STUDENT OF THE YEAR
This year’s AdFocus winner is Jané Louw, who is in her final year of a BA in visual communication at the Cape Town Creative
Academy. The judges said her body of work is astounding, showing unbelievable versatility and a level of craft and execution seldom seen from a student. Cape Town Creative
Academy’s Clayton Sutherland says Louw deftly avoids anything resembling a style trap. “Jané is one of those students who tries for a unique visual solution to the problem. It means moving out of her comfort zone and exploring an unfamiliar style. Jané is bright, a little quirky and adventurous.”
Louw loves creating things that feel like they live and breathe with people instead of just existing within their own confines. Motivated by the beauty she sees in the world and the power in consciously choosing a positive perspective, she says: “The ability to create an experience for someone that can induce joy, disgust or even confusion is what excites me about design. I want to share the joy I find in mundane things. There are lots of awful things happening in the world and sometimes it does feel absurd to be ruminating over type sizes and colour combinations. But cool design can make people happy and have a major impact on their experience of the world around them.”
‘THE ABILITY TO CREATE AN EXPERIENCE FOR SOMEONE THAT CAN INDUCE JOY, DISGUST OR EVEN CONFUSION IS WHAT EXCITES ME ABOUT DESIGN’ JANÉ LOUW, STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Philippa Scholtz is in her final year of a BA in visual communication, majoring in illustration. She’s loved illustrating for as long as she can remember. “To me, illustration, as a medium, is an opportunity for engaged looking, connection, appreciation for the depth and detail of our world and the people in it; fostering love rather than fear. By training as an illustrator, I hope to be able to help people find a new way to see.”
Her lecturer, Stephanie Simpson, says: “Pippa is an exceptionally creative student whose work consistently exudes a playful nature and is executed with impeccable craftsmanship. Her illustrations possess a whimsical charm that invites the audience into a magical world. What sets her apart is her ability to tackle challenging topics, often speaking from the perspective of marginalised individuals. She consistently goes the extra mile and is a genuinely kind and considerate individual.”
Xolisa Tamarana is completing a one-year higher certificate in graphic design and has already secured an internship with Ogilvy. He describes his creative style as a combination of minimalism with organic shapes and forms.
Passionate about serving and contributing, he loves being challenged. “I like the idea of building something together. I often compete in hackathons and I’ve even won three times.”
His lecturer, Nini van der Walt, describes him as a thoroughbred creative who lives for his craft. “Xolisa eats, breathes and sleeps design and illustration. His work ethic and creative process are admirable. He sees the world in just a little more detail than the rest of the world; seeing the reality of life in people's faces and behaviour, but always sprinkling it with a bit more colour and magic. A true talent who never surrenders, and creates with integrity."
Natalie Ray is in her third year of a BA in visual communication. She already has a higher certificate in graphic design under her belt. She describes her current illustration style as comic-inspired surrealism with a touch of tattoo culture, and her design style as minimal with a touch of controlled chaos — while trying to shout inclusivity and diversity one illustration and design at a time. After matriculating, Ray lived in Asia for two years, which allowed her to grow and learn about herself. Not surprisingly, it’s also influenced her style of art. “I’m a mega art nerd and I’m constantly learning new things through online courses.” Her lecturer, Stephanie
Simpson, says Ray has constantly excelled, even amid a full-blown pandemic. “Her work consistently carries a rebellious edge, addressing current issues with profound insights.
She delves deep to challenge her own preconceptions, resulting in unique and compelling visuals. This year she had the distinction of being a finalist in both the Loeries and the Pendoring Awards with her fantastic rebranding of