How I Found the Right Creative Path After Matric (And Why I Chose Cape Town Creative Academy)

Author : Barber Torp | Published On : 27 Mar 2026

When I finished matric, I knew one thing for sure:

I didn’t want a “normal” path.

I wasn’t interested in sitting in lectures just to memorise theory. I wanted to create, build ideas, tell stories, and design things that people actually interact with.

But here’s the problem…

I didn’t fully understand what that path looked like.

Step 1: Figuring Out What “Creative” Actually Meant for Me

At first, I thought I wanted to study graphic design.

Then I thought maybe advertising. Then maybe digital media.

I was all over the place.

What I was really trying to figure out was this:

How do I turn creativity into a real career?

That’s when I came across the field of communication design.

And everything clicked.

Step 2: Discovering Communication Design (And Why It Made Sense)

The more I researched communication design, the more I realised it’s not just about making things look good.

It’s about:

Solving problems through design
Communicating ideas visually and strategically
Combining creativity with real-world impact

It brings together:

Branding
Advertising
Digital design
User experience
Storytelling

It felt like the perfect mix of creative freedom and career opportunity.

Step 3: Why Cape Town Was the Obvious Choice

Once I knew what I wanted to study, the next question was where.

And honestly, Cape Town stood out immediately.

Here’s why:
It’s one of South Africa’s biggest creative hubs
Home to top agencies, studios, and startups
Constant exposure to art, design, and culture
Opportunities for internships and networking

If you want to build a creative career, environment matters, and Cape Town has that energy.

Step 4: Choosing the Right Institution (This Was Critical)

Not all creative schools are equal.

Some are too theoretical. Others don’t prepare you for real work.

I needed a place that:

Focuses on practical skills
Builds a strong portfolio
Connects you to industry

That’s when I found Cape Town Creative Academy.

Step 5: Why Cape Town Creative Academy Stood Out

After comparing a few options, this is why I chose them:

1. Portfolio-Driven Learning

In creative fields, your portfolio matters more than your marks.

At Cape Town Creative Academy:

You’re constantly creating real projects
You graduate with a body of work you can actually show

That was a big deal for me.

2. Industry-Relevant Skills

Their approach to communication design isn’t outdated or overly academic.

It’s focused on:

Real briefs
Current tools and software

Understanding how design works in business

That means you’re not just learning, you’re preparing for the industry.

3. Smaller, More Personal Learning Environment

I didn’t want to be just another number in a massive lecture hall.

What I liked:

More interaction with lecturers
Personal feedback on my work
A more collaborative, creative environment

That’s where real growth happens.

4. Location and Inspiration

Being in Cape Town adds another layer:

Inspiration everywhere
Access to creative communities
Exposure to trends and ideas

It doesn’t feel like you’re studying in isolation. You’re part of something bigger.

Step 6: How I Prepared for This Journey (What You Should Do Too)

If you’re thinking about going into communication design, here’s what I wish I did earlier:

1. Start Creating Now

Don’t wait for university.

Design posters
Build mock brands
Try social media visuals
Experiment with tools like Canva, Figma, and Photoshop

Your skills grow through doing.

2. Build a Simple Portfolio

Even before applying:

Collect your best work
Show your thinking, not just the final result

This helps you stand out.

3. Learn the Basics of Design Thinking

Understand:

Layout
Colour
Typography
Visual hierarchy

You don’t need to be perfect, just aware.

4. Stay Curious About the Industry

Follow:

Designers
Agencies
Creative trends

The more you see, the more you understand where you fit.

Step 7: What This Journey Means to Me

Choosing this path felt risky at first.

Creative careers aren’t always seen as “safe”.

But I realised something important:

There’s huge demand for people who can think creatively and communicate ideas effectively.

And communication design sits right at the centre of that.