About Friends of Design Academy of Digital Arts

The Academy_

We teach creatives.

Founded in 2006 by a team of very passionate people, the Friends of Design Academy of Digital Arts officially opened its doors in 2007. Since that first day, we’ve been committed to exceptional education standards, and enjoy national and international industry accreditation, as well as recognition as a centre of Higher Education, registered with the Department of Higher Education.

Throughout the years, the Academy of Digital Arts has attracted staff and students from around the globe. This international network keeps our finger on the pulse of global trends and we constantly update our techniques and technology to keep our students at the forefront of the ever-evolving digital arts.

It is such a privilege to be a part of this course. The knowledge gained from top professionals from around SA and the world has already started helping us innovate and I’m excited to learn even more over the coming months. The Academy of Digital Arts has run a world-class course and I am extremely grateful to Media24 (Pty) Ltd for this opportunity to further develop my skills and hopefully add more value to the business.

Daniel de la Rey

Media Intelligence Manager at Media24

The Academy of Digital Arts stands out as a forward thinking innovative force in higher education that enables students to propel into a creative future. The Academy of Digital Arts has added tremendous value to the community by generously sharing their knowledge, creativity and expertise, as well as empowering their students to focus on real-world projects.

Dr. Elizabeth Barclay

Western Cape Government

During my year with you, there was not a day that went by that I wasn’t learning or challenged in a new way. All of my modules were well structured, enjoyable, informative and well supported by lecturers. I have grown immensely as a game designer, and as I move into the professional field, intend to be an outstanding ambassador for the Academy of Digital Arts.

Ethan Trueman

Graphic Graphics & Multimedia Technology

My journey I spent with the Academy of Digital Arts was both intimidating and an edifying experience. Powered by consistent creative thinking, ADA helped me to build up and expand on my existing skillset and portfolio. Not only did they teach me how to be a great designer, but also a better person. I am truly grateful to carry the name of the college and to be a proud ambassador.

Gavin Morison

Graphic Design, 2016

Being one of the students who applied straight out of high school, I have no regrets about my decision. I love it here at the Academy of Digital Arts! The lecturers are all lovely, the location is amazing, and the coffee is delicious. I am amazed at how far I have come as a designer in such a short time and all the opportunities I have received thanks to the college.

Amber Pitcher

Graphic Design + Web Design + Game Technology, 2016 – 2018

ADA ‘aka’ School of Digital Wizardry. An infectious ethos of creative exploration where tutors and learners are more like creative peers. I learned more in my one year at ADA with industry standard lessons and complimented practical projects. This compared to the prior 2-3 years of attempted self-teaching and research for game design and development. True to its name; I have also made incredible bonds with amazing individuals that I now call my friends.

Lee Ann Davids

Game Graphics & Multimedia Technology, 2016

Our passionate lecturers also play a vital role in keeping our academy current and connected. They’re all practising professionals in their fields, bringing invaluable real-world knowledge, contacts and insights to the table.

On top of all this, our campus is pretty special, nestled in the beating heart of Cape Town’s city centre. It’s the ideal spot to absorb the local lifestyle and cosmopolitan culture and get the inspiration flowing. This creative energy drives our classes, which remain firmly rooted in international best practices, and are designed to prepare our students for a future-proof creative career anywhere in the world.

Part of a wider tribe _

The Academy of Digital Arts is an integral part of the wider Friends of Design tribe, which includes:

A short-course academy
A customised corporate training department for practising professionals
A fully-fledged design studio and agency called Loud Rabbits.

What does this mean for ADA students?

Being involved in all aspects of the industry enables ADA to create a uniquely well-rounded educational experience for our students.

We have excellent insight into existing gaps in the professional workplace from our corporate training workshops, and ensure our graduates leave our doors with all the most desirable skills in their fields.

We also understand real-world clients and their evolving expectations, because our practising lecturers deal with them every day. We use this knowledge to prepare our students for the professional interactions that await them in the workplace and give them the confidence and experience to excel in client-facing situations from day one.

Bridging the gap

A huge part of our teaching philosophy at the Academy of Digital Arts is to bridge the gap between education and the industry.

To help us do this, we partner with numerous creative organisations, exhibitions, companies and educational departments to help develop our students’ skills, expose them to future contacts and opportunities, and help drive conversation and ongoing growth within our creative community.

We also leverage our own industry experience to design courses that meet the current needs of the workplace and prepare our students to embrace future trends and technologies coming down the pipeline. As a result, our graduates are renowned for their industry readiness and employability and are highly sought-after within the digital arts fields.

QUICK LINK

Friends of Design Academy of Digital Arts Online Application 2022-2023

Friends of Design Academy of Digital Arts Open Day 2022-2023