OFO No: 343101

Other names for Photographer:

• Aerial Photographer
• Documentary Photographer
• Fashion Photographer
• Landscape Photographer
• Medical Photographer
• News Photographer
• Photo Finish / Post Production Photographer
• Photographer and Image Recording Equipment Operato
• Photojournalist
• Portrait Photographer
• Sports Photographer
• Technical Photographer

What is a Photographer?

A Photographer is a person who makes a living out of taking photographs (photos).

Photographers usually specialise in one area, for example:

• fine art (self expression)
• fashion (shooting models in exotic locations or in a studio)
• food (for recipe books, magazines etc)
• advertising (product shots, shots for magazines, internet etc)
• editorial/journalism (news:  internet, newspapers etc)
• social photography (weddings and events)
• aerial photography (taken from a plane or helicopter)
• wildlife
• landscapes
• portraits etc

Photographer should have a natural sense of design and composition.  They must be observant.

About 50% of professional Photographers are self-employed.  The others usually work for a wide range of employers depending on which area of photography they have specialised in.

What does a Photographer do?

This will depend on what field you specialise in but here are a few tasks that you may encounter:

• works with clients to discuss brief
• looks for appropriate photographic subjects, locations and opportunities
• researches details and preparing for shoot
• works in different locations
• uses an extensive range of technical photographic equipment
• talks to models to put them at ease   
• arranges still life objects, products, scenes, props and backgrounds
• liaises with other professionals, for example: graphic designers etc
• checks for quality and touches up on the computer where needed
• keeps up to date with industry trends and developments and new techniques
• develops their own skills to enhance images, for example: cropping, colour enhancing etc
• manages and markets the business

Are you … ?

• passionate about photography?
• familiar with cameras and how they work?
• good with composition?
• observant?
• a person with a good eye?
• detail orientated?
• good with colour?

How do I become a Photographer?

There are many courses you can do:

PATH 1

Higher Certificate in Photography: NQF Level 5

PATH 2

Certificate in Photography: NQF Level 4

PATH 3

Diploma in Photography

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tshwane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
• Vaal University of Technology

PATH 4

Bachelor of Technology in Photography  (BTech)

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
• UNISA
• Vaal University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University

Many private schools around South Africa offer courses in Photography.  Check your local area for Photography schools.

Here are a few examples:

• STELLENBOSCH ACADEMY OF DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY

• VEGA PHOTOGRAPHY SCHOOL

• CAPE TOWN SCHOOL OF PHOTOGRAPHY

• COLLEGE OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Photojournalist … or … Camera Operator … or … Food Stylist

Is becoming a Photographer the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 243101

Other names for Creative Director:

What is a Creative Director?

CLICK HERE

to Meet Dan Nash, Creative Director

Do you have a wonderfully imaginative and creative mind? Does the world of advertising excite you? As a Creative Director you will be responsible in developing high-level concepts for design projects and company branding.

The Creative Director has the responsibility of determining the best way to creatively and visually represent a Company’s identity through logos, advertising campaigns etc.

It’s a very people-oriented career, involving the development of high-level concepts for design projects. 

It’s a very high-octane kind of job with loads of deadlines, stress and criticism, however, a career as a Creative Director can be adrenalin-fuelled, exciting and very rewarding. 

If you are at the top of your game, you can also earn a lot of money.

The Creative Director heads up a team of creative graphic designers who assist in the development of visual designs for clients.

Creative Directors can also work in other artistic fields like fashion, film and television etc.

What does a Creative Director do?

• leads and co-ordinates creative sessions for project kick-offs and brain-storming
• manages multiple projects from concept through completion
• develops creative programs and designs concepts that meet the criteria needed to advance the brand strategy
• establishes creative direction for the entire line of online services and programs
• constantly researches market trends
• keeps up-to-date with creative moves and trends
• manages and motivates a team of designers
• works with large budgets

Are you … ?

• extremely creative and an out-the-box thinker?
• innovative?
• a good motivator?
• hard worker?
• able to hand rejection?
• able to work long and unusual hours?
• deadline driven?
• able to handle stress?
• competitive?

How do I become a Creative Director?

A lot of Creative Directors start their careers as Graphic Designers and from there, work their way up the corporate ladder through experience and hard work. 

By doing this, they have a better understanding of all the various art departments, processes and ‘traffic’. With this understanding, it makes them better, more empathic directors.

A background or studies in design and business would be extremely beneficial.

PATH 1

Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Marketing

At most Universities of Technology

PATH 2

Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Graphic Design

At most Univerties of Technology

PATH 3

Bachelor degree in Marketing

PATH 4

Bachelor degree in Graphic Visual Design

North West University

University of KZN

University of Pretoria

PATH 5

Bachelor of Graphic Visual Design NQF Level 8

North West University 

University of Stellenbosch

PATH 6

Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing

University of Cape Town

University of KZN

UNISA

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Graphic Designer … or … Film Director

Is becoming a Creative Director the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Childrens’ Book Illustrator?

A Childrens’ Book Illustrator is a person who specialises in creating pieces of artwork which will correspond or explain the story in a book. 

A Childrens’ Book Illustrator may create colourful works of art for a story-book or sometimes one-colour pieces for a text book.

Traditionally, illustration techniques include hand-rendered creations eg:  watercolour paintings, pen and ink drawings, airbrush art, oil paintings, pastels and lino or wood cuts.  An illustrator works together with the writer/author.

In South Africa, finding an illustrating job in a publishing house is quite hard, so most Childrens’ Book Illustrators work from home or in a private studio.

What does a Childrens’ Book Illustrator do?

• meets with publishing houses and authors to discuss their brief and requirements
• researches visuals and makes preliminary sketches to present to publishing house/author
• executes final pieces of artwork in colour
• makes amendments and/or re-creating pieces if publishing house or author are not satisfied
• works on the computer
• meets deadlines
• sends out invoices and collects payments
• keeps records

Are you … ?

• extremely talented?
• a person who loves drawing and painting?
• imaginative?
• dedicated and hard working?
• deadline driven?
• organised?
• reliable?
• self motivated?
• neat?

How do I become a Childrens’ Book Illustrator?

Although training is not required for this job, it is highly recommended to jump-start your career with training in Fine Arts or Graphic Design.

Drawing, painting and the use of computer programmes such as Photoshop to help create layouts or compositions are very important. 

If you are not considering studying further, then it is advised to create pieces every day to build up an extensive and varied portfolio so that you can show publishing houses what you are capable of.

Most universities in South Africa offer a Bachelors in Fine Art. 

Here is a list of all the places you can study Graphic Design:

CLICK HERE

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Fine Artist … or … Make-up Artist … or … Graphic Designer

Is becoming a Childrens’ Book Illustrator the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Desktop Publisher?

Desktop Publishing refers to a job which uses specialised graphic software on a computer to combine elements such as text, photographs, illustrations, charts etc into a pleasing and useful, graphic layout so it can eventually get printed.

Desktop Publishers design books, magazine layouts, brochures, annual reports etc. 

What does a Desktop Publisher do?

• sources and collates correct material
• scans pages, illustrations etc where necessary
• works out page order
• liaises with clients with regard to their requirements
• designs layouts according to client’s brief
• draws and illustrates when required
• writes and edits text
• manipulates or enhances images (photos and drawings)
• presents work to clients
• makes sure all documents are ‘print-ready’
• oversees printing when necessary

Are you … ?

• extremely creative?
• interested in photography?
• computer literate?
• neat and accurate?
• ordered?
• good at communication – both written and spoken?
• methodical and logical?
• a person who can handle criticism?
• a person who keeps up to date with technology?
• able to concentrate for long periods?
• able to work under pressure?

How do I become a Desktop Publisher?

A university degree is not required for a career in desktop publishing, however, most successful DTP operators have a background and/or studies in either desktop publishing or graphic design. (See Graphic Designer on Career Planet’s website for more details).

Here are a few institutions that offer DTP courses:

• PRESTIGE ACADEMY:  (Bellville)

Offers a 1 year NQF 5 Certificate in Desktop Publishing and Computer Art

• CITI VARSITY:  (Cape Town)

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Illustrator … or … Character Animator

Is becoming a Desktop Publisher the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip of an airbrush artist in action

 What is an Airbrush Artist?

An Airbrush Artist uses a special air-compressed brush to do their artwork and designs. Airbrushed work is usually very recognisable.

In the past, Airbrush Artists used to only use their skill to restore damaged photographs, but today a skilled Airbrush Artist will be found working in the film and television industry as well as in theatres.

They paint sets and props used in productions.
Some Airbrush Artists are known for customising or ‘pimping’ motor vehicles and bikes with original designs. One often sees ‘rushing flames’, dragons, monsters, skulls etc decorating these vehicles – all of which have been done by Airbrush Artists.
A make-up Airbrush Artist applies make-up and ‘tan’ with this method – usually in the modelling world
A fine art the Airbrush Artist can ‘paint’ photo-like realism in detail.

Airbrush art is similar to graffiti art as the ink is sprayed on under pressure.

Computers with graphic software usually have an airbrush too which are used in animation.

What does an Airbrush Artist do?

• discusses requirements with client
• draws up designs
• makes changes if needed
• makes up the masks and templates
• orders the inks
• airbrushes the ink on
• touches up any mistakes

Are you … ?

• very artistic?
• a good drawer?
• creative?
• imaginative?
• good with colour and colour-blending?
• detail orientated?
• a perfectionist?

How do I become an Airbrush Artist?

You could teach yourself through books and online tutorials. 

The main way to improve and become extremely well skilled is to practice and practice … then practice some more.  You have to be passionate about this particular art form for it to be lucrative (money-making).

There are not a lot of Airbrush courses but here are a few to look at:

• AIRVOLUTION

• SOUL TREE STUDIO

• KOHL MAKEUP

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:   Graphic Designer … or … Automotive / Vehicle Spray Painter

Is becoming an Airbrush Artist the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 265101

Other names for Cartoonist:

What is a Cartoonist?

Do you enjoy drawing cartoons? Do you know that you can make a career out of it? Well you can! Being a Cartoonist involves drawing cartoons all day.

It’s a fun career if you enjoy being creative, but it also requires hard work and dedication to succeed as an artist.

If a Cartoonist is hired by a newspaper their main job would be to make illustrations for the newspaper, or they can even have their own comic strip (remember- you need a good sense of humour for this job!)

Cartoonists also have to draw caricatures that resemble real life people to make political jokes and statements. 

Film studios hire cartoonists to make animated films or television series. Here, they are known as animators and have to make art work on computers. With the help of the latest software, the Cartoonist can make the cartoons move, but it involves a lot technical study and there are special degrees and courses for such work.

Cartoonists need to keep a strong portfolio of their best work to show prospective employers or clients. Many Cartoonists work on a freelance basis and get paid according to each project. The main skills they should have are drawing and how to use the computer.

What does a Cartoonist do?

• liaises with clients to understand their requirements
• reads briefs
• researches subject
• makes preliminary drawings
• keeps up to date with the news and other interesting facts
• draws, draws and does more drawing!!!
• sees the funny side of life

Are you … ?

• good at drawing and painting?
• funny?
• able to work under the pressure and meet deadlines?
• confident that your work is completely original?
• creative ?
• able to work on your own as well as on a team?
• knowledgeable about other artworks?
• knowledgeable of the technicalities about drawing?
• knowledgeable of the colour spectrum in detail?

How do I become a Cartoonist?

This is one of the few jobs that do not require any formal education but a load of talent and good drawing skills are necessary.

There are many professional art schools that give professional degrees; these degrees add good value to your skills package in the job market.

Having a good, original portfolio of artwork is a must have for any cartoonist. Make sure each drawing is copyrighted.

If you wish to pursue a qualification, most universities and private institutions offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Fine Arts (Visual Communication).

Minimum requirements: Please note, each institution may have additional requirements.

National Senior Certificate meeting degree entry requirements 

PATH 1

Diploma in Fine Art

BTech (Bachelor of Technology) in Fine Art

Rhodes University

University of Fort Hare

Master of Technology in Fine Art

Central University of Technology

Durban University of Technology

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Tshwane University of Technology

University of Johannesburg

Vaal University of Technology

PATH 2

Bachelor degree in Visual Art

Postgraduate Diploma in Art

PATH 3

Bachelor degree in Visual Art

Honours in Fine Art

University of KZN

University of Stellenbosch

Masters in Fine & Visual Art

North West University

Rhodes University

University of Cape Town

University of Fort Hare

University of KZN

University of Pretoria

UNISA

University of Stellenbosch

University of the Free State

University of Witswatersrand

PATH 4

Bachelor degree in Fine & Visual Art

University of Stellenbosch

Masters in Fine & Visual Art

University of KZN

University of Stellenbosch

Masters in Fine & Visual Art

North West University

Rhodes University

University of Cape Town

University of Fort Hare

University of KZN

University of Pretoria

UNISA

University of Stellenbosch

University of the Free State

University of Witswatersrand

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS:

• THE OPEN WINDOW SCHOOL OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION

• PRESTIGE ACADEMY

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Graphic Designer … or … Tattoo Artist

Is becoming a Cartoonist the right career choice for me?

What is a Graphic Designer?

The job of a Graphic Designer is to create original design solutions to promote or market a particular product, service or idea. 

A good Graphic Designer has a lot of raw, artistic talent, strong communication and marketing skills and knowledge of graphic software packages.

Graphic Designers have a skill-set which include: drawing, illustrating using a variety of techniques, packaging, typography, layout, basic copywriting and graphic computer experience, to name but a few.

Some things a Graphic Designer would design:

• company logos and corporate identities (company ‘look’)
• brochures, posters, banners, flyers, menus,
• annual reports
• signage
• exhibition stands
• advertisements for magazines and newspapers
• promotional items (clothes, pens, rulers etc)
• illustrations for books and magazines
• flags etc

What does a Graphic Designer do?

• talks with clients about their product and requirements
• prepares quotations
• researches target markets and trends
• makes sketches by hand then on computer to show client
• stays up to date with new technologies
• pays attention to quality and detail at all times
• meets deadlines!
• communicates well with other creative minds eg architects, photographers, interior designers
• presents their own original work only!

Are you … ?

• creative?
• organised and neat?
• a person who thinks ‘out-the-box’?
• team player?
• good under pressure?
• willing to work unusually long hours?
• able to keep your ego under control?
• able to take criticism?
• good at communication skills?
• responsible and reliable?
• good at time management?

How do I become a Graphic Designer?

A degree, diploma or certificate is usually considered essential for a graphic design position.  These courses vary in length but the average diploma and degree course is 3 years. 

Please note that of these institutions will need you to submit a portfolio of your work. It would be best to contact the institution of interest to find out more.

Visit the link below to find other institutions that offer courses to study Graphic Design:

http://www.ericadesigns.co.za/2010/08/25/where-to-study-graphic-design-in-south-africa

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Tattoo Artist,Textile Designer and Jewellery Designer

Is becoming a Graphic Designer the right career choice for me? 

20.01.2015 Posted on Facebook

Signwriting these days is usually done by a computer-driven signwriting company.   However, some clients still prefer a traditional Sign Writer.

A traditional Sign Writer will paint by hand the sign (logos and lettering) where required. 

A Sign Writer is skilled enough to be able to manipulate (change) type to fit around and over poles, gutters or areas of buildings that jut out but when you read the sign from a distance it reads perfectly.  They may not have painted the sign flat but the illusion they create will read like it’s flat.

A Sign Writer will have to understand and be able to work in perspective.  Mathematics and the ability to do technical drawing would be an added advantage.

What does a Sign Writer do?

• discussing brief with client
• drawing up ideas for client
• working out the correct perspectives or tricks needed to make sign look good
• enlarging drawings either as a template or straight onto the space the sign will be painted
• checking for spelling mistakes!
• painting the sign neatly and carefully
• working on ladders or hanging from harnesses off the side of buildings etc

Are you … ?

• creative?
• good with your hands?
• able to work in perspective?
• technically aware?
• a good drawer?
• a person who likes to work with letters?
• able to work on scaffolding and ladders?
• good with colour?
• detail orientated?

How do I become a Sign Writer?

Because this career has almost been overtaken by computers, you will have to train under someone who is already a professional Sign Writer.  By working with and next to them, they may be able to pass on the tricks and skills of the trade to you.

Most Signwriters, these days work for sign making companies.

The ‘new’ Signwriter usually has a design background and can design signs on computers. 

Other signwriters take the design and then physically make the sign.  These signwriters are sign-makers and usually have a background in carpentry, vinyl cutting and or/welding.  The more varied your skills – the easier the job market will be.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Graphic Designer and Display Artist

Is becoming a Sign Writer the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

Ceramist

CLICK HERE

for more info about this career.

Photograph
supplied by College of Cape Town

What is a Sculptor?

Sculptors are artists who create three-dimensional works of art.

They can create their pieces using metal, wood, glass, wire, stone, concrete, plastic, paper, clay or fibreglass, or any combination of these and other materials, by either moulding, cutting, welding or carving art pieces from such materials.

Their works can either be realistic or abstract representations of objects, nature, people, events, emotions or thoughts etc.

Sculptors mostly create their pieces to fulfil their own need for self-expression, but, on some occasions, could be commissioned by a specific client/organisation.

Their work can be displayed in art galleries, at flea markets/ art exhibitions or in their own homes. Sculptors are often good artists overall and are able to express themselves creatively.

What does a Sculptor do?

• researching their ‘subject’:  an object, a person, an event, an emotion etc
• doing preliminary sketches of their ideas
• sourcing various materials for the project
• making/building/moulding/welding etc it all together
• finishing off the sculpture by: polishing, sanding, painting etc
• meeting with prospective clients and discussing the commission
• quoting on commissions
• sometimes, working with deadlines
• working unusual and long hours – sometimes through the night
• creating sculptures for a one-man exhibition
• attending exhibitions

Are you … ?

• extremely talented?
• a sculptor at heart?
• very creative?
• good with your hands?
• a person with a good sense of 3d?
• dedicated?
• good with colour?

How do I become a Sculptor?

Taking art classes at school or at a local community centre, may start you off as a Sculptor.  You will collect many different skills that will help you.

Once you leave school, you can continue your ‘art’ from home and try and sell it.  If you are very good you may do well but this is a very difficult way to become a Sculptor.

Another way is to do a Bachelor in Fine Arts.  This will give you more skills and push you into being even more creative than you think you are.  You will also mingle with like-minded artists that will inspire you too.

From here, you may get noticed and a gallery may offer to exhibit your work.

Most universities in South Africa offer a Bachelors in Fine Arts.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Art Teacher and Art Historian

Is becoming a Sculptor the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.