4th STREET Wines, SA’s leading sweet wine, launched an exciting new competition titled Call4 Creators that is aimed at aspiring and up-and-coming artists, designers, illustrators, photographers, dancers, musicians, producers, stylists, and any other creators working towards reaching the next level. Through the Call 4 Creators campaign, entrants can submit their creative works for a chance to not only showcase their talent but also elevate themselves through awesome prizes worth R100 000 in cash, data, and the latest tech as support in growing their creative skills.
We know that creatives find it challenging to get their foot in the door and oftentimes creatives forget that many of their favourites walked the same path as them, and that’s why we sat down with Samurai Farai, Mandisa (Mandz Not Hot), Sinenhlanhla & Colour Me Simphiwe to find out about their creative journeys, the challenges they have faced along the way and how prospective creators can turn their creativity into a living with through the 4th Street Call4 Creators competition.
Sinenhlanhla – Art Director & Visual Artist
1. When did you realise you could turn your creativity into a living?
It all began when people started taking an interest in how I styled the clothing I would wear. I have always had a deep desire to be unique and stand out, so I started creating one of one garments people had never seen before.
2. What are some of the challenges you had to face as a creative in the industry?
Funding has to be the most frustrating part in this creative industry, you could have ideas that would change the world but you would always struggle to get the right people to understand and invest in your vision.
3. What would you regard as your career highlight thus far?
Working with huge local beverage brands including 4th Street. Oh, I’m also working with the biggest South African Hip Hop Artist that I can’t mention since everything is still under wraps.
4. If you could talk to your younger self that was starting out in the industry, what would you say to them?
Take your time. Invest in your craft. Don’t take your creativity for granted. Your creativity/Talent is your business so treat it as such.
5. What advice do you have for creators entering the 4th Street Competition
Do not overthink when creating, you know you got this.
Samurai Farai – Visual Artist
1. When did you realise you could turn your creativity into a living?
When I was coming toward the end of varsity when I was completing my honours in fine arts and art history, it became apparent that this was a career option for me. Having invested so much time and effort into this passion, I could not turn to any other field. Being in that position I was forced to fully dedicate my efforts to becoming a successful artist.
2. What are some of the challenges you had to face as a creative in the industry?
I would say dealing with imposter syndrome has been my biggest challenge. I felt like an imposter because unlike some of my peers, I had never had a solo exhibition or the opportunity to sign to an art gallery; I felt like a reject in the art world. However, I am grateful for those experiences because it led me to become an independent creative. Even when working with brands & artists, I have the creative freedom to curate my experiences because I don’t have an overarching authoritative figure dictating how I create.
3. What would you regard as your career highlight thus far?
From the brand side, my collaboration with Mercedes Benz is in my top 3 career highlights. Following that, I hold my experience with Heineken at the Formula E experience and other notable brands like Redbull in high regard as far as career highlights go. On the other end, I have had the opportunity to accomplish collaborations with A-Reece, Daliwonga and the late great Costa Titch. If I were to rewind to the beginning of my career, I wouldn’t have dreamed of those opportunities; It’s truly a blessing.
4. If you could talk to your younger self that was starting out in the industry, what would you say to them?
I would tell them to remain committed and determined. Your tenacity is going to make you who you are, and consistently allow you to evolve and become not just a pioneer in the country, but the world.
Following your heart is one of the most powerful things you can do. Subconsciously you are contributing to society at a high level, and some people won’t quite understand it yet but that is to be expected.
5. What advice do you have for creators entering the 4th Street Competition
Your creativity can take you out of any situation you are in, be it poverty or depression & anxiety. Your creativity will elevate you to new heights and that can only be achieved if you stay true to your path.
Mandisa (Mandz Not Hot) – Musician
1. When did you realise you could turn your creativity into a living?
I realised I could make a living as a creative when I got my first brand deal. It became clear that if I continue to capitalise on such opportunities it could be my full-time career and I was fortunate to have a manager to guide me
2. What are some of the challenges you had to face as a creative in the industry?
Being judged by the public can really bring you down as a creative. It takes away some of your creative freedom and makes you very self-conscious. Another challenge I faced is a creative block. There are “seasons” where I cannot come up with anything creative at all and it sets me back a few steps.
3. What would you regard as your career highlight thus far?
My career highlights include all the time I have had the privilege of being the host for big events but if I had to choose one, I would say the night I presented the Metro FM Music Awards. In that moment, I felt recognised. I received an overwhelming amount of love for the job I did.
4. If you could talk to your younger self that was starting out in the industry, what would you say to them?
I would tell my younger self to not let people’s opinions of me affect how you see myself and how I carry myself.
5. What advice do you have for creators entering the 4th Street Competition?
Be yourself, do not be afraid of some constructive criticism and have fun!!
Colour Me Simphiwe – Makeup Artist
1. When did you realise you could turn your creativity into a living?
The first time I got paid to post which was 2021 in December I got my first ever campaign. I never thought that creative makeup would ever make me money. Initially, I just wanted to use it as a medium to tell stories, educate, and entertain but never in a million years did I think that brands would pay me to do what I love.
2. What are some of the challenges you had to face as a creative in the industry?
The biggest challenge I have had is just getting my foot in the door because creative makeup in SA isn’t as big as it is in first-world countries, so when I started I constantly had to work 5 time’s harder than other makeup content creators and enthusiasts to get recognition and an ounce of recognition from brands.
3. What would you regard as your career highlight thus far?
Working with 4th Street on a campaign that gives up-and-coming creators a chance to level up their craft. To me this campaign is everything. In the beginning, I was yearning to be given a chance- any chance to be seen and work in the makeup industry as a content creator. I knew where I wanted to be but had no financial support to get there and that caused me so much stress. I just want to give others the opportunity I wish I had.
4. If you could talk to your younger self that was starting out in the industry, what would you say to them?
I’d say what my sister said to me: “Trust the process kid you’re bound to succeed not because you’re talented but because you have the determination, work ethic and the perseverance to back up your talent”
5. What advice do you have for creators entering the 4th Street Competition?
Compete like this was the late competition to ever exist on earth. Give it your all and hope for the best.
Entries are open until the 31st of August 2023, all emerging creators can submit their entries showcasing their creative works on www.4thstreet.co.za , of which the top 10 finalists will be announced. From the top 10 finalists, 4 final winners will be chosen.
