CAREER - My SA Career Guide

Careers in Art & Design
Are you artistic or creative? Do you
have a keen eye for detail, colour
and sound? If you do, a career in the
Art and Design industry may be perfect
for you! South Africa’s unique
cultural heritage has contributed to
a diverse Arts and Design industry
- from music, dance, poetry, fashion
and interior design, fi ne arts and
photography, it offers a wide variety
of careers.
South Africa proudly boasts an array
of world-class fashion designers, artists,
photographers, as well as award
winning fi lm-makers and musicians. A
recent study, conducted by the HSRC,
found that more students enroll for Artsrelated
courses than science and technology-related
qualifi cations at South
African universities.
Although some many argue that the
industry presents limited opportunities
due to market saturation, there are nevertheless
countless opportunities for
those who possess the necessary talent
and determination. South Africa is
increasingly becoming a global player
in all realms of art and design, and the
international spotlight is shining brighter
and brighter for many young, talented
South Africans.
A career in the arts industry presents a
world of opportunities. It presents opportunities
for creative freedom and expression,
so seldom seen in many other
careers. It is often perceived as a very
glamorous fi eld, but there are countless
struggling actors and designers in
the industry, and is regarded as a tough
market to crack.
Career Paths
TEXTILE DESIGNER
A textile designer is involved with the
creative aspect of fabric production,
such as conceptualisation, technological
application and design of fabric for
commercial consumption. Textile de-
careers by industry
signers often design fabric in response
to a design brief by a fashion designer,
upholstery manufacturer or fl oor covering
manufacturer, etc. Therefore, a keen
eye for detail, colour and technique required
for this career.
Recommended Subjects
Art
Qualifi cations
NDip Textile Design
• Cape Peninsula University of
Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Tshwane University of Technology
BTech Textile Design
• Cape Peninsula University of
Technology
JEWELLERY DESIGNER
A jewellery designer is involved in the
entire jewellery making process, from
deciding which metals and gems to use
for a particular piece, to the design and
completion of a piece. A thorough knowledge
of fi ne metals and precious stones
is required in this fi eld. Many jewellery
designers get commissioned by clients
to design specifi c pieces or start their
own jewellery design companies.
Recommended Subjects
Art
Qualifi cations
BTech Jewellery Design and
Manufacture
• Cape Peninsula University of
Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
NDip Jewellery Design
•
University of Johannesburg
41