Taking African design abroad

Karabo Moletsane, award-winning illustrator, designer and business owner, is teaching the female youth about job creation in South Africa, one illustration at a time.

Moletsane was born in Joburg, but grew up in Vereeniging and later honed her talent for graphic designing at the Open Window School of Visual Communication.

Once leaving school, she started her own graphic design company called Mother Tongue – Creative House.

“It’s a creative agency that’s dedicated to the preservation of the African aesthetic. I’ve always been super passionate about the things that make Africa so quirky and the aesthetic so visually pleasing,” Moletsane said.

“The aim of the agency is to preserve that and also give it a global perspective to see how we can put African aesthetic in design and market it.”

The business-minded creative has taken her work as far abroad as the Wall Street Journal, but taking her work worldwide is not her only motive.

Moletsane also aims to shed light on the potential of graphic designers in Africa and to show the youth that creative fields are indeed viable career paths – as opposed to focusing on ‘The Big Five’ common careers that the youth usually steer towards.

“I want young girls to know that they don’t have to be apprehensive about going into a creative career,” she said.

The passionate businesswoman does not only focus on growing her brand and getting African design out there, but she is also interested in educating young people, especially women, about this creative career path.

Moletsane, together with the University of Potchefstroom, hosts talks at a number of high schools, where she lets students in on her experiences in school and as a woman in the creative workforce.

The university and Moletsane recognise the expenses that come with working as a creative and that is why they financially aid students who have a real passion for all that is creative.

Aside from this partnership, she is also working on a programme to take in young female creatives and helps them hone in on their skills and learn the business of the trade.

Molestane is taking African graphics abroad, and bringing other young creatives along with her.

Details: www.mother-tongue.co.za