SPHERE
FOR STUDENTS BY STUDENTS
CREATE. CONNECT. CELEBRATE
Photograph by: Luan van den Berg
Editor’s Letter
Nicola Prinsloo Editor-in-Chief
When we first imagined what a student publication at Open Window could be, we kept returning to one idea: a world within a world. A space that captures our creativity, our chaos, and our conversations. Something that belongs to us - not just as students, but as a community.
And so, The Sphere was born.
The name came to life from a spiral of thoughts. We wanted something for our circle, our network of friends, collaborators, dreamers, and makers. A circle became a world. A world, a ball. And a ball? The SPHERE . A contained little universe, spinning with student energy.
This magazine is our orbit. It brings together everything that shapes campus life, from bold creative work to student council updates, from support services to fashion fits, from honest conversations to the occasional cheeky rumour. It’s a platform made for students, by students, and it is as multi-dimensional as the people who fill its pages. As the editor-in-chief of this publication, I feel so incredibly blessed to be leading something this meaningful. Seeing this magazine come to life — from rough ideas to full spreads — is a privilege, and I’m constantly inspired by the talent, spirit, and heart found on our campus.
More than anything, I’d love for this to be a collaborative space. A place where our talents are amplified, new ideas are welcomed, and creativity can stretch beyond the studio. If you’re a student with something to share — art, writing, design, illustration, photography, thoughts — please feel free to reach out. I’d love to collaborate with you, our amazing creatives on campus.
Whether you’re flipping through for inspiration, insight, or just for fun: Welcome to The Sphere.
Lots of Love Nix
Gravity is what keeps us grounded. - Unknown
Just like the OW student community that connects us, supports us & uplifts one another, when it matters the most.
Hot Off Council
SC President
Hey OW Fam!
We’re so excited to kick off this new semester with all of you. Your 2025 Student Council has been busy behind the scenes getting ready for what’s going to be a jam-packed term of good vibes and even better memories.
First things first: keep an eye out for surveys coming your way! We want to hear your thoughts and ideas on the kinds of events and experiences you’d love to see on campus.
Your input = our game plan.
Now for the juicy bit… This semester, the Student Council has been split into two rival teams for the ultimate challenge, we’re calling it the SC Shark Tank Fundraiser!
Each team will be hosting fun and unique fundraising events throughout the term, all in the name of raising money for you, our student body. It’s playful, it’s competitive, and it’s all for a great cause. Let the best team win!
We’ll also be bringing back our cozy coffee stations to help you power through those long days, and yes, it’s finally happening, our limited edition merch is launching soon!Get ready to rep OW in style!
Thank you for your ongoing love and support. We’ve grown truly fond of this wild, creative, and inspiring community we get to call home!
With love, Your 2025 Student Council
Support Central
Nestled in the heart of the Centurion campus, the Wellness Centre is more than just a physical space - it’s a movement. A movement toward balance, healing, and vitality. Designed to be light-filled and open, it stands as a peaceful sanctuary where students are invited to slow down, reconnect, and breathe. Whether you’re looking to recharge your energy, de-stress your mind, or find new ways to manage life’s challenges, the Wellness Centre is your place to thrive.
But at Open Window, support isn’t confined to one building or one service - it’s a feeling that flows throughout the student experience. From studio critiques to casual chats between classes, from friendly admin help to emotional check-ins, support here is woven into the everyday rhythm of campus life.
Students describe it in many ways - “happy colours,” “a sense of community,” “a safe space.” One student shared that it feels like “an old friend asking if you’re okay,” while another said, “It feels like a family, and I’ve felt that since day one.” This sense of care and connection is something deeply rooted in the Open Window culture. It’s not just about solving problems; it’s about being seen, heard, and respected.
Support means knowing someone is there, not only when things go wrong but when you need encouragement, a listening ear, or just a space to be yourself. “To be given the care you need when you need it.” Another student shared, “It means you’re never left to figure it
out on your own.” It’s that presence that can often make the biggest difference - knowing someone genuinely cares.
And it’s not just emotional support, it’s academic, social, and personal too. Many students highlight how approachable and understanding the lecturers and staff are, often going above and beyond to make sure students feel comfortable and confident in their work. As one first-year student put it, “Academically I’ve been comfortable since day one. Everyone is so friendly, and I’ve made a few friends who now feel like family.”
Even those who haven’t yet engaged deeply with the Wellness Centre still recognise its role. “I haven’t really participated, but it looks like fun,” one student shared. Others expressed appreciation for simply knowing it exists: “Comfort in knowing it’s there.” For many, just having access to this kind of care creates a foundation of security and trust on campus.
Students also reflected on what it means to be supported: “It means helping newcomers feel welcome,” “being accepted,” “guiding one another through all aspects - even those not related to school,” and “knowing everyone else is also going through it.” There’s a collective empathy in the OW community, where people look out for one another, not because they have to, but because they genuinely want to.
Some even shared how underappreciated they feel the support staff are: “People take
Student Body
for granted the amount of time and effort they put into their jobs,” one student noted. It’s a powerful reminder that behind every kind gesture and every answered question is a team of people working hard to hold space for students to grow, explore, and succeed.
The Wellness Centre isn’t just a place - it’s a pause, a breath, and a step toward balance.
At the end of the day, the Wellness Centre and wider student support structures are about building a culture of care. It’s not just about reacting to problems, but creating a campus experience that’s deeply rooted in connection, respect, and genuine community.
So, whether you’ve walked through the doors of the Wellness Centre or just waved at a familiar face in the corridor, remember: support at Open Window isn’t a luxury - it’s part of the foundation. And here, you’re never in it alone.
Wellness Centre - Open Window Centurion Campus
REFLECTION
At Open Window, community is everythingand wellbeing doesn’t exist in isolation. While we all navigate our own journeys, we also shape the space we share.
This page invites you to slow down and reflect on your role in building and adding to the OW culture of care. Because sometimes, the smallest actions make the biggest difference.
Take a breath, grab a pen, and ask yourself...
What small act of kindness can I offer today?
Have I checked in with a friend recentlyeven if it was just to listen?
Am I creating space for others to feel heard and seen?
How can I contribute to making our campus feel more welcoming and inclusive?
What does support look like to me, and am I offering that to others?
Have I made space for someone else’s voice today?
How do I respond when someone around me is struggling?
Can I offer my skills or time to someone in need?
How do I set healthy boundaries while still showing up for others?
Conor Loubser
Lucian Basson
Nakeng Segooa
Courtney Pienaar
Drian Briers
Nakeng Segooa
Talita Janse van Rensburg
Rinus Louw
Katlego Jojo
Lucian Basson
Lucian Basson
Courtney Pienaar
Logan Horn
Anri Krige
Anri Krige
Logan Horn
Ntokozo Dlamini Matthew Edge Matthew Edge
Leandre Nel
Student Highlight
COFFEE, CLICKS & CONVERSATIONS WITH JESSE
Going forward with each edition, we will objectively select one of our talented peers, who submitted their work, to be featured in The Sphere. This is our way of celebrating the unique voices, styles, and creative journeys within our Open Window community.
Want to be next? Keep an eye on our socials, the next call for submission is coming soon, and your name and work could be next!
What are you currently working on that you’re excited about?
“Right now, I’m exploring oil painting techniques, which is a bit different from my usual studies, but something I’ve always loved. Painting has been a personal passion for years, and I’m finally giving myself the time and space to dive deeper into it. I’m especially excited about a plein air painting workshop I’ll be attending at the end of August in Cape Town, hosted by Joanna Lee Miller. It feels refreshing
to step into something new that feeds my creativity in a different way.”
How would you describe your creative style in three words?
“I’d describe my creative style as emotive, storytelling-driven, and detail-oriented . Whether I’m working in photography, painting, or design, I’m drawn to capturing moments that feel honest and visually poetic. I love blending softness with intention, often using natural light, texture, and subtle symbolism to create work that invites people to feel something or pause for a moment of reflection.”
Where do you usually draw inspiration from?
“I draw inspiration from everyday moments, nature, and the emotional connections between people. I’m especially moved by light, the way it falls, changes, and transforms a scene, as well as personal stories, faith, and nostalgia.”
What does your creative process look like, from idea to execution?
“My creative process usually starts with a loose idea or feeling I want to explore. I often begin by sketching or gathering references. I like looking at what other creatives are doing to spark inspiration and understand different approaches. I always like to draw inspiration from art as well, whether it’s classical painting, photography, or even something unexpected like sculpture or textile work. From there, I start developing the concept more intentionally, whether that means planning a shoot, designing layouts, or experimenting with visuals. I like to keep the process flexible so I can adapt as I go, and I often find that the best ideas come through doing rather than overthinking. For me, it’s a mix of intuition, research, and refining until everything feels aligned.”
Do you have any rituals or habits that help you get into a creative flow?
“Yes, I definitely do. Before I start any creative work, I always tidy up my office or workspace.”
How do you deal with creative block?
“When I hit a creative block, I try not to force things. Instead, I go back to the basics! I might explore different mediums, revisit old sketchbooks, or do something completely unrelated to the project, just to reset.
I’ve found that giving myself permission to play, without pressure or expectations, is one of the best ways to spark creativity again. It’s in those smaller, low-stakes moments that ideas usually start to flow.”
What themes or messages do you often explore in your work?
“One of the things I’m most proud of is the work I created for my first exhibition. It was a big milestone for me because it represented not only my growth as an artist but also my courage to share my personal vision with others. Each piece told a story and reflected a part of my journey, so seeing it all come together and be appreciated was incredibly rewarding. It pushed me to keep evolving and gave me confidence in my creative voice.”
How do you balance your personal style with academic or client briefs?
“Balancing my personal style with academic or client briefs can be challenging because clients don’t always connect with or appreciate my personal creative vision. That’s why I make sure to keep painting and work on passion projects on the side, it’s my way to stay true to myself and explore what really inspires me without constraints”
Who or what has influenced your creative journey the most so far?
“The biggest influence on my creative journey so far has been my boss, Danielle Jordaan. Working with her has taught me so much about professionalism, creativity, and the importance of connecting with people through art. She inspires me to push my boundaries and approach each project with passion and care. Her mentorship has been invaluable in shaping how I develop my own creative voice.”
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other students navigating their creative path?
“There will be challenges and moments of doubt, but persistence is key. Every step, even the small or difficult ones, helps you grow and discover your unique voice. Stay curious, keep experimenting, and trust the process.”
Favourite creative tool or medium at the moment?
“Watercolour paint and my Gel printing block.”
Dream collab or project?
“My dream collaboration would be working with a team that blends different creative fields, like fashion, photography, and fine art, to tell powerful visual stories. I’d love to be part of a project that challenges conventional ideas and celebrates authentic expression.”
Jesse Van Der Schyff Third Year Student Communication Design & Photography
Artworks by: Jesse Van Der Schyff
There’s always movement in our orbitaround campus, ideas, and people. Creativity doesn’t sit still, and neither do we.
- Unknown
Wrap up Semester
Nicola Prinsloo Editor-in-Chief
Campus life at Open Window Institute is nothing short of vibrant. It’s a place where creativity thrives, friendships are formed, and students are encouraged to explore their passions both inside and outside the classroom. A motto I strongly believe in is: “An actively engaged student is a happy student.” And here at Open Window, that couldn’t be more true.
From the moment you step onto campus, there’s a buzz of energy, whether it’s in the studios, editing suites, or the library where ideas take shape. Beyond the academics, OW offers a rich student experience filled with events, workshops, and wellness initiatives that nurture growth, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
This semester alone has been packed with opportunities for students to learn, socialise, and grow. We kicked off with the first-year Night Under the Stars (Nuts), followed by a high-energy Welcome Back Party. Students tested their problem-solving skills in the UX Escape
Room Game, let their hands get messy in Moulding and Drawing Workshops, and built boats for a race that was as fun as it was competitive.
Photography students explored their craft across different locations, while OW Cares led wellness initiatives supporting mental and emotional well-being. Clubs played a big part too, Gaming Nights, Worship Sessions, Movie Nights and casual socials brought people together in meaningful ways.
All of this reflects the heart of Open Window: a creative community built on connection, exploration, and support. Whether through a photo on a student’s camera roll or a memory made at a late-night event, campus life here is something special, and it’s only getting better.
Turn the page to explore snapshots of student life captured in real moments of joy, creativity, and connection.
Can You Spot Owlie?
Search the scene and see if you can find our creative mascot, Owlie, blending in among students, tripods, sketchbooks, and paint-splattered moments!
Scrapbook Your Semester Wrap-Up
You’ve seen the highlights - now it’s your turn! What moments made your semester? The highs, the lows, the midnight submissions, the coffee-fueled critiques, the spontaneous campus giggles… This space is yours to reflect, doodle, list, or memory-dump whatever made this term uniquely yours.
Grab a pen, add some colour, or even stick a little Polaroid here. This is your personal wrapup - no marks, no pressure, just vibes.
Your Own Wrap-Up
Light bends, perspectives shift, and colours burst - refraction is where the small moments shine the brightest.
- Unknown
Open Window is powered by creativity, coffee, and the most iconic campus conversations. Whether it’s mid-studio madness, accidental wisdom, or just pure design student chaos, these are the golden one-liners that have been echoing through the halls lately.
Convo Tidbits
A guy saying he’s happy a bird pooped on his car window because it’s a sign he’ll finish his com assignment on time.
“Who would win in a fight between Danny Phantom and Ben 10?” … “Ben 10 of course.”
“My animation finally rendered without crashing. I’m buying a Lotto ticket.”
“Someone complimented my kerning today... I’ve never felt more seen.”
Heard someone say “I am quater to tears” - been using it ever since!
“Holding it together by duct tape and happy thoughts”
“Who opened the window? Brrr - but it is cold!!!”
“Who are you, what are you, and what do you sell?”
Why is this not aligned? “Because of my lack of competence.”
“I thought I was done but then I remembered... THE PROCESS JOURNAL.”
Quick Play
Three ways lead to the centre… will you find them all?
3. The place where ideas get hands-on.
1. A first version of your brilliant idea.
4. The creative campus we call home.
2. Where your research journey begins.
5. Where products shine and photos come to life.
6. It’s not just what you write, it’s how it looks.
7. The symbol of OW’s roots in drawing and narrative.
8. A visual vibe check for your ideas.
9. Smooth, scalable, and oh-so-satisfying.
10. A photo file with all the juicy details.
Appreciation Corner
“The SC has adjusted uni to not feel like we are out of place or that we will not be able to achieve our degree so I thank them for that it’s been a blast studying.“
“I would like to thank my Lady Nicole for being the best weirdo in my life, nothing ever gets boring with you.”
“Everyone over at the wellness center and cares club doing real work and making a big difference in how uni function and normalising wellness in young people”
“Shoutout to Allen Laing for trying so hard to get people into adventurous activities like hiking and rock climbing.”
“Shoutout to Jorina! She always puts her best foot forward when she gives class doesn’t matter whats happening in her life at that moment.”
“Shoutout to Ruckshani! Mama Shani - to many. Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in me. Love you so much!”
“Shout out to Nicola, my best friend who always supports me and lifts me up xxx”
“Shoutout to the ladies in the kitchen for making the best cheese toasties! They are literally keeping me alive when I’m on campus. “
“Lala is a wonderful lecturer. She always helps everyone and tries to build a relationship with the people she helps.”
“A shoutout to my new friends and favourite people on campus, Annemay Fogwill and Janu Hesselink, Whoopwhoop!!”
“Big shoutout to Zani and Keira for helping me always”
“Big shoutout to Antonio – the ultimate hype man, supportive, and all-round amazing boyfriend. Your big heart & encouragement means everything!”
“Shoutout to Anni – thank you for helping bring my project dreams to life! Couldn’t have done it without you!”
“Shoutout to Chiedza from UX and Welmarie aka the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) from Industrial Design”
Instagram: @solstostudio
Don’t Miss a Beat CREDITS
Stay connected and stay in the know with everything happening at Open Window! Follow us on Instagram @openwindow_sl for the latest updates, exclusive behind-the-scenes peeks, and fresh content from The SPHERE, your go-to source for all things student life.
Whether it’s upcoming events, important announcements, creative highlights, or spontaneous campus moments, we’ll make sure you’re always in the loop. Don’t miss out on opportunities to get involved, win prizes, or just join the fun!
Also, keep an eye on your WhatsApp groups where we drop quick updates and reminders. Together, we’re building a vibrant, connected community, and you’re a vital part of it. Follow, watch, engage, and never miss a beat!
