“We always talk about the industry and how we would make a difference.” - Katlego Phatlane, Design Student
South African Katlego Phatlane, talks about a pursuing a career in the design industry, a love for juice and a determination to push his abilities!
 
Tell us about your studying towards a career in Design? I was initially studying towards Architecture. However my Art teacher in grade 12 recommended I pursue Visual Communication ahead of Civil design. From that suggestion I grew to fall in love with this particular career path.

My studies are focussed on Creative Brand Communications and I am specialising in Visual Communication. Visual Communication unlike Multimedia Design is geared more towards art direction. I chose Visual Communication over Multimedia as I felt I needed a strong foundation from which I can expand on later. (FirstStep.me takes notes!)
 
I have a simple goal, and that is to always push my abilities. I love a good challenge, so I wouldn't want to lose that drive.
 
Describe an average day for you as a student? I do a lot of work at home and at school I am all over the place. I like being a creative student because you get to express your character at school. My Tertiary institute - Vega School - allows its students to fully express themselves, because we see ourselves as brands. Therefore I'm very energetic and I love being at school.
 
Do you kick-start your day off with a cup of coffee? I kick start my day with whatever I am craving that morning, which is usually dependent on what I had the night before. I am currently taking a break from coffee, but I'm now obsessed with Juice. I also love Oros…Oros is delicious. (The FirstStep.me team raises an eyebrow!)

 
What have been the highlights of student life so far? My friends are mostly in the same career choice or industry as me so that's quite exciting. We always talk about the industry and how we would make a difference.
 
Any career objectives? I would definitely like to own a creative studio one day!
 
If you could name your own planet what would you call it? Planet O-ros
 
Words of advice for the youth of the planet? Every single person has the power to follow their dream if they have the right attitude. So with a positive attitude comes great possibility.
 
Image source and credit: Katlego Phatlane