to product quality, innovation, and operational excellence. This senior leadership role oversees the full spectrum of tooling and design - developing, maintaining, and optimising tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures for high-volume production environments.

Looking for a dynamic leader with deep technical knowledge, CAD / CAM expertise, and a sharp eye for innovation and efficiency.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Qualified Tool, Jig & Die Maker with 10+ years of experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role
• Advanced proficiency in CAD / CAM systems (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX)
• Expertise in die-making, mold design, CNC machining, and optimal materials selection
• Proven leadership in high-volume environments - automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, or heavy engineering preferred
• Strong project management skills and the ability to navigate cross-functional collaboration
• Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt) certification is an added advantage

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute tooling and design strategies aligned with business goals
• Lead a team in designing, testing, and validating high-precision tools, dies, and molds
• Oversee tooling maintenance, repair, and optimization to ensure peak performance
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Production, R&D, Quality) to support new product launches and process improvements
• Manage budgets, cost-saving initiatives, and supplier relationships for tooling procurement
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (ISO, Lean, Six Sigma) and safety regulations