Well hello there!
Professionally
I’m Carey Slade a Johannesburg-based graphic designer, art director and photographer with nearly two decades of experience working in the local creative industry.
Personally
I’m a wife, mom to one energetic toddler, a semi-professional pianist and vocalist, an expert backpacker and an avid succulent and tea lover.
A bit about myself
My creative journey started in 2004 with a BA in Graphic Design and has evolved through various roles, from packaging designer to graphic designer, art director, photographer and more recently UI/web designer. I've been fortunate enough to have worked on some of South Africa’s most loved brands and alongside some of the sharpest, creative minds in the advertising industry.
I currently run my own photography and design studio, bringing a personal touch and a lot of passion to every project that I work on.
My ApproAch to design
I believe in understanding the core business challenges and identifying the unique selling propositions of the products and brands that I work with. While I have a knack for making things look good, my ultimate goal is to solve the challenges my clients face.
As a creative problem solver, I stay up-to-date with the latest trends without letting them dictate my approach. My attention to detail and pride in my work drive me to deliver high-quality results that exceed expectations. I listen closely to my clients and maintain a personal, hands-on approach throughout each project.
MY PHOTOGRAPHY JOURNEY
My first introduction to photography was during a film project in design college many years ago. We shot and developed our own film in a small, dimly lit darkroom. I still remember the smell of the chemicals and the anticipation of seeing if I’d captured anything worthwhile.
A few years later, I took on the role of official camp photographer at a summer camp in rural Pennsylvania. For three months, I wandered around camp with my camera, capturing kids’ adventures from morning until night. This was in the early days of digital photography, where the image resolution left much to be desired.
In 2009, armed with a Canon 350D, I took a short photography course at Vega, eager to learn the fundamentals. I promised myself I wouldn’t upgrade my gear until I'd mastered manual mode and truly understood light. From friends’ weddings to weekend trips away, my camera became my constant companion. Looking back, many of those early shots make me cringe, but they were all part of the learning curve!
Gradually, my eye improved, and after years of practice and more than a few mediocre photos, I began to see real progress. While working at various ad agencies, I had the chance to learn from some incredible professional photographers. Photography became my creative outlet, and I loved both the process of shooting and editing. Eventually, I rewarded myself with an upgraded camera and some good quality lenses.
By 2014, I felt confident behind the camera and made the leap from my full-time design job to pursue freelance photography and design. Over the last 10 years, I’ve honed my style, put in the hours, and mastered how to handle any lighting situation to get the best results and capture authentic moments as they unfold.
Work Experience
Creative Consultant
2014 – Present
Freelance Art Director
Various Advertising Agencies
2014 – 2018
Art Director
Ogilvy & Mather Johannesburg
2010 – 2014
Graphic Designer
Metropolitan Republic
2008 – 2010
Summer Camp Photographer
2007
Junior Packaging Designer
Syndicate Graphics
2005 – 2007
Some fun arbitrary facts that you might find interesting
