Cape Town is a rising powerhouse for the creative and design industries. From boutique agencies and global studios to innovative start-ups and NGOs, the Mother City is home to some of the most exciting graphic design jobs in South Africa today.

Thanks to its blend of coastal lifestyle, entrepreneurial energy, and cultural diversity, Cape Town has become a magnet for young creatives looking to make their mark. If you're starting your graphic design career or relocating to the Western Cape, you’ll find opportunities in everything from digital branding to UI/UX design, motion content, and beyond.

Why Cape Town Is a Creative Hotspot

Cape Town’s creative economy is dynamic—and that means a wide variety of roles and career paths for designers. Here are some of the most in-demand positions to consider in 2025:

In-house designer: Work directly within a brand—especially in industries like e-commerce, tourism, fashion, and hospitality.
Agency designer: Join creative teams at top local agencies working across branding, packaging, digital, and social.
Junior art/creative director: These hybrid roles require both conceptual thinking and design execution, often evolving from mid-weight designers.
Freelance designer: Support start-ups, SMEs, and NGOs with branding, content, or one-off design projects.
UI/UX designer: In tech-driven roles, you’ll blend design thinking with product functionality.
Motion & content designer: With Cape Town’s booming influencer and social content market, motion design is highly valued.

Not sure where to start? Platforms like Behance, LinkedIn Jobs, and Glassdoor can help you explore these roles daily.

Where to Find Graphic Design Jobs in 2025

If you're ready to apply, bookmark these go-to job boards and platforms:

OfferZen: While tech-focused, they list design jobs in product and UI/UX.
Bizcommunity: A reliable South African resource for creative jobs in Cape Town.
LinkedIn Jobs: Filter by location and job type, and set alerts for new listings.
Glassdoor: Offers company reviews alongside job postings.
Behance Job Board: Ideal for freelance and design-specific opportunities.
WeLoveRemote / RemoteAfrica: Great for remote gigs with African and international startups.

And of course, keep an eye on our own Legs Brands opportunities if you're interested in remote creative collaboration.

Skills Employers Are Looking For in 2025

Whether you’re applying to top agencies like King James or The Jupiter Drawing Room, or landing a freelance client from LinkedIn, here’s what employers want to see in a designer this year:

Software fluency: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), plus Figma for UI and collaborative work.
Brand systems thinking: Understanding how design scales across digital, print, motion, and user experience—not just pretty visuals.
Motion design: Not essential, but a strong differentiator, especially for content-heavy brands.
Portfolio quality: A clean, focused, and easy-to-navigate online or PDF portfolio still reigns supreme.
Professionalism: Responsiveness, attention to detail, and the ability to take feedback well are non-negotiables.

Tips for Landing the Role

Getting the job isn’t just about having the skills—it’s about packaging them right and knowing how to approach potential employers.

Tailor your portfolio: If you’re applying to lifestyle brands or boutique agencies, show relevant work. Keep it concise—5 to 7 strong projects is enough.
Intro email etiquette: Keep your messages short, clear, and custom. Name the person (not just “To Whom It May Concern”), show you’ve done your homework, and include a direct link to your portfolio.
Stand out as a beginner: If you’re just starting out, freelance while you apply. Pro bono work, personal projects, or community collabs show initiative.
Follow-up smartly: If you haven’t heard back after 7–10 working days, a friendly check-in shows professionalism and interest—without being pushy.

Legs Brands' Perspective: Remote Collaboration Across SA

While our CEO is based in Ballito, Legs Brands collaborates with creatives across South Africa—including Cape Town. We’ve partnered with local illustrators, motion designers, and photographers for client work ranging from surf apparel to NGO campaigns.

We believe great design comes from great collaboration—regardless of your postal code. Whether you're sitting in Sea Point or Salt Rock, if you’ve got the talent, we want to see it.

Our newest in-house graphic designer and digital marketer is proudly based in Cape Town—bringing fresh energy, local insight, and world-class creativity to the Legs Brands team. As we continue to grow remotely, Cape Town remains a key creative hub for discovering emerging talent and building impactful work across industries.

Cape Town Is Calling

If you’re ready to build your design career in South Africa, there’s no better place than Cape Town to get started. With a vibrant community, diverse job market, and room to grow across agencies, start-ups, and remote teams, the opportunities are real—and so is the competition.

Start by tightening your portfolio, following design studios, and bookmarking top job boards. And don’t forget—Legs Brands is always open to meeting new talent.

Looking to grow your graphic design career—wherever you are? At Legs Brands, we collaborate with remote creatives across SA.

Reach out with your portfolio or follow us for upcoming roles.

Reach out

Top Graphic Design Jobs in South Africa: 2025 Career Guide