Lecturer in Illustration

OPEN WINDOW CENTURION 

Vacancy: Lecturer in Illustration (full-time)

Are you an enthusiastic illustrator that is passionate about facilitating the learning of others and empowering future creatives?
The School of Creative Visual Communication at Open Window is seeking to appoint a lecturer in Illustration in a permanent post.

About The Open Window

The Open Window (OW) is an accredited private higher education institution recognised for setting innovative standards in the field of visual arts and digital sciences. Founded in 1994, OW has a focus on providing a unique tertiary platform where practice-led tuition links traditional fine art practice with the applied arts. Emphasis is placed on continual innovation within curricula so as to maintain relevance in the rapidly evolving creative arts industries. Many Open Window lecturers, in addition to their academic roles, are actively engaged in creative practice – and we encourage our lecturers to maintain their links to industry. Our investment in highly qualified and industry relevant staff is deemed critical in directing our students in work-integrated learning projects of value. 

Open Window is known for:

• Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication Design 

• Bachelor of Film Arts

• Bachelor of Arts in Creative Technologies

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Visual Communication

• Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice

 

About Illustration at The Open Window (Department of Visual Communication)

Illustration is a specialisation focused on the visual communication of ideas, making visuals that portray clear messages and narratives in a meaningful and accessible manner. The subject is directed at equipping students with a strong sense of creative confidence that allows them to effectively communicate ideas in a variety of traditional and digital mediums and visual styles within the broader context of illustration. The course introduces students to a diverse range of illustration based mediums and practices, ranging from traditional applications, to the digital. Various applications of illustration are explored, ranging from children’s book illustration, to murals, editorial illustration and so forth. The subject places value on strong creative and imaginative thinking abilities and highlights the importance of explorative creative processes. Students are taught to consider how carefully crafted images can communicate effectively through the application of diverse visual communication based strategies.

 

Role Description:
We are interested in appointing a candidate that seeks meaningful connection through the facilitation of learning and student mentorship. The successful candidate will join a committed and enthusiastic group of academics and professionals in Open Window’s School of Visual Communication– a department that places focus on how ideas communicate meaningfully.

On a broad level, the candidate will be responsible for teaching the subject Illustration and its various components to undergraduate students across three year levels. This role entails the following:

General Lecturer responsibilities:

• Facilitation of learning: Teach at an undergraduate level in the subject Illustration in both physical and digitally mediated environments
• Curriculum development: Maintain and develop existing course content
• Course content and documentation: Create and provide course related notes, briefs and other documents
• Student support: Mentor students and provide ongoing support through contact sessions and digital channels and fostering a dynamic learning environment and nurturing students’ growth.
• Assessment: Conduct formative and summative assessments and record and finalise student achievements within the subject
• Event participation and initiation: Attend and participate in Open Window related events and initiatives such as open days and graduation ceremonies
• Ideation and discussion: Participation in strategic initiatives related to teaching, creative production, research and social engagement within the Open window environment
• Subject administration: Setup, send, record, file and backup subject-related documentation and processes
• Collaboration: Collaborate with other lecturers and subjects in order to facilitate growth and development
• Subject specialist: Applicant should demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the South African illustration industry and show insight into the global illustration context. Applicants should demonstrate curiosity and interest in the development of the field of illustration in terms of its positioning in industry as well as an educational context.
• Maintain and further develop knowledge of digital and traditional workflow and processes. The applicant should be proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and ideally ProCreate and must remain informed regarding software updates. Insight and ongoing development of skills relating to traditional mediums and their application is also essential. Furthermore, an understanding of diverse print applications is also required and should be developed.
• Industry relationships: Maintain industry relationships in order to establish industry related opportunities and collaborations.

Role related software knowledge requirements:
The role requires competency in the following software:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator
• Basic proficiency in Adobe InDesign
• Procreate
• Google Suite (Google Sheets, Google Docs etc.)
• Mac OS competency

Role related traditionally based illustration requirements:
The role requires competency in the following skills:

• Basic competency/understanding of the properties of traditional mediums such as Ink, Gouache, Fineliner
• Basic competency in diverse printing methods such as linocut and screenprinting

GENERAL BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES

• • Good interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills
  • Self-motivation and regulation
  • Strong visual intelligence and aesthetic sensibility and conceptual thinking abilities
  • Enthusiasm towards the subject(s) and field(s)
  • Display a good grasp of the industry (locally and internationally) as well as the discourse related to the field of illustration
  • Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
  • Capable of working in a team (very important!)

• Emotional maturity and soft skills for interpersonal development of both colleagues and students

• Problem solving and problem framing skills / ideation and conceptual abilities

• Be able to cope under pressure, and meet deadlines
• Be dynamic, adaptable, and a creative thinker with administrative skills
• Lifelong learner attributes and willingness to adopt and implement new skills and knowledge.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A minimum NQF Level 8 qualification (Honours degree or equivalent) in Illustration/Graphic Design/Information Design. Preference for candidates with a Master’s degree.
• Must provide a comprehensive industry based illustration portfolio (featuring a short description of each project) and should be a practising illustrator. 

Added advantages for this position:

• Basic Communication Design related skills (Focus: Layout and Typography)
• Experience in facilitation of learning at tertiary level / curriculum development
• Teaching qualification / Masters qualification
• Diverse knowledge of various printing processes (digital and traditional)
• Visual Arts related skills 

 

Remuneration:

R320 000 – R400 000 per annum

(negotiable within the indicated annual remuneration range, as commensurate with the incumbent’s overall experience and qualification level)

No additional benefits are on offer, other than a Retirement Annuity of which Open Window contributes towards.

 

Application Process:

To apply please include your CV, portfolio (or portfolio link) and a motivational cover letter explaining why you are interested in the illustration lecturer position at Open Window.

Closing Date for applications is 10 January 2024.

*Please note that we are hoping for the successful candidate to assume the position in early February.

Please note: 

• The Open Window reserves the right to retract the position advertised without notice. 

• In support of the company’s Employment Equity plan, applicants from designated groups are encouraged to apply. 

• No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements. 

• Should you not receive a response within two months after the closing date please consider your application unsuccessful. 

• As your application is likely to contain personal information, the documents will be handled according to OW POPIA policies, and the information will be shared with HR, interview panels, and the Academic Executive.