25 Studio Designer jobs in South Africa

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced Studio/Production Designer with 3+ years of agency or in-house experience. This role requires experience working in a fast-paced, high-volume agency environment. The ideal candidate will excel at meeting deadlines, driving projects forward independently, and collaborating with the design team under the guidance of Creative Directors and Project Managers.

The client is an independent branding and creative communications agency based in NYC. We offer a nontraditional perspective and deliver a broad range of services across multiple platforms—including digital, print, voice design, and physical spaces.

Why Us:

We approach our work with passion and dedication. Each designer has the opportunity to collaborate with diverse clients, engage directly with them, and create designs across a wide range of industries—both individually and as part of a team.

December 29, 2024

Hey there, design fam! Lindani here from Warten Weg, and today I’m going to share some proper kiff insights about design a professional brand identity. Shame, I see so many small businesses struggling with their branding, and I’m here to change that, hey?

Before we get too deep into the sauce, let’s break it down. To design a professional brand identity, you need to understand it’s more than just slapping together a cool logo . It’s not simply calling it a day. Nee, my friends, it’s about creating a whole vibe that tells your brand’s story.

A brand is not just a logo; it’s a story told through every visual interaction.

I learnt something the hard way. Many cups of Rooibos and late nights at the office taught me this lesson. When you design a brand identity, you’re actually creating four essential elements:

• A proper logo that slaps
• A letterhead that means business
• Business cards that make people go “Yoh!”
• Pull-up banners that command attention

Listen here, my china. If you want to design a professional brand identity, you need the right tools. It’s going to make waves from Cape Town to Joburg. Adobe Illustrator isn’t just nice to have; it’s as essential as a braai on Heritage Day.

First things first, organise your workspace like you’d organise a perfectly packed bakkie. Keep your tools panel on the left. It’s like your tongs at a braai—always within reach. Your layers panel should be on the right. Think of it like your cooler box—you need to know what’s where.

When you start to design a brand, the logo is your foundation. Building a proper South African house requires starting with strong foundations. You don’t start with the roof, né?

Here’s how we do it at Warten Weg:

• Research phase (or as we say, “check the scene”)
• Sketching ideas (lots of them; don’t be lazy, jong!)
• Colour choice (more crucial than choosing between beef or boerewors)
• Typography that speaks your brand’s language

To design a professional brand identity that will succeed in the real world, you need to evaluate each element. Consider how they work together. It’s like planning a perfect potjie—every ingredient matters.

Your letterhead needs to be as clean as a Sandton office and as professional as a business meeting in Rosebank. Keep it simple but make it memorable.

In South Africa, we still love our business cards, hey? Make them stand out like a giraffe in Soweto. But remember: keep it professional; keep it clean.

These bad boys need to work harder than a taxi driver during rush hour. Make them bold, make them bright, but keep them on-brand.

• Keep your designs consistent (like your support for the Springboks ).
• Use appropriate fonts. (Comic Sans is as welcome as a pineapple on a braai.)
• Choose colours that make sense (like matching your socks to your suit).
• Save your work properly (losing files is more painful than load shedding ).

Want to create a brand identity for yourself? Here’s what separates the pros from the poes:

• Build a proper mood board
• Create a brand identity blueprint example for reference.
• Study successful brand identity examples
• Take time to understand colour psychology.
• Master typography (it’s as important as knowing how to pronounce “Nkandla” correctly).

Don’t Do This

Keep logos scalable and clean Use raster images or complex gradients

Stick to 2-3 core brand colors Overcrowd with multiple colors

Maintain consistent spacing Let elements float randomly

Use 2-3 professional fonts max Mix multiple font families

Create multiple logo versions Design single-use logos

Keep text readable (8pt min) Overcrowd text elements

Use white space effectively Fill every available space

Make clear brand guidelines Skip documentation

Test across all media Assume one size fits all

Back up files properly Keep single copies

Remember: Simple is powerful! Like we say in South Africa, “Less is more, boet!”

Creating a professional brand identity isn’t just about making things look pretty—it’s about telling a story that connects with people. Whether you’re designing for a spaza shop or a corporate giant, the principles stay the same.

Remember, design isn’t just about what looks nice—it’s about what works. Like we say in South Africa, “n Boer maak ‘n plan,” but with design, make sure that plan is pixel-perfect!

A strong brand identity is more than just a logo; it’s the personality of your business, expressed visually.

Check out these resources:

• Our brand identity design course (coming soon)
• Free brand identity design PDF guide
• Templates to help you design a professional brand identity

Until next time, keep designing. Keep learning and remember—your brand identity should be as strong as a Rooibos tea . It should be as memorable as your first bunny chow!

Design a Professional Brand Identity from Scratch: The Illustrator Advantage

While there are free tools available, professional software like Adobe Illustrator is essential for creating scalable, high-quality brand assets. It provides the precision and flexibility needed for professional-grade designs. These designs can be used across all mediums, from business cards to billboards.

A comprehensive brand identity package usually takes 2-4 weeks to finish properly, including research, conceptualisation, and revisions. The timeline allows for thorough exploration of design options and ensures all brand elements work harmoniously together.

A logo is just one part of your overall brand identity. It is akin to how a signature is just one part of your personality. Your brand identity includes everything from colour schemes and typography to letterheads and business cards. These elements work together to create a cohesive brand experience.

It’s good to be aware of trends. Your brand identity should focus on timeless elements. These elements won’t feel dated in a few years. A strong brand identity balances contemporary appeal with lasting relevance, ensuring your investment continues to work for your business long-term.

Every logo should have at least three versions: full colour, monochrome, and reversed (white). These variations guarantee your logo can work effectively across all applications, from dark backgrounds to single-colour printing situations.

December 29, 2024

Hey there, design fam! Lindani here from Warten Weg, and today I’m going to share some proper kiff insights about design a professional brand identity. Shame, I see so many small businesses struggling with their branding, and I’m here to change that, hey?

Before we get too deep into the sauce, let’s break it down. To design a professional brand identity, you need to understand it’s more than just slapping together a cool logo . It’s not simply calling it a day. Nee, my friends, it’s about creating a whole vibe that tells your brand’s story.

A brand is not just a logo; it’s a story told through every visual interaction.

I learnt something the hard way. Many cups of Rooibos and late nights at the office taught me this lesson. When you design a brand identity, you’re actually creating four essential elements:

• A proper logo that slaps
• A letterhead that means business
• Business cards that make people go “Yoh!”
• Pull-up banners that command attention

Listen here, my china. If you want to design a professional brand identity, you need the right tools. It’s going to make waves from Cape Town to Joburg. Adobe Illustrator isn’t just nice to have; it’s as essential as a braai on Heritage Day.

First things first, organise your workspace like you’d organise a perfectly packed bakkie. Keep your tools panel on the left. It’s like your tongs at a braai—always within reach. Your layers panel should be on the right. Think of it like your cooler box—you need to know what’s where.

When you start to design a brand, the logo is your foundation. Building a proper South African house requires starting with strong foundations. You don’t start with the roof, né?

Here’s how we do it at Warten Weg:

• Research phase (or as we say, “check the scene”)
• Sketching ideas (lots of them; don’t be lazy, jong!)
• Colour choice (more crucial than choosing between beef or boerewors)
• Typography that speaks your brand’s language

To design a professional brand identity that will succeed in the real world, you need to evaluate each element. Consider how they work together. It’s like planning a perfect potjie—every ingredient matters.

Your letterhead needs to be as clean as a Sandton office and as professional as a business meeting in Rosebank. Keep it simple but make it memorable.

In South Africa, we still love our business cards, hey? Make them stand out like a giraffe in Soweto. But remember: keep it professional; keep it clean.

These bad boys need to work harder than a taxi driver during rush hour. Make them bold, make them bright, but keep them on-brand.

• Keep your designs consistent (like your support for the Springboks ).
• Use appropriate fonts. (Comic Sans is as welcome as a pineapple on a braai.)
• Choose colours that make sense (like matching your socks to your suit).
• Save your work properly (losing files is more painful than load shedding ).

Want to create a brand identity for yourself? Here’s what separates the pros from the poes:

• Build a proper mood board
• Create a brand identity blueprint example for reference.
• Study successful brand identity examples
• Take time to understand colour psychology.
• Master typography (it’s as important as knowing how to pronounce “Nkandla” correctly).

Don’t Do This

Keep logos scalable and clean Use raster images or complex gradients

Stick to 2-3 core brand colors Overcrowd with multiple colors

Maintain consistent spacing Let elements float randomly

Use 2-3 professional fonts max Mix multiple font families

Create multiple logo versions Design single-use logos

Keep text readable (8pt min) Overcrowd text elements

Use white space effectively Fill every available space

Make clear brand guidelines Skip documentation

Test across all media Assume one size fits all

Back up files properly Keep single copies

Remember: Simple is powerful! Like we say in South Africa, “Less is more, boet!”

Creating a professional brand identity isn’t just about making things look pretty—it’s about telling a story that connects with people. Whether you’re designing for a spaza shop or a corporate giant, the principles stay the same.

Remember, design isn’t just about what looks nice—it’s about what works. Like we say in South Africa, “n Boer maak ‘n plan,” but with design, make sure that plan is pixel-perfect!

A strong brand identity is more than just a logo; it’s the personality of your business, expressed visually.

Check out these resources:

• Our brand identity design course (coming soon)
• Free brand identity design PDF guide
• Templates to help you design a professional brand identity

Until next time, keep designing. Keep learning and remember—your brand identity should be as strong as a Rooibos tea . It should be as memorable as your first bunny chow!

Design a Professional Brand Identity from Scratch: The Illustrator Advantage

While there are free tools available, professional software like Adobe Illustrator is essential for creating scalable, high-quality brand assets. It provides the precision and flexibility needed for professional-grade designs. These designs can be used across all mediums, from business cards to billboards.

A comprehensive brand identity package usually takes 2-4 weeks to finish properly, including research, conceptualisation, and revisions. The timeline allows for thorough exploration of design options and ensures all brand elements work harmoniously together.

A logo is just one part of your overall brand identity. It is akin to how a signature is just one part of your personality. Your brand identity includes everything from colour schemes and typography to letterheads and business cards. These elements work together to create a cohesive brand experience.

It’s good to be aware of trends. Your brand identity should focus on timeless elements. These elements won’t feel dated in a few years. A strong brand identity balances contemporary appeal with lasting relevance, ensuring your investment continues to work for your business long-term.

Every logo should have at least three versions: full colour, monochrome, and reversed (white). These variations guarantee your logo can work effectively across all applications, from dark backgrounds to single-colour printing situations.

As the Senior Design Lead, you’ll play a pivotal role in guiding the creative output of the agency. You'll ensure all work meets the highest visual standards and is tightly aligned to client brand guidelines. More than that, you’ll help evolve and expand those brand systems – keeping them fresh, scalable, and ahead of the curve.

From overseeing design QA, to updating visual identity (VI) toolkits, to training partner agencies on proper usage, you’ll be a guardian of brand integrity. You’ll also help integrate AI tools into the creative workflow and keep us sharp on both emerging design trends and category best practices, especially in the fast-evolving fintech space.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the consistent and accurate application of visual identity across all client deliverables
• Regularly update and maintain client VI toolkits and guidelines to reflect brand evolution
• Train partner agencies and internal teams on how to apply visual identity systems effectively
• Introduce and integrate AI tools to improve workflow efficiency and creative output
• Stay on top of industry design trends and innovations; bring fresh inspiration to the team
• Monitor visual trends and communication styles in the finance and fintech sectors to ensure we’re competitive and distinctive
li>Collaborate with strategy, creative, and account teams to ensure design decisions align with brand goals
• Lead internal design QA processes to ensure accuracy and excellence
• Mentor and inspire junior designers, encouraging best-in-class design craft and attention to detail

• 8+ years of experience in a creative or design leadership role, preferably in an agency environment
• Deep understanding of brand systems and visual identity development
• Strong conceptual thinker with impeccable attention to detail
• Confident communicator and trainer—able to present and articulate design rationale clearly
li>Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma; familiarity with AI design tools (e.g. Midjourney, Firefly, ChatGPT, etc.) a big plus
• Curious, proactive, and always looking to push creative boundaries
• Experience working with clients in financial or fintech categories is a strong advantage

Should you not hear from us within 2 weeks after the application deadline, please consider your application unsuccessful.

StyleSociety has an exciting opportunity for a young creative to join our team as a Creative Design Assistant .

You would assist with content creation and delivery of digital and fashion projects. Your typical day would be spent working alongside our Fashion Director, at the StyleSociety HQ’s, styling, sourcing, mood boarding, brainstorming, planning and implementing marketing strategies for social and events. Be prepared for some office administration and personal assistant duties as well.

This position would suit a tenacious, good communicator with a can-do attitude. We are not too keen on the princess types! This is not a work from home opportunity. This is a full-time position and you will be required to work from our offices based in the Cape Winelands.

Your duties would include the following:

1. Assist in developing proposals and fashion stories for our brands.
2. Researching unique ideas for styling, social and events.
3. Sourcing and researching for props and supplies.
4. Taking photos.
5. Recording videos.
6. Editing photos and videos.

Requirements:

• Organised.
• Creative.
• Detail-oriented.
• Eye for Design.
• Visually analytical.
• Experience with natural light photography, editing and creating video content.
• Proficient in Photoshop and Lightroom.
• Copywriting.
• Styling, Art or Design experience an advantage.

The working hours are 9.30 am to 4.30 pm – Mondays to Fridays.

IF YOU MEET ALL THESE REQUIREMENTS, WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.

In your application, please include:

• Cover letter with your updated résumé.
• Headshot photo.
• LinkedIn URL.
• Your ideal work schedule.

• Introduce yourself, and tell us a little about what you love and why you’re applying for this position.
• Why do you want to work at StyleSociety?
• Please remember to send a short resume and links supporting your creative experience and strengths.
• We would love to see links to all your socials – especially Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter.
• Tell us about your past creative positions and what you will bring to the brand?

IMPORTANT:
Candidates who have competing interests or loyalties and are involved in any conflicting fashion, style, online businesses will not be considered for this vacancy.

You can send applications directly to:
Kumari Govender

Please Note: Applications for this position are now CLOSED. We will contact all shortlisted candidates to arrange interviews. Due to the volume of applications received – only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not hear from us, please consider your application unsuccessful.

StyleSociety has an exciting opportunity for a young creative to join our team as a Creative Design Assistant .

You would assist with content creation and delivery of digital and fashion projects. Your typical day would be spent working alongside our Fashion Director, at the StyleSociety HQ’s, styling, sourcing, mood boarding, brainstorming, planning and implementing marketing strategies for social and events. Be prepared for some office administration and personal assistant duties as well.

This position would suit a tenacious, good communicator with a can-do attitude. We are not too keen on the princess types! This is not a work from home opportunity. This is a full-time position and you will be required to work from our offices based in the Cape Winelands.

Your duties would include the following:

1. Assist in developing proposals and fashion stories for our brands.
2. Researching unique ideas for styling, social and events.
3. Sourcing and researching for props and supplies.
4. Taking photos.
5. Recording videos.
6. Editing photos and videos.

Requirements:

• Organised.
• Creative.
• Detail-oriented.
• Eye for Design.
• Visually analytical.
• Experience with natural light photography, editing and creating video content.
• Proficient in Photoshop and Lightroom.
• Copywriting.
• Styling, Art or Design experience an advantage.

The working hours are 9.30 am to 4.30 pm – Mondays to Fridays.

IF YOU MEET ALL THESE REQUIREMENTS, WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.

In your application, please include:

• Cover letter with your updated résumé.
• Headshot photo.
• LinkedIn URL.
• Your ideal work schedule.

• Introduce yourself, and tell us a little about what you love and why you’re applying for this position.
• Why do you want to work at StyleSociety?
• Please remember to send a short resume and links supporting your creative experience and strengths.
• We would love to see links to all your socials – especially Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter.
• Tell us about your past creative positions and what you will bring to the brand?

IMPORTANT:
Candidates who have competing interests or loyalties and are involved in any conflicting fashion, style, online businesses will not be considered for this vacancy.

You can send applications directly to:
Kumari Govender

Please Note: Applications for this position are now CLOSED. We will contact all shortlisted candidates to arrange interviews. Due to the volume of applications received – only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not hear from us, please consider your application unsuccessful.

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.

• Currently studying or recently completed a qualification in Graphic Design or a related creative field.
• A strong creative portfolio demonstrating design skills and conceptual thinking.
• Basic proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Excellent attention to detail and a passion for visual communication.
• Willingness to learn and grow in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to take feedback constructively and work collaboratively in a team setting.

• Visual Content Creation: Assist in designing content for both print and digital media, including marketing materials, branded content, and corporate assets.
• Design Support: Work under the guidance of senior designers to develop layouts and creative solutions that align with client and internal briefs.
• Artwork Preparation: Help prepare final artwork for print, ensuring technical accuracy and alignment with production specifications.
• Team Collaboration: Partner with marketing and production departments to ensure smooth project workflows and brand alignment.
• Idea Generation: Contribute to brainstorming sessions by offering fresh creative ideas and innovative design approaches.
• Brand Integrity: Assist in maintaining visual consistency across all communications in line with established brand guidelines.
• Learning and Development: Engage in training, mentorship, and real-time feedback to develop practical skills in a professional setting.
• Time Management: Support multiple ongoing projects, meeting deadlines and maintaining a high standard of quality in all tasks.

Lecturer required to teach and assess learners in the field of graphic design / animation.

• Must have practical experience and relevant qualifications.
• The position is based in central Durban, KZN.

Applicants must have the necessary skills:

• Graphic design / animation skills
• Relevant qualifications
• Teaching skills
• Time management
• Punctuality
• Leadership

Interested parties can email their CVs to class='jxRevEL' >

REQUIREMENTS

Animation skills
Graphic design skills