Digital creativity: Cobus Theyse shapes Namibian advertising
Cobus Theyse is the managing director and creative force behind TinCup Digital, one of Namibia’s first digitally focused advertising agencies.
Over more than a decade, Theyse has become a leading figure in Namibian marketing, blending creativity, strategy and hands-on experience across both traditional and digital media.
Theyse’s career began at the AAA School of Advertising in Cape Town, one of Africa’s most vibrant creative hubs.
Studying during the early days of social media, he recalls the excitement of Gmail and Facebook and reflects on how these platforms would shape communication and creativity. “What we saw today in digital integration, we philosophised about on days off at the beach,” he remembers. This formative experience shaped his innovative approach and provided a solid creative foundation.
Room to explore
Returning to Namibia, Theyse joined one of the country’s top agencies, starting as a copywriter and advancing to production manager and creative director.
Immersing himself in every department, he gained a holistic understanding of how campaigns are built from concept to execution. “Living in the studio but regularly touring different departments in search of knowledge helped me see the bigger picture,” he says. This wide perspective now informs his leadership style: providing direction while giving creatives room to explore.
Throughout his career, Theyse has led landmark campaigns, including a highly confidential rebranding for a major mobile operator and through-the-line projects that continue to resonate with audiences.
Collaborating with international creatives and developers broadened his perspective and elevated local campaigns to global standards.
Pioneering impact
Nearly a decade ago, Theyse co-founded TinCup Digital to pioneer a digitally-focused agency in a traditionally media-oriented market. The agency quickly evolved into a boutique firm integrating traditional and digital media, delivering targeted campaigns with cultural resonance. For Theyse, an iconic campaign combines memorability and impact. “It’s when you see it and think, ‘I wish I did that.’”
Looking ahead, Theyse is inspired by the explosion of digital creativity in Namibia and the possibilities of AI and new technologies. “Even an old dog can learn new tricks,” he says. Committed to curiosity, innovation and mentorship, Theyse continues to shape the country’s advertising landscape while inspiring the next generation of creatives.
Over more than a decade, Theyse has become a leading figure in Namibian marketing, blending creativity, strategy and hands-on experience across both traditional and digital media.
Theyse’s career began at the AAA School of Advertising in Cape Town, one of Africa’s most vibrant creative hubs.
Studying during the early days of social media, he recalls the excitement of Gmail and Facebook and reflects on how these platforms would shape communication and creativity. “What we saw today in digital integration, we philosophised about on days off at the beach,” he remembers. This formative experience shaped his innovative approach and provided a solid creative foundation.
Room to explore
Returning to Namibia, Theyse joined one of the country’s top agencies, starting as a copywriter and advancing to production manager and creative director.
Immersing himself in every department, he gained a holistic understanding of how campaigns are built from concept to execution. “Living in the studio but regularly touring different departments in search of knowledge helped me see the bigger picture,” he says. This wide perspective now informs his leadership style: providing direction while giving creatives room to explore.
Throughout his career, Theyse has led landmark campaigns, including a highly confidential rebranding for a major mobile operator and through-the-line projects that continue to resonate with audiences.
Collaborating with international creatives and developers broadened his perspective and elevated local campaigns to global standards.
Pioneering impact
Nearly a decade ago, Theyse co-founded TinCup Digital to pioneer a digitally-focused agency in a traditionally media-oriented market. The agency quickly evolved into a boutique firm integrating traditional and digital media, delivering targeted campaigns with cultural resonance. For Theyse, an iconic campaign combines memorability and impact. “It’s when you see it and think, ‘I wish I did that.’”
Looking ahead, Theyse is inspired by the explosion of digital creativity in Namibia and the possibilities of AI and new technologies. “Even an old dog can learn new tricks,” he says. Committed to curiosity, innovation and mentorship, Theyse continues to shape the country’s advertising landscape while inspiring the next generation of creatives.
