While many may argue the cornerstone of all success being the divine gift of talent, for University Of Johannesburg Honours Graduate, Thami Gwafa aka, 36 Karat, it is the 10 000 hours of skills development, heightened interest, and subsequent education that are at the forefront of his creative prowess.
Thami is a proud and passionate graphic designer who has clearly realized and acknowledge the power graphic design has in his field. He is constantly keeping up with dynamic approaches and incorporates them into his own work as a graphic designer. His greatest strengths are based in his ability to illustrate, photograph and advertise – as he has created beautiful designs from animations to brand identities. He is strongly influenced by people such as Annie Leibovitz, Shepard Fairey, Paul Rand and many more. He is also hugely interested in the Film industry and hopes to see himself amongst the best some day.
In a recent interview post engulfing the eager streets of Braamfontein with an awe-inspiring Halls #BreatheForIt mural, he was asked what he breathes for to which he answered:
I am heavily inspired by content that I enjoy consuming which can be my experiences of life and the world I am surrounded by. This I feel is heavily conveyed through my art, I can be inspired by specific colour grading from one of my favourite films or the way a random stranger looks. I am inspired by anything that I feel looks beautiful. I breathe for my family, friends and people that have helped me through my journey as an artist. I almost feel like it is my obligation to make them proud because I receive so much love from them. I breathe for Africa, I believe that I am a product of Africa and I have a duty to correct the rest of the world’s many misinterpretations of Africa.
Through the manipulation of typography, images and many other forms, he is able to create & inspire.
Connect With Thami Gwafa
Twitter: @ThamiXXXVI
Instagram: @thami36
Halls Image Credit: Themba Mbuyisa
Special Thanks To: Capacity Relations
