African stories carry power, magic and beauty worth sharing. Through his powerful and relatable illustrations, 24-year-old Tshepo Masilo merges modernity and tradition to shine light on African experiences. 

Born and bred in a small community in Parys, the award-winning African storyteller and illustrator uses paintings and digital illustrations to express himself, while also appreciating the stories behind everyday township life.

From the inviting, smoky aroma of spicy chicken feet on a braai stand, to the laughter of children as they push worn out car wheels on a dusty road, Masilo meticulously captures and shares it all. 

Speaking to Nounouche, he touched on his childhood and how it has contributed to the individual he is today. 

The talented creative laughingly shared that he was an extremely troublesome child. Raised in an environment filled with love and support, he remembers being the boy who used to draw a lot. 

Upon completing high school, Masilo was not really certain of the career path he wanted to pursue. 

“My sister was working in corporate at the time. She told me about Graphic Design and said I must go for it because I love to draw,” he said. 

Re-directed back to his realness 

In studying towards his qualification in Graphic Design, Masilo was initially met with some challenges, both socially and academically. 

“I went to a private institution. I got there and I found ‘cheese boys’ and ‘cheese girls’. I’m from the hood so I couldn’t really relate to them.”

He also struggled with the course itself and thus had to repeat his first year.

During that period, he had to ask himself some really important questions. Instead of wanting to fit in by doing what everybody else was doing, he had to define his Graphic Design journey for himself. Things began to change when he poured out his authentic self into his work.

“I feel like I needed that reset and that change of direction. From there, I just started getting straight A’s and everyone was just shocked.”

Today, the award-winning illustrator continues to authentically tell African stories through his work. 

“We’re not really represented as Africans. I just feel like everybody goes to school, learns how to do this thing [design] and they do whatever the overseas guys are doing, or whatever someone in the market is doing,” he said. 

When asked about some of the favourite works he has created, Masilo clarified that each piece is different and comes with different emotions. He did, however, share Ko Mochineng: By The Arcade as one of his recent favourites. 

“It tells the story of easier times when you would go to the arcade with 50c. From that 50c, you’d be happy the whole day and you’d spend most of your time there,” he reminisced. 

Masilo also uses his work to share the story of his own life and to cement his truth.

“I grew up with low self-confidence. I kept to myself and didn’t say much. This is a space for me to tell people who I am, what I like and where I’m from.”

A creative journey of excellence 

From the student who experienced challenges in his first year of Graphic Design, to becoming an award-winning illustrator, Masilo’s story is one of perseverance and excellence. 

Some of his achievements include being chosen as the Young Gauteng Top 5 Creative Talents and showcasing his work at Decorex Africa – a platform at the forefront of décor, design and lifestyle trends. 

He has also received recognition through the Pendoring Awards which shine the spotlight on authentically South African visual messaging and advertising. 

Moreover, the talented creative has worked alongside reputable brands such as Takealot and Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream. 

As he continues to thrive in the creative industry, Masilo lives each day by his formula of five words. He also recommends it to fellow creatives who yearn for success:

1. Resilience: If you tried to paint yesterday and it didn’t work out, try again. Today might be a better day. If it’s not, try again tomorrow. 
2. Courage: Just have the courage to try something you’ve never tried before. 
3. Perseverance: You should also persevere. Always be willing to figure it out. One day, it will work out. But how will you know if you don’t keep doing it over and over again? 
4. Discipline: Have the discipline to hold yourself accountable to being better and doing better each and every day. 
5. Focus: Stay focused and give it your all.