Digital Artist Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Plans, designs, develops and prepares information for publication and reproduction using text, symbols, pictures, colours and layout to achieve commercial and communicating needs with particular emphasis on tailoring the message for the intended audience.
What does a Digital Artist do?
A Digital Artist creates visual material for communication, publication, advertising and reproduction. The work may involve combining text, symbols, images, colour and layout so that a message is clear and suited to its intended audience. Depending on the area of work, a Digital Artist may focus on illustration, animation, character design, film and video graphics, exhibition displays, publication design or art direction.
Specialisations
Alternative job titles
How to become a Digital Artist in South Africa
- Develop strong visual communication skills, including the use of images, colour, typography and layout to communicate a specific message.
- Practise creating digital artwork for different audiences and purposes, such as advertising, publications, displays or film and video graphics.
- Build a portfolio that shows a range of work and highlights any preferred specialisation, such as illustration, animation, character design, publication design or exhibition design.
- Consider relevant education or practical training in visual communication and digital art. There is no single universal qualification pathway for this career, so compare current options with recognised providers.
- Seek practical opportunities to receive feedback, refine your work and demonstrate that you can tailor visual messages to commercial and communication needs.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
A strong portfolio and the ability to adapt visual work for a particular audience are valuable preparation. Digital Artists may develop in different directions, including advertising, publication, exhibition, film and video graphics, lettering, animation or art direction. Confirm current course, provider and assessment details with the relevant recognised provider or official body before enrolling.
Useful school subjects
- English
- Computer Applications Technology
- Information Technology
- Business Studies
Skills that may help
- Visual communication
- Drawing and image-making
- Use of colour
- Typography and lettering
- Layout and composition
- Creative problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Adapting messages for different audiences