Digital Artist

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Digital Artist 🎨

Hi, I’m Caitlin

I’m a digital artist and 3D-driven creative based in South Africa. I spend most of my time in 3D because that’s where I feel the most creative.

I’m not stuck in one lane though. I bounce between illustration, animation, photography, UI and UX, and web design, and I love mixing all of it together. If an idea sounds fun or interesting, I’ll probably try it. That’s just how I work.

Right now, I’m growing my creative career, taking on projects, experimenting a lot, and learning new ways to make my work feel even more “me.” I love collaborating, talking ideas, and creating things that make people go “wow.” Honestly, I just wish the day had more hours.

Say hi: design@caitlinpillay.com

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Undergraduate Research Conference 2025

One of the coolest things I did recently was dive into a research project all about

Is AI Going To Uproot The Creative Industry ?

At first, I’ll be honest, I was terrified. AI felt like this huge wave coming straight at us, and I didn’t know if I was supposed to surf it or run away. But the deeper we went, the more I realised that AI isn’t here to replace creatives… it’s actually giving us more power than ever.

The research ended up being way bigger than we expected, I worked with Caley Dames, and we placed in the Top 5 out of everyone. We even got to represent our faculty (UJ Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture). That still blows my mind because we literally started this out of fear and curiosity.

If you’re interested, you can read our abstract down below:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how we create, communicate, and collaborate. It is reshaping the very foundations of the design industry. For young creatives, this shift raises urgent and personal questions: Will AI take over our jobs? Will designers still have a seat at the table in the future? And more importantly, how can we evolve while continuing to do meaningful, human-centred work?

This research explores how emerging designers in South Africa perceive AI’s growing influence in the creative field. Drawing on qualitative analysis and in-depth conversations, we unpack both the anxieties and the optimism surrounding this technological wave. We examine not just what designers think about AI, but how they are adapting, developing strategies to remain relevant, valuable, and irreplaceably human in an increasingly automated world.

Rather than framing AI as an existential threat to creativity, our findings suggest it presents a unique opportunity to amplify the role of human-centred design. In an era where the world risks becoming more impersonal, automated, and homogenised, the qualities that set designers apart such as empathy, cultural awareness, and sensitivity to nuance become more critical than ever. AI may produce images or prototypes at speed, but it cannot intuitively interpret the subtleties of lived experience, social context, or human emotion.

We also investigate AI’s relationship with entrenched design systems, especially in large institutions where decades of context, legacy infrastructure, and unspoken design logic shape decision-making. In such environments, a human designer is not just a creator but also a translator, negotiator, and custodian of institutional knowledge. Here, AI serves best as a powerful assistant rather than a replacement, and its success depends on designers who can integrate technological capability with deep contextual understanding.

Our conclusion is simple but urgent: the future of design is not about humans versus machines. It is about co-evolution. Those who learn to work with AI, rather than against it, will not only survive in the industry but lead it.

Testimonials

  • Liam Snyders (Client)

    Caitlin Pillay is one of the most hardworking, dedicated and skilled multimedia designers with a strong work ethic. She always showcases great quality and creativity in her work. She's an exceptional team leader and excels at communication and collaboration. Caitlin never fails to foster innovative solutions. Highly recommend her skills and expertise as well as her leadership abilities.

  • Danell Weldon (Former Computer Applications Technology Educator)

    I am delighted to write this testimonial for my former student, Caitlin Pillay, who attended President High School in Johannesburg South from 2018 to 2022. During her time at the school, she was enrolled in my Computer Application Technology class from Grade 10 to Grade 12 (2020-2022).

    Throughout these three years, Caitlin consistently demonstrated an incredible work ethic and an eagerness to learn. Her enthusiasm for education, particularly in the fields of computers, design, and computer applications technology, was truly remarkable. She was my top student for all three years, a testament to her dedication and passion for the subject.

    In her Grade 12 Practical Assessment Task in 2022, Caitlin achieved an outstanding score of 99% this task had also been reviewed by the Department of Education in Gauteng and had been moderated by various parties. Her term averages ranged between 81% and 91%, reflecting her consistent academic excellence. She always went above and beyond in her work, ensuring that her efforts stood out and were distinct from those of her peers.

    Caitlin is a very outspoken and confident individual with excellent interpersonal skills. She communicates effectively with her peers and can take the lead in any situation. Her ability to work collaboratively and her leadership qualities make her an asset in any team.

    I have no doubt that Caitlin will excel in her future endeavors. Her dedication, enthusiasm, and exceptional skills in Computer Applications Technology will undoubtedly contribute to her success in the workplace.

  • Caley Dames (Academic Collaborator & Peer Mentor)

    Working with Caitlin has been one of the most inspiring parts of my university experience. We've collaborated on multiple projects, and every time, she brings an unmatched level of dedication, creativity, and passion to the table that fires up the entire team. Cait doesn't just aim to meet the brief, she goes above and beyond to create work that she can stand behind with pride. Her attention to detail, strong work ethic, and ability to think critically about her craft make her a standout designer and an incredible teammate. Anyone who gets the chance to work with her is lucky!

Looking for a UX Designer?

I highly recommend Caley. Seriously, go check her out. You won’t regret it!

Caley's Website