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How to Pursue a Creative Career Path: Step-by-Step Guide

  • Sep 3
  • 20 min read

Updated: Sep 13


Do you dream of bringing characters to life through animation, designing, games, producing music, or exhibiting your art in galleries? The creative industry is one of the fastest-growing fields globally — and South Africa offers excellent opportunities to study and build a career in this exciting space.


Whether you’re drawn to fine art, design, animation, game development, music production, fashion design or advertising, this guide will take you step-by-step through the process of choosing the right qualification, applying to colleges, and creating a standout portfolio.


Cape Town and Stellenbosch are vibrant hubs for creative education, offering a diverse array of courses and institutions for aspiring artists, designers, and media professionals. Here's a comprehensive guide to some of the top creative career courses and tertiary institutions in these cities.


Step 1: Explore Your Creative Career Path Options


The creative sector is diverse, offering many possible career paths. Here are some of the most popular categories of Art & Design, Music & Sound Production, Beauty (Hair, Make-up), Film and Media Arts:


  • 2D Digital Illustration and Animation: 2D Digital Illustration & Animation emphasizes storytelling through hand-drawn and digitally rendered visuals. It combines traditional art techniques with modern digital tools to create expressive characters, dynamic scenes, and engaging animations.

  • 3D Animation and VXF: 3D Animation & VFX focuses on bringing stories to life through digital motion and visual effects by combining artistic creativity with technical precision.

  • Beauty, Nails, Hairdressing & Make-up: This pathway usually starts with training (short course or diploma), entry-level work (salon, spa, freelance), specialization (hair, makeup, nails, or therapy), advanced roles or entrepreneurship, possible global opportunities.

  • Fashion Apparel, Accessories Design & Production: Fashion Design focuses on the creation and production of apparel and accessories that blend aesthetics, functionality, and personal expression. It integrates trend research, textile knowledge, and technical skills to design innovative and market-ready fashion for diverse audiences.

  • Fine Arts – painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, photography.

  • Furniture Design: Furniture Design focuses on the creation of functional and aesthetic pieces by combining design principles with craftsmanship. It integrates form, ergonomics, and material knowledge to develop innovative furniture for modern living and working spaces.

  • Game Design and Development: Game Design focuses on creating interactive digital experiences by combining storytelling, mechanics, and visual design. It integrates creativity with technology to develop engaging games for entertainment, education, and immersive simulations across various platforms.

  • Graphic Design: The field of graphic design focuses on the manipulation of images and text to communicate and achieve a message. Sometimes referred to as visual communications, people in this field work creatively to convey a message about a particular product or campaign in a purposeful way.

  • Industrial Product Design: Industrial Product Design focuses on developing innovative and user-friendly products by merging aesthetics, functionality, and manufacturing processes. It integrates design thinking with engineering principles to create solutions that improve everyday life and meet market needs.

  • Interior Design: Interior Design is about creative problem solving skills in mind. With an emphasis on how the craft has the potential to affect our responses to our environments. We teach students to think conceptually, innovatively and socially responsible.

  • Jewelry, Craft Design & Manufacturing: Jewelry & Craft Design & Manufacturing focuses on the creation of functional and decorative objects by blending artistic design with technical craftsmanship. It integrates traditional techniques and modern technologies to produce unique jewelry.

  • Multimedia, UI & UX Design: Multimedia and UI/UX Design integrates design, technology, and psychology to develop intuitive interfaces and compelling content that enhance how users interact with digital products and services.

  • Visual Communication & Design – illustration, multimedia, advertising, digital design.

  • Music & Sound Production – audio recording, soundtrack design, mixing, live sound

  • Film & Media Arts – directing, acting, creative writing, cinematography.


Knowing where your passion lies will help you choose the right institution and qualification. Think about where your passion lies—do you see yourself in a studio, behind a camera, designing for clients, coding the next big game, or mixing soundtracks? Knowing your direction helps when choosing the right qualification and institution.


Step 2: Understand Your Qualification Options


In South Africa, art and creative colleges offer three main qualification levels:


1. Higher Certificate (NQF 5, 1 year)

  • Good for beginners who want an introduction to the creative industries.

  • Helps build a strong foundation and portfolio if you don’t yet qualify for a diploma or degree.

  • Focused on practical, entry-level skills (e.g., drawing, photography, digital design, music production basics).

  • Examples:


2. Diploma (NQF 6, 2–3 years)

  • Specialized training in a creative field.

  • Great balance of theory and practice.

  • Examples:

    • The Animation School – Diploma in Digital Animation

    • CityVarsity – Diplomas in Multimedia Design, Animation, Art Direction, Sound Engineering, Acting, Professional Photography, Film and Television Production Techniques


3. Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 7, 3–4 years)


Step 3: Explore Creative Tertiary Education Options in Cape Town & Stellenbosch


Aerial view of Cape Town with a stadium, green fields, cityscape, and Table Mountain in the background under a clear blue sky.

  • Cape Town: Creative Education Powerhouses


  1. Cape Town Creative Academy (CTCA)


Located in the V&A Waterfront, CTCA offers accredited BA degrees in:


  • Undergraduate Degrees:

    • Bachelor of Arts in Communication Design: Focuses on visual communication, branding, and digital media.

    • Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Art: Emphasizes fine art practices, conceptual development, and critical theory.

    • Bachelor of Arts in Interaction Design: Centers on user experience, interface design, and digital interaction.

    • Bachelor of Arts in Motion Design: Combines animation, video, and motion graphics for dynamic storytelling.

  • Honors Degrees:

    • Bachelor of Arts Honors in Visual Communication: Advanced study in visual communication strategies and design thinking.

    • Bachelor of Arts Honors in Contemporary Art: Deepens artistic practice and theoretical understanding in contemporary art.


The academy emphasizes a personalized learning journey, combining creative practice with business acumen. Students engage in internships and apprenticeships, ensuring industry readiness.


Find their website here: https://ctca.ac.za/


  1. SAE Institute Cape Town


SAE is renowned for its creative media programs, including:


  • Bachelor of Arts in Film Production

    • Duration: 3 years (full-time)

    • Focus: Comprehensive training in filmmaking, including pre-production, production, and post-production.

    • Key Skills: Cinematography, directing, editing, sound design, and storytelling.

    • Career Opportunities: Film director, cinematographer, editor, production assistant, and screenwriter.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Game Design and Production

    • Duration: 3 years (full-time)

    • Focus: Design and development of interactive digital games.

    • Key Skills: Game mechanics, level design, programming, and user experience design.

    • Career Opportunities: Game designer, game developer, level designer, and quality assurance tester.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Motion Design and Animation

    • Duration: 3 years (full-time)

    • Focus: Creation of animated content and motion graphics for various media platforms.

    • Key Skills: 2D/3D animation, motion graphics, visual effects, and storytelling.

    • Career Opportunities: Animator, motion graphics designer, visual effects artist, and multimedia artist.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Sound Production

    • Duration: 3 years (full-time)

    • Focus: Audio engineering and production for music, film, and live events.

    • Key Skills: Sound recording, mixing, mastering, and live sound engineering.

    • Career Opportunities: Sound engineer, music producer, live sound technician, and audio post-production specialist.

  • Higher Certificates:

    • Audio Production: Introductory program on sound engineering and music production.

    • Animation: Foundational course in 2D/3D animation, motion graphics, and VFX.

    • Film Production: Basic training in filmmaking, from scriptwriting to editing.

    • Game Design: Introduction to game concept creation, design, and production.

    • Music Production: Fundamentals of music creation, recording, and mixing.

  • Short Courses & Workshops:

    • Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) Training

    • Visual Effects Basics

    • Motion Graphics Essentials

    • Game Prototyping

    • Creative Entrepreneurship for Media


The institute provides state-of-the-art facilities and a global network, preparing students for the dynamic creative industries.


Find their website here: sae.edu.za


  1. Academy of Digital Arts (ADA) Friends of Design


ADA offers both full-time Higher Certificate (1 year) and short courses in:

  • Higher Certificates:

    • Graphic Design

      • Focus: Branding, layout design, typography, and visual communication.

      • Outcome: Prepares students for roles in advertising, publishing, and digital media.

    • Web Design & Development

      • Focus: Front-end development, user experience (UX), and user interface (UI) design.

      • Outcome: Equips students to create responsive websites and web applications.

    • Game & Interactive Media Development

      • Focus: Game design principles, interactive media, and multimedia development.

      • Outcome: Prepares students for careers in game development and interactive media industries.

    • Concept Art

      • Focus: Digital painting, character design, and environment creation.

      • Outcome: Equips students for roles in animation, gaming, and visual storytelling.

  • Short Courses:

    • Graphics

      • Adobe Photoshop Essentials: Learn photo manipulation and digital imaging techniques.

      • Adobe InDesign Essentials: Master layout design for print and digital media.

      • Adobe Illustrator Essentials: Create vector illustrations and graphics.

      • Finishing Art: Understand the preparation of artwork for production.

    • Web

      • HTML & CSS: Learn the fundamentals of web page structure and styling.

      • JavaScript & jQuery: Enhance interactivity and functionality of websites.

      • WordPress: Build and manage websites using the WordPress platform.

    • Film

      • Adobe Premiere Pro: Edit and produce videos with professional tools.

      • Adobe After Effects: Create motion graphics and visual effects.

    • Specialized

      • 3D Modelling & Animation: Develop 3D models and animations using Blender.

      • UX/UI Bootcamp: Comprehensive training in user experience and interface design.

      • Desktop Publishing Package: Learn branding and marketing skills for the advertising world.

    • Online Courses:

      • Adobe Photoshop Essentials: Learn photo manipulation and digital imaging techniques.

      • Adobe InDesign Essentials: Master layout design for print and digital media.

      • Adobe Illustrator Essentials: Create vector illustrations and graphics.

      • Finishing Art: Understand the preparation of artwork for production.


With options for both in-person and virtual learning, ADA caters to diverse student needs.


Find their website here: https://www.ada.ac.za/


  1. Red & Yellow Creative School of Business


Situated in Salt River, Red & Yellow offers degrees, diplomas, and higher education courses in:

  • Degree Programs (3 Years)

    • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communications Focuses on visual storytelling, design principles, and creative communication.

    • Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Brand Management Combines business acumen with creative marketing strategies.

    • Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing Emphasizes data-driven marketing, consumer behavior, and brand management.

  • Advanced Diplomas (1 Year)

    • Advanced Diploma in Marketing & Advertising Communications Delves into integrated marketing strategies and advertising techniques.

    • Advanced Diploma in Copywriting Enhances skills in persuasive writing, content creation, and brand voice development.

    • Advanced Diploma in User-Centered Design Focuses on UX/UI design principles, user research, and interactive design.

    • Advanced Diploma in Digital Marketing Covers SEO, social media marketing, content strategy, and analytics.

    • Advanced Diploma in Creative Leadership Develops leadership skills with a creative and strategic approach.

  • Higher Certificates (1 Year)

    • Higher Certificate in Graphic Design Introduces design fundamentals, typography, and digital tools.

    • Higher Certificate in Creating Digital Content Focuses on content creation, digital storytelling, and multimedia production.

  • National Certificates (1 Year)

    • National Certificate in Advertising, specializing in Digital Marketing Provides foundational knowledge in digital marketing and advertising principles.

    • National Certificate in Advertising, specializing in Digital Content & Copywriting Combines content creation with advertising strategies for digital platforms.

    • National Certificate in Design Techniques, specializing in User-Centered Design Emphasizes user-centered design methodologies and practical applications.

  • Postgraduate Diploma

    • Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Leadership Aims to cultivate leadership skills within creative industries.

  • Online Programs

    • Advanced Diploma in Digital Marketing An online program covering digital marketing strategies and tools.

    • National Certificate in Advertising, specializing in Digital Marketing Online course focusing on digital marketing foundations.

    • National Certificate in Advertising, specializing in Digital Content & Copywriting Online course integrating content creation with digital advertising.

    • National Certificate in Design Techniques, specializing in User-Centered Design Online course emphasizing user-centered design techniques.


The institution emphasizes creativity in business, preparing students for the evolving digital landscape.


Find their website here: redandyellow.co.za


  1. CityVarsity Cape Town


CityVarsity offers a variety of creative courses, including:


  • Diploma in Animation: Comprehensive training in 2D and 3D animation techniques, character design, and storytelling.

  • Diploma in Film and Television Production: Hands-on experience in film production, including directing, cinematography, and editing.

  • Diploma in Multimedia Design: Design principles, web development, and interactive media.

  • Diploma in Sound Engineering: Audio production, mixing, and mastering techniques.

  • Diploma in Professional Acting: Acting techniques, voice training, and stage performance.

  • Diploma in Journalism: News writing, reporting, and media ethics


The institution's emphasis on practical training and industry relevance makes it a notable choice for students pursuing careers in the visual and performing arts.



  1. The Animation School (TAS) - Cape Town Campus


TAS offers the following programs:


  • Diploma in Digital Animation:

    • A comprehensive three-year, full-time accredited program covering:

    • First Year: Introduction to Context and Story, Visual Development, Technical Artistry, and Animation

    • Second Year: Story and Context, Visual Development, Technical Artistry, and Animation

    • Third Year: Pre-Production, Production Specialization, Animated Short Film, and Professional Development

  • Short Courses:

    • Introduction to Stop Motion

    • Introduction to Motion Graphics

    • Introduction to 2D Animation

    • Introduction to 3D Animation

    • Intermediate 2D Short Course

    • Digital Drawing


Global Recognition - Ranked 10th in animation training programs worldwide. The Animation School is the leading source of specialist animation education in South Africa.


Find their website here: https://theanimationschool.co.za/


  1. Michaelis School of Fine Art at the University of Cape Town (UCT)


Overview of the courses offered:


  • Undergraduate Programs

    • Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA)

      • Duration: 3 years

      • Focus: Studio-based practice in disciplines such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, and photography.

      • Details: Provides foundational training in various art forms, encouraging creative exploration and development.

    • Bachelor of Fine Art Honours (BFA Hons)

      • Duration: 1 year

      • Focus: Advanced studio practice with a critical and theoretical framework.

      • Details: Prepares students for professional art practice and potential postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Programs

    • Master of Fine Art (MFA)

      • Duration: 2 years

      • Focus: Independent research and studio practice culminating in a thesis exhibition.

      • Details: Encourages the development of a personal artistic voice and critical engagement with contemporary art.

    • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Fine Art

      • Duration: Variable

      • Focus: Original research contributing to the field of fine art.

      • Details: Involves a significant written dissertation and may include a creative component.

  • Additional Programs

    • Curatorship Honours

      • Duration: 1 year

      • Focus: Theories and practices related to curatorship, in collaboration with the Centre for Curating the Archive and Iziko Museums.

      • Details: Develops skills in exhibition design, collection management, and curatorial research.

    • Art History Major (BA)

      • Focus: Study of visual and art history, including fine arts, architecture, design, and dress.

      • Details: Available as a major for students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree.



  1. AFDA - The School for the Creative Economy (Cape Town Campus)


They offer the following:


  • Higher Certificates

    • Film, Television and Entertainment Production

    • Performing Arts

    • Radio and Podcasting

  • Undergraduate degrees 

    • BA in Motion Picture Medium

    • BA in Live Performance

    • BA in Creative Writing

    • BCom in Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship

  • Postgraduate

    • BA Honors and an MFA in Motion Picture Medium.


Find their website here: https://afda.co.za/


  1. FEDISA Fashion School (Future Excellence Design Institute of South Africa)


Programs Offered in Fashion Design and Retail:


  • Higher Certificate

    • Higher Certificate in Applied Fashion – 1 year

      • Entry-level program for foundational fashion skills.

      • Covers fashion construction, textiles, pattern making, and garment creation.

  • Diploma

    • Diploma in Fashion Merchandising, Marketing & Media – 3 years

      • Focus on business and commercial aspects of fashion.

      • Modules include merchandising, marketing, visual merchandising, and retail management.

  • Degrees

    • BA Degree in Fashion Design – 3 years

      • Creative and technical program combining design skills and business knowledge.

      • Includes visual studies, clothing technology, and business practice.

    • BA Degree in Applied Fashion Retail – 3 years

      • Focus on retail and commercial fashion industry skills.

      • Covers fashion theory, merchandising, marketing, and visual merchandising.

    • BA Honours in Fashion – 1 year

      • Research-focused program for advanced analytical and business skills.

      • Includes research modules, work-integrated learning, and a mini-dissertation.


Find their website here: https://www.fedisa.co.za/


  1. AAA School of Advertising (Cape Town Campus)


The AAA School of Advertising Cape Town campus offers a comprehensive suite of accredited programs tailored for aspiring professionals in marketing, advertising, and creative fields. Here's an overview of the courses available:


  • Degrees (NQF Level 7)

    • BA in Marketing Communication (Contact & Online): Focuses on brand strategy, media planning, digital marketing, and client service.

    • BA in Creative Brand Communication (Contact & Online): Emphasizes creative strategy, copywriting, art direction, and brand storytelling.

  • Diplomas (NQF Level 6)

    • Diploma in Marketing Communication (Contact): Provides foundational knowledge in marketing principles, client service, and advertising.

    • Diploma in Visual Communication (Contact): Focuses on graphic design, typography, and visual storytelling.

  • Higher Certificates (NQF Level 5)

    • Higher Certificate in Marketing Communication (Contact): Designed for those seeking entry-level roles in marketing and communications.

    • Higher Certificate in Visual Communication (Contact): Introduces students to the basics of graphic design and visual media.

    • Higher Certificate in Digital Marketing (Online): Covers digital marketing strategies, social media, and e-commerce.

  • Honors Degree

    • BA Honors in Digital Marketing (Online): Advanced study in digital marketing, analytics, and brand management.

  • Foundation Program

    • AAA Foundation Program: A one-year preparatory course designed to equip students with essential academic skills for higher education in marketing and advertising.

  • Short Courses & Executive Training

    • Digital Marketing Academy: Offers specialized courses in areas like SEO, social media marketing, and digital advertising.

    • Marketing Communications Academy: Provides training in marketing strategy, brand management, and client service.


Find their website here: https://aaaschool.ac.za/


  1. Cape Town College of Fashion Design (CTCFD)


The Cape Town College of Fashion Design (CTCFD) offers a comprehensive range of accredited programs and short courses tailored for aspiring fashion professionals. Here's an overview of their offerings:


  • 3-Year Full-Time Diploma in Fashion Design

    • Combines practical modules like Fashion Design, Pattern Design, Garment Construction, and Digital Fashion Application with theoretical subjects such as Business Studies, Textiles, History of Design, Retail Management, Branding, and Styling.

  • 1-Year Foundation Fashion Program

    • Covers fundamental techniques in Fashion Design, Pattern Design, Garment Construction, Textiles, and Fashion Business & Marketing Principles.

  • Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design

    • Focuses on specialization in areas such as Fashion Buying, Brand Design, and includes an industry-relevant internship.

  • Short Courses

    • Digital Fashion Application: Courses in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and CorelDraw, focusing on their application in fashion design.

    • Foundation Fashion Design: Introduction to fashion illustration, design principles, and garment construction techniques.

    • Fashion Styling: Techniques and principles of styling for various fashion contexts.

    • Pattern Design & Garment Construction: Advanced skills in pattern making and garment creation.

    • Fashion Business & Marketing: Insights into the business side of fashion, including branding and marketing strategies.

    • Textiles & Fabric Knowledge: Understanding different fabrics and their applications in fashion.

    • History of Design & Costume: Study of the evolution of fashion and costume design.

    • Retail Management: Principles of managing fashion retail operations.


Find their website here: https://ctcfd.co.za/


  1. AIE (Academic Institute of Excellence)


AIE is a private higher-education and further-education provider in South Africa. It includes several campuses (e.g. Cape Town, Midrand, Pretoria, Johannesburg) and also provides online / hybrid / part-time study options.


Some of the creative fields AIE offers programs in include:


  • School of Art & Design

  • School of Music & Sound Production

  • School of Draughting & Technical Design

  • School of Beauty & Health Science


AIE School of Art & Design Courses:


  • Higher Certificates (NQF Level 5)

    • Higher Certificate in Digital Art (2D Animation & Digital Illustration)

    • Higher Certificate in Digital Art (3D Modelling, Animation & Visual Effects)

    • Higher Certificate in Digital Art (Game Art & Design)

    • Higher Certificate in Design (Interior)

    • Higher Certificate in Design (Inter-disciplinary Design)

    • Higher Certificate in Design (Graphic Design)

    • Higher Certificate in Design (Multimedia Design)

    • Higher Certificate in Product & Craft Design (Craft Design)

    • Higher Certificate in Product & Craft Design (Product Design)

    • Higher Certificate in Product & Craft Design (Jewellery Design)

    • Higher Certificate in Product & Craft Design (Furniture Design)

    • Higher Certificate in Design (Fashion Design)

    • Higher Certificate in Game Design & Development

  • Bachelor’s Degrees (NQF Level 7)

    • Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design

    • Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design

    • Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Design

    • Bachelor of Arts in Product & Craft Design: specialisations including Furniture Design, Craft Design, Product Design, Jewellery Design

    • Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts (2D Animation & Digital Illustration)

    • Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts (3D Modelling, Animation & Visual Effects)

    • Bachelor of Arts in Game Design & Development

  • Honors Degrees (NQF Level 8)

  • Bachelor of Arts Honors in Interior Design

  • Bachelor of Arts Honors in Visual Communication

  • Bachelor of Arts Honors in Multimedia Design

  • Foundation Program

  • Foundation Program (Design & Arts) – a bridging program to lay the foundation in design & arts skills.


Find their website here: https://aie.ac/


Aerial view of lush green vineyards on rolling hills beneath a clear blue sky, with a prominent mountain in the background.

  • Stellenbosch: Creative Excellence in the Winelands


1. Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography


This private institution offers:


  • Bachelor of Arts:

    • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication (3 years, full-time, NQF 7):

      • Majors include:

        • Applied Illustration

        • Art Direction

        • Graphic Design

        • Multimedia

        • Photography

      • The program offers a foundation year followed by specialization in the chosen major.

    • Bachelor of Arts Honors in Visual Communication (1 year, full-time, NQF 8):

      • Designed for students aiming to deepen their expertise in visual communication.

  • Higher Certificates:

    • Higher Certificate in Commercial Photography (1 year, full-time, NQF 5):

      • Covers technical theory, applied photography, visual literacy, professional photography, graphic design introduction, and videography for photographers.

    • Higher Certificate in Drawing (1 year, full-time, NQF 5):

      • Focuses on traditional, observational drawing and the theory underpinning this practice.

  • Short Courses:

    • Comprehensive Photography (1 week): Covers camera functions, exposure, composition, lighting, and basic Photoshop skills.

    • Cruise Ship Photography (2–3 weeks): Prepares photographers for work on cruise ships, including sales and customer service aspects.

    • Introduction to Printmaking (10 hours weekend workshop): Explores various printmaking techniques.

    • Introduction to Digital Marketing (Online, 4 hours per week): Covers the basics of digital marketing strategies.

    • Content Creation: Focuses on creating engaging content for various platforms.


Students can major in Applied Illustration, Art Direction, Graphic Design, Multimedia, or Photography, with a curriculum blending creative practice and business leadership.



2. Stellenbosch University – Visual Arts Department


Offers the following programs:

  • Undergraduate:

    • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts (4 years): Offers specializations in Fine Arts, Jewelry Design, Visual Communication Design, and Visual Studies. The program emphasizes an integrated approach, promoting the critical relationship between theory and practice.

  • Postgraduate:

    • BA Honors in Illustration: Explores expanded notions of illustration practices, acknowledging contemporary visual culture and current industry contexts.

    • MA in Visual Arts: Offers specialized postgraduate research in studio production within the broader areas of Visual Communication Design, Illustration, Jewelry Design, and Fine Art.

    • PhD in Visual Arts: Provides an opportunity for an independent, specialized, and advanced research project that makes an original and creative contribution to the broad discipline of media and the visual arts.


Find their website here: https://www0.sun.ac.za/visualarts/


3. Inscape Design Education


Offers the following courses:

  • Bachelor of Design (3 years, full-time):

    • Specializations include:

      • Interior Design

      • Fashion Design

      • Graphic Design

      • Jewelry Design

      • Interaction Design

      • Audio Visual Design

      • Environmental Design

      • Ideation Design

  • Advanced Diplomas:

    • User Experience Design (available on-campus and via distance learning)

  • Diplomas:

    • Graphic Design

    • Interior Design

  • Higher Certificates:

    • Architectural Technology (available on-campus and via distance learning)

    • Design Techniques

    • Fashion Design (available on-campus and via distance learning)

    • Interior Decorating (available on-campus and via distance learning)

  • Honors Degrees:

    • BA Honors in Design (available on-campus and via distance learning)


Inscape encourages open and innovative interactions, facilitating robust, intellectual, collaborative, and creative exchange among students and staff. The institution aims to help students develop their unique and authentic design for life, both socially and professionally.


Find their website here: https://www.inscape.ac/


  1. Lisa Brown International Academy (Stellenbosch Campus)


The Lisa Brown International Academy offers a diverse range of courses designed to equip students with practical skills in various creative industries. These courses are available both in-person at campuses, allowing for flexible learning options.


  • Interior Design

    • A comprehensive in-class course covering topics such as spatial planning, color theory, furniture and lighting design, interior styling, and visual presentation skills.

    • The course includes modules on residential design, e-commerce styling, set designing, home staging, and art directing.

  • Bridal Makeup

    • Focuses on makeup theory, product knowledge, and skincare.

    • Covers techniques for enhancing different facial features and transforming a bride's look from ceremony to reception.

    • Emphasizes the use of social media to promote work and explore different era makeup styles.

  • Fashion Makeup

    • Delves into high-fashion and editorial makeup, exploring the latest trends, techniques, and artistry secrets.

    • Builds upon bridal makeup expertise, refining techniques and introducing students to the fashion industry's intricacies.

    • Offers opportunities for students to participate in fashion shoots to enhance their portfolios.

  • Hairstyling

    • Designed to empower students with skills needed to excel in the bridal hairstyling industry.

    • Covers various hairstyling techniques, trends, and the creation of complete bridal looks.

    • Enables students to offer comprehensive bridal packages, combining makeup and hairstyling services.

  • Wedding Planning

    • An online course offering a balanced mix of film-based training, one-on-one tutorials, and global group projects.

    • Provides insights into the wedding planning industry, including coordination, vendor management, and client relations.

    • Offers access to volunteering and paid roles to enhance students' CVs and build industry contacts.

  • Social Media & Branding

    • Equips students with tools and knowledge to leverage social media effectively for business growth.

    • Covers strategies for content creation, audience engagement, and brand development.

    • Aims to empower students to harness the power of digital marketing to unlock their business's full potential.


Find their website here: https://lisabrown.co.za/


  1. Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion Design


The Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion Design offers a comprehensive range of accredited programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in the fashion industry.


  • Diploma in Fashion Design

    • Duration: 3 years (full-time)

    • Structure: The curriculum includes modules in fashion design, creative computing, drawing & illustration, basic fashion photography, pattern making, garment construction, technical drawing, business studies, and textile studies.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design

    • Duration: 3 years (full-time)

    • Objective: To engage students in both practical and theoretical aspects of fashion design, fostering critical thinking and professional methodology.

  • Advanced Diploma in Fashion

    • Duration: 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time)

    • Specialization: Allows students to focus on a specific area within fashion, such as apparel or accessory design.

  • Part-Time and Short Courses

    • Part-Time Fashion Design Course

    • Fashion Business Incubator Program (FBIP)


Find their website here: https://elizabethgalloway.co.za/


  1. Open Window (Stellenbosch Campus)


The Open Window Institute is a private higher education provider specializing in creative arts and technologies, they offer the following courses:


  • Postgraduate Programs (NQF Level 8)

    • Bachelor of Arts Honors in Visual Communication A full-time one-year (or part-time two-year) honors degree combining creative practice, research, and theory, with specialization options across numerous creative disciplines

    • Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice A research-oriented qualification that includes both theoretical study and hands-on creative work (NQF Level 8)

  • Undergraduate Degrees (NQF Level 7)

    • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication Design Includes majors in Communication Design, Illustration, and Photography

    • Bachelor of Film Arts Specialization options include Film & Television, Screen Acting, Production Design, Sound Design, Screenwriting, Motion Design, 3D Animation, and Game Design

    • Bachelor of Creative Technologies Offers majors in User Experience Design, Interactive Development, and Industrial Product Design

  • Higher Certificates (NQF Level 5)

    • Higher Certificate in Graphic Design

    • Higher Certificate in User Interface Design

    • Higher Certificate in Digital Film Production

    • Higher Certificate in 3D Animation: Modelling & Design

    • Higher Certificate in Photography and VideographyWikipediaopenwindow.co.za

  • Certificate & Short Courses

    • National Certificate (Full-time, ~1 year)

      • 3D Animation and Visual Effects (NQF Level 5)

      • Film and Television Production (NQF Level 5)

      • Photography (FET NQF Level 4)

      • Design Techniques – Communication Design (NQF Level 5)

      • Design Techniques – User Interface Design (NQF Level 5)

    • Short-Course Workshops & Professional Skills covering:

      • Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign

      • Camera Foundation, DSLR cinematography, film editing

      • HTML/CSS, JavaScript, motion graphics, physical computing, rapid prototyping

      • Screenwriting, studio photography, videography

      • Workshop series like Mobile Photography, 3D Animation, Illustration, Intro to Code, CAD, Game Design


Find their website here: https://www.openwindow.co.za/


Here are some top choices depending on your interest


Fine Art & Design


Animation & Game Design


Music & Sound Production


Fashion Design


Community & Foundation Schools


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Step 4: Admission Requirements


Requirements differ by qualification, but here’s a guide:

Qualification

Requirements

Higher Certificate

National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Higher Cert entry; English required; some accept portfolio-based entry. A matric without exemption is accepted - GED with SAQA conversion will be accepted.

Diploma

NSC with diploma pass (APS around 18+); portfolio; sometimes interview.

Bachelor’s Degree

NSC with bachelor pass (APS usually 25+); strong portfolio; interview/portfolio review for certain programs. You will need a matric with exemption as per USAf's requirements.

You’ll also typically need:

  • A portfolio of creative work

  • A motivation letter (why you want to study and your career vision)

  • Application form and fee


Step 5: Create a Standout Portfolio


Your portfolio is your golden ticket into art and creative programs. To stand out:


  1. Show Range – include sketches, paintings, digital designs, 3D models, animation clips, sound demos, or short films.

  2. Process Counts – add sketchbooks, drafts, storyboards, or early audio mixes.

  3. Select Your Best – 12–20 strong pieces are better than a large, unfocused collection.

  4. Tailor It – highlight work that fits your chosen course (e.g., demo reels for animation, soundscapes for audio, design mockups for visual communication).

  5. Professional Presentation – high-quality scans/photos, organized layout.

  6. Tell a Story – add short notes about your inspiration, tools, and creative choices.


Step 6: Application Process


Most creative colleges open applications between April and September for the next academic year.


Typical process:

  1. Choose your program and qualification level.

  2. Complete the online application form.

  3. Submit supporting documents (ID, Matric results, motivation letter).

  4. Upload or deliver your portfolio.

  5. Attend an interview or portfolio review (if required).

  6. Pay the application fee.

  7. Receive your admission letter and register.


Step 7: Plan Your Next Steps


You can visit each institution’s official site to explore their current prospectus, application deadlines, examples of modules, tuition info, and how to apply.


Once you’ve been accepted:

  • Apply for funding – NSFAS, bursaries, scholarships, or private loans.

  • Sort out accommodation if you’re studying away from home.

  • Get equipped – some programs may require laptops, drawing tablets, software, or sound equipment.

  • Keep creating – don’t stop making art before classes begin; it keeps your creativity sharp.


Final Thoughts


Whether you choose fine arts, design, animation, game design, music production, film or fashion design for your creative career path, South Africa’s creative colleges offer world-class training to help you succeed. From entry-level Higher Certificates to advanced degrees, there’s a pathway for every aspiring artist, designer, animator, or music producer.


Your journey begins with passion, persistence, and a well-prepared portfolio. Take the leap — your creative career starts here.



1 Comment

Unknown member
Sep 10

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