Based on insights from The Careers Handbook
Diving into the Career Galaxy: Categories and Hidden Gems
The handbook charts out over a dozen mega-categories, each bursting with job ideas. I’ve reimagined this as a “career buffet” pick what tantalizes your taste buds. I’ll list ’em with a twist: Quick hooks on why they rock, plus standout jobs.
Arts, Crafts & Design: The Coolest Corner of the Career Universe
(1) PRODUCT DESIGNER
The mastermind who turns everyday objects into things people actually want to touch, hold, and show off. You’re part inventor, part psychologist, part artist sketching sneakers one day, rethinking how we drink coffee the next. Think Apple, Dyson, or that viral TikTok gadget everyone suddenly “needs.” You live where creativity meets real-world function, and your portfolio is basically a love letter to problem-solving.
SALARY (South Africa)
Newly Qualified: R15,000 – R22,000 p/m
Experienced: R35,000 – R65,000+ p/m (specialists & senior designers can earn more)
SKILLS NEEDED:
- Creative thinking with strong visual imagination
- Ability to plan and manage projects from idea to final product
- Excellent numerical ability for measurements & calculations
- Strong communication skills for presenting concepts
- CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software proficiency
- Detail-orientated mindset
- Problem-solving and user-focused design approach
YOUR INTERESTS
- Art & design
- Engineering or building things
- Drawing & sketching
- Graphic design
- Physics & maths
- Technology and how things work
Entry Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, Industrial Design, or Engineering
- A strong design portfolio
- Optional: Postgraduate studies for advanced technical fields
Lifestyle
Product designers usually work office hours but often extend their day when deadlines approach. Most of the design process happens on computers, though they also test prototypes and meet clients.
LOCATION
Commonly based in design studios or company offices. Travel may be required to visit factories, suppliers, or clients.
THE REALITIES
It’s a highly competitive industry. Designers must stay updated with new technology, market trends, and user behaviour. Networking is key to getting opportunities and building a solid reputation.
RELATED CAREERS
- Jewellery designer
- Interior designer
- Architectural technician
- Creative technologist
- Design engineer
- Exhibition designer
- UX/UI designer
FAMOUS FACES
Siya Xuza (South African industrial designer & engineer who worked with NASA-inspired products)
Jonathan Ive (the legend behind Apple’s iMac, iPod & iPhone — the ultimate product design icon)
(2) TEXTILE DESIGNER
A textile designer creates the patterns, textures, and materials used in clothing, upholstery, décor items, and technical fabrics. They work with colours, fibres, and fabric structures to produce designs that are both visually appealing and practical. Designers also collaborate with buyers, manufacturers, and marketing teams to ensure textiles meet commercial needs.
SALARY (South Africa)
Newly Qualified: R12,000 – R18,000 p/m
Experienced: R25,000 – R45,000+ p/m
Skills Needed
- Strong artistic and creative ability
- Understanding of fabrics, fibres, and dyes
- Ability to analyse the properties of different materials
- CAD & digital design software knowledge
- Good communication & teamwork skills
- Commercial awareness for trends & customer needs
- Attention to texture, colour, and detail
Your Interests
- Art & craft
- Fashion
- Sewing or knitting
- Chemistry or material science
- Textile technology
- Digital design
Entry Qualifications
- Degree in Textile Design or Fashion
- Some designers enter through vocational training or working as a machinist/pattern cutter
- A strong design portfolio helps significantly
Lifestyle
Generally regular hours, though deadlines can mean extra time at the studio. Freelancers often work from home. Travel may be needed for trade shows and factory visits.
Location
Work is usually office- or studio-based. Many opportunities are located in major cities where textile companies and fashion houses operate.
The Realities
It’s a competitive field with more applicants than positions. Designers must stay on top of trends, new materials, and specialised textile markets. Creativity is essential, but so is business sense.
Related Careers
- Clothing & Textile Technologist
- Furniture Designer
- Wallpaper Designer
- Interior Designer
- Fashion Designer
- Textile Conservator
Famous Examples
William Morris – Historic textile designer known for classic patterns
Zandra Rhodes – Fashion and textile designer with a distinctive style
3. GRAPHIC DESIGNER
(Arts, Crafts & Design)
A graphic designer turns ideas into visuals that communicate clearly and attractively. They design digital and print materials such as logos, posters, packaging, websites, and social media graphics. Their work blends creative visuals with strategic communication, ensuring brands and businesses connect effectively with their audience.
SALARY (South Africa)
Newly Qualified: R10,000 – R18,000 p/m
Experienced: R25,000 – R45,000+ p/m (specialists & agency seniors can earn more)
Skills Needed
- Strong creativity & visual awareness
- Mastery of software like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
- Good layout, colour, and typography sense
- Ability to interpret briefs accurately
- Time management and multitasking
- Communication & presentation skills
- Knowledge of digital formats, print specs & social media standards
Your Interests
- Drawing or digital art
- Branding & marketing
- Typography
- Colour theory
- Media, advertising, and visual culture
- Storytelling through visuals
Entry Qualifications
- Diploma or degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or Digital Media
- Strong portfolio demonstrating creativity and skill
- Optional: certificates in UI/UX or digital marketing
Lifestyle
Graphic designers work mostly at studios or agencies, though freelancing is very common. Hours can be flexible, but deadlines often demand overtime, especially during campaigns or print runs.
Location
Design agencies, marketing companies, printing houses, tech firms, or freelance remote work from home.
The Realities
It’s a competitive field where your portfolio matters more than your qualifications. Clients and employers expect fast turnarounds, trend awareness, and adaptability.
Related Careers
- Illustrator
- UI/UX Designer
- Web Designer
- Animator
- Branding Specialist
- Art Director
Famous Examples
Paula Scher – Renowned designer from Pentagram
Saul Bass – Iconic film poster & title sequence designer
4. PHOTOGRAPHER
(Arts, Crafts & Design)
Description
A photographer captures images that tell stories, document events, promote brands, or express creative ideas. They work with composition, lighting, lenses, and editing tools to produce high-quality photos for clients, publications, or personal projects.
SALARY (South Africa)
Newly Qualified: R8,000 – R15,000 p/m (varies heavily with freelance jobs)
Experienced: R20,000 – R45,000+ p/m (weddings & commercial work earn more)
Skills Needed
- Strong eye for composition and detail
- Technical understanding of cameras & lighting
- Editing skills (Lightroom, Photoshop)
- Creativity & timing
- Good interpersonal skills for directing clients
- Ability to work under pressure (events, deadlines)
Your Interests
- Visual storytelling
- Art and creativity
- Travel & people
- Nature, fashion, or sports
- Technology & camera gear
Entry Qualifications
- Photography course or diploma (optional but useful)
- Apprenticeship or assisting a professional photographer
- Portfolio showcasing a range of styles
- Self-study and practice can also lead to success
Lifestyle
Often irregular hours — early mornings, late evenings, and weekend events. Travel is common depending on specialization. Much time is also spent editing at a computer.
Location
Studios, outdoor locations, events, corporate shoots, magazines, or freelance work from home.
The Realities
Income can fluctuate, especially for freelancers. Competition is high, and photographers must invest in quality equipment and continuously market themselves.
Related Careers
- Videographer
- Photojournalist
- Graphic Designer
- Retoucher
- Art Director
- Content Creator
Famous Examples
Annie Leibovitz – Celebrated portrait photographer
Steve McCurry – Known for his iconic “Afghan Girl” image
Sources: Adapted from DK’s The Careers Handbook (2022).
