15 Design jobs in Durban

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.

Direct message the job poster from Crayon ️

Note: This a role for one of our clients and is advertised as Draughtsman on the site. While we do track apply clicks, you'll need to complete the quick steps on Crayon for your application to be considered.

The Draughtsman is responsible for designing and producing drawings for metal fabrication components, ensuring that customer specifications are accurately met using the latest design software. The role requires a meticulous approach to detail while ensuring designs are within manufacturing capabilities. Coordination with teams and adherence to safety regulations are integral to this position.

• Design and prepare detailed engineering drawings using relevant design software
• Ensure drawings produced are within manufacturing capabilities in terms of material and tools
• Prepare job cards and associated documents using Fabri-trak
• Check and improve designs and detailing before submission to the Manager
• Program tools for cutting, punching, and shaping of metal sheets
• Record, report, and document information associated with projects/customer specifications
• Comply with all regulatory safety policies and standards
• Support fellow employees in the Drawing Office and Production
• Provide training and support to junior members
• Impart knowledge to fellow employees

• Accurate creation of drawings using SolidWorks software
• Ability to understand and interpret job cards
• Ability to understand plans and drawings
• Working knowledge of relevant design software
• Proficiency in Fabri-track software
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Understanding of various production processes limitations
• Knowledge of metal manufacturing materials
• Proficient in Metacam software
• Basic working knowledge of AutoCAD

• Entry level

• Full-time

• Design, Strategy/Planning, and Engineering

• Engineering Services
• Design Services
• Manufacturing

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.

• Minimum 5+ years post graduate experience in consulting engineering environment in a structural engineering department/role
• Experienced in structural steel design, detailing and draughting
• Experienced in reinforced concrete design, detailing and draughting
• Liaison with other members of the project team
• BIM interfacing with architect, mechanical and electrical engineer.
• Preparation of fee proposal and interfacing with clients
• Petrochemical experience will be advantageous
• Civils experience will be advantageous

• AutoCAD LT (current software version) Must be conversant with Xrefs, annotative blocks, viewports, and other features
• Revit (current software version) Must have real-world project experience in Design and Draughting (not just training experience), including interface with BIM
• Prokon modeling and design
• Microsoft office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Site monitoring/inspection and giving of instructions
• Attend site meetings as required and communicate with team members
• Drivers License (manual drivers license is essential)
• Site inspection and report preparation
• Checking shop detail drawings

• BEng Degree or BTech in Civil Engineering
• Candidate registration with ECSA, Professional Registration would be advantageous
• Proficient in Revit, AutoCAD and Prokon, MS Office

• Strong team ethic
• Work independently with good time management
• Be able to handle pressure and tight deadlines
• Good communication skills graphic, written AND verbal
• Confident and assertive
• Methodical, logical AND meticulous (attention to detail)
• Proactive

• Technical Diploma in Mechanical Engineer (or a closely related field) qualification is needed
• Experience creating 2D and 3D CAD designs for mechanical systems and on occasion hydraulic components
• Must have experience on AutoCAD 2D and Inventor 3D
• Available to start Immediately
• Valid driver's and Own Vehicle preferably