As part of our ongoing Artist Series celebrating young African creatives, we sat down with Thandolwethu Mashicila, the talented student, visual designer, and founder of Apollo Incorporated to chat about our latest t-shirt collaboration "A Real Creative in Transit." His insights on creativity, entrepreneurship, and the future of African design reveal why he's a rising voice in Johannesburg's creative scene.

Living the Artist Life

For Thandolwethu, the journey of balancing education with running Apollo Incorporated has crystallized an important truth: entrepreneurship isn't just about business—it's about creating space to fully live as an artist. "It has made me realize how important it is to be entrepreneurial as an artist, for the sake of living the artist life rather than having art be something completely separate from your professional life," he reflects.

The Creative Process: More Than a Moment

The "A Real Creative in Transit" t-shirt design emerged from a thoughtful process of moodboarding and careful composition. But beyond the technical elements, the design carries a deeper message about creativity itself. As Thandolwethu explains, "True creatives are never stagnant. Creativity is not a moment but rather a constant state of being." The design serves as both an artwork and a gentle manifesto—a reminder that creative perspectives shape how we move through the world.

Challenges as Catalysts

When discussing the challenges facing emerging African creatives, Thandolwethu points to resource constraints—whether due to cost or accessibility. Yet he sees these limitations as potential catalysts for innovation: "That very challenge then opens room for opportunity where a new path may be forged to bridge the resource gap or completely rethink the necessity of the resource in achieving the desired outcome."

He also highlights a powerful opportunity for African creatives today: "Whether a clothing brand, visual artist or musician, emerging African creatives are now at the crux of a boom where they can cater directly to their audience as the audience is yearning for an original, non-westernised voice."

A Vision of Community

Looking to the future of African creativity, Thandolwethu envisions "a diaspora of togetherness within Africa where it is not only a fact acknowledged but a principle lived by that we need each other and simultaneously are all that we need." His hope is that initiatives like our Artist Series can help "springboard African creatives to each other, easing the burden of lack of accessibility and opening each other to a wider range of communities."

Dream Collaborations

While already making waves with Apollo Incorporated, Thandolwethu's aspirations include collaborating with Alphabet Zoo on an illustration zine, reimagining the Joburg Theatre's brand identity, and creating illustrative cover art for Thandiswa Mazwai. These dreams reflect his commitment to pushing creative boundaries while celebrating African culture.

Start Today, Start Now

When asked for advice to fellow creatives, Thandolwethu keeps it simple yet powerful: "Start today, start now. There's no better time to start than now." It's this spirit of action and possibility that makes him such an exciting collaborator for our Artist Series.

The "A Real Creative in Transit" t-shirt is available now as part of our Artist Series celebrating young African creatives. Follow @apollotheillustrator and apolloincorporated_ to keep up with Thandolwethu's work.