For some reason when I went searching for local typographers for this installment of the South African Creatives feature most of those I liked came from Cape Town (maybe there is something in the water). But, if you are a super awesome typographer from Johannesburg or anywhere else in South Africa get in touch. I’d love to see your work. Let’s get cracking…
It is impossible to mention excellent local typographers without mentioning Jordan Metcalf. His work is truly exceptional and he has raised the bar in terms of the quality of local typography and graphic design being produced today. I count myself lucky to own one of his earlier works titled “Oh What Fun” (see the last image).
Studio Muti is the creative pairing of Clinton Campbell and Miné Jonker. I like how their work is strongly influenced by local typography styles, like hand painted shop signage.
Ben Johnston is a self-taught designer and typographer whose work I discovered while looking for laser cut typography. He did a great typographic series on wood.
Warwick Kay is more a designer than a typographer, but I loved this Fynbos lettering that was featured in iJusi Portfolio #2 (Afrika Typografika) so much I had to feature it. The portfolio explored concepts surrounding lettering and typography that are integral to the image in the context of the ‘African Experience’.
Shaun Gardner is a designer and illustrator, who is also involved in Fuhrer tees and the online magazine B Fam. He shows a lot of diversity in the creation of his type.
Bruce Mackay channels his talents in fine art into delicate pictoral typography. His fine art is really beautiful too.
Rudi de Wet is known for his fun and vibrant hand drawn lettering. He is a great typographer.
Slick vector typography by Nick Mills.
Last, but not least, is Clement de Bruin who has a bold, graphic style in both his illustration and typography.
