About me
Katie de Klee is a freelance journalist, editor and copywriter, based in London and Cape Town. As a journalist Katie has focused largely on design, creativity, culture and resourcefulness on the African continent. For two and a half years she worked as editor-in-chief of Design Indaba and contributes regularly for Dezeen, Icon Magazine and Nataal Media. She co-edited and contributed to Gestalten’s book Africa Rising and has spoken at events in Spain and South Africa.
More recently she has created content and course material for educational platform 42 Courses, as well as shaping the voice for small brands in Cape Town and London. In 2019, Katie helped bring to life Tchad: Cooking for Conservation, a cookbook-cum-travelogue that celebrates the flavours of West Africa and the memories of life in a canvas kitchen.
Content creation, coordination and editing for Google Arts and Culture exhibition “Colours of Africa”. A kaleidoscope of 60 artists from across the continent, all telling stories of home in different hues.
My role was to edit and create every artist’s statement, bio and a one-liner on what it means to be Africa. A truly powerful project.
WeTransfer’s WePresent
Imraan Christian: The photographer imagines a new South African mythology
In his series Ruh, which translates from Arabic to “soul,” Imraan draws on shards of often-forgotten culture to create something entirely new: a fantastical world of indigenous gods, queens, and heroes playing their part in tales that can fill the gaps in a history that’s been ravaged by persecution. He tells Katie de Klee how he hopes that by imagining a new mythology indigenous people can see themselves in, he can help them see their potential differently.
WonderBuhle — Portraits inspired by South African traditions
Each one of South African artist WonderBuhle’s portraits is imbued with flowers that fill their backdrops and cover his subjects’ bodies. The plant in question, the impepho, is used widely in his community, both medicinally and as a means to communicate with ancestors.
Brand collaborations
Tongue-tied talent I’ve helped to find its voice
Wazoogles Superfood
Creative direction and content consulting, assistance with new product development and brand voice
Find out more about the absurdly delicious products created by Wazoogles here
Africa’s largest creative platform
In the two and a half years I spent at Design Indaba as editor-in-chief I managed, curated and gave direction to editorial and video content on Design Indaba’s online publication.
This included development of social media voice and strategies (for both content and campaigns). And, probably the most exciting part of my job, planning and embarking on content gathering and research trips throughout Africa and beyond.
See some video content here: South Africa’s Spinach King and his green loaves of bread and here: DJ Steloo: Proof that being an artist in Accra is serious business and here: Christian Benimana: Architecture with a mission
And one more here: Chat to the man behind The Test Kitchen Luke Dale-Roberts
And this I love: The power and grace of words
42 Courses
Entertain your brain
Content writing for Creative Leadership Course
My role: Developing and writing all material for Creative Leadership course, including lessons in company culture, learning to fail, and having a strong vision.
Why? The best leaders in the world are inherently creative.
This course shares practical lessons learned from some of the most successful businesses around the world, both big and small. The material is laid out in an enjoyable, quick, and easy to understand way. There is no academic jargon.
Nataal
Ongoing contribution to the online publication and several articles for both issues of the beautiful print magazine
Read my articles here
Intrigued?
