A Creative's Guide to Collaborating with Multinational Brands and Steps to Earn Your Worth: Bonolo Chepape

The Lead Creative

Collaborating with multinational brands helps independent creatives to grow their businesses and reach more audiences. Bonolo Chepape, founder and Creative Director of Lulasclan, has worked with many recognisable brands, adding her distinct signature as a multi-talented textile and graphic designer.

Bonolo has collaborated with Nando’s, Smeg, Mr Price Home and many others enabling them to stand out with her unique creative approach.

Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

• Do your research. Understand the values of the brands you admire and ensure that your work aligns with their aesthetic and mission.
• Create a portfolio that showcases your best work. Highlight your unique skills and perspective.
• Reach out to brands. Don't be afraid to send a cold email or connect with someone on LinkedIn.
• Set a paid social media budget. Set aside a budget to market your work on social media and other digital platforms.

Chepape shares thoughts on the importance of African creatives championing their design aesthetic and telling their stories through their work.

"As African creatives, we have a responsibility to champion our design aesthetic and tell our stories through our work," she says. "Together, we can embed it into art and history."

Bonolo also posed questions to fellow creatives Thebe Magugu, Laduma Ngxokolo of MaXhosa, and Bathu, about their approach to work, business growth, and the creative process.

Audio editing and production by: Maishe Rakgoale
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