Can’t find your muse? Don’t drop the paintbrush (see also: pen, laptop, dance mat etc.)…
Whether you’re interested in art, media, or tech, there are a number of roles out there to suit candidates with a creative mind. We might not be able to help you become the next Picasso, but we can do the next best thing – help you find a job you love.
Here are just a few jobs in the creative industry you could be doing right now (and our advice on how to get started):
Advertising Executive
What they do: Work for an advertising agency, acting as a link between the client and their organisation. Whether they’re discussing campaign requirements with clients, presenting pitches and costs, coming up with creative executions, or monitoring results – it’s an Advertising Executive’s job to produce innovative campaigns that are in line with the client’s brief and budget.
What you need: Commercial awareness, along with excellent communication skills. You’ll also need to be knowledgeable of what makes a good advert, and passionate about delivering a great campaign. A degree is usually required, but entry through relevant experience is also possible.
What you can earn: Around £20,000, with the potential to earn up to £45,000 with experience. Those who move into management could earn even more.
Perfect for: People who know what people want.
Our advice: Aside from getting a degree and relevant experience, it’s also key to show you can bring creative ideas to the table. Clients are particularly interested in Advertising Executives that can provide fresh and innovative ways of doing things – so work on keeping your commercial awareness up-to-date, and always use your CV to demonstrate that you’re not afraid to try something new (even if it means taking a risk).
View all Advertising Executive jobs
Animator
What they do: Produce, edit, and animate images for use in a range of media, from feature films and adverts, to music videos, websites, computer games, and more. This process involves a number of creative techniques, including the use of digital software, models, puppets, or hand-drawn images.
What you need: Aside from excellent drawing skills, you’ll also need to be creative, artistic, and technically minded. An appreciation of your field of animation is also a must; whether it’s a penchant for Pixar or an obsession with video games. A degree, relevant qualifications, or previous work experience is usually essential to get started.
What you can earn: Around £18,000 as a starting salary, with the potential to earn in excess of £30,000 with experience.
Perfect for: People who know cartoons aren’t just for kids.
Our advice: Build an online portfolio that showcases your talent – and link to it in any application you send off. Employers in this field will place precedence on your proven skills and abilities above your qualifications, so use it to demonstrate what makes you unique.
Architect
What they do: Use their specialist knowledge and excellent drawing skills to design new buildings, and suggest improvements to existing structures. Their work is carried out through the use of detailed drawings and computer aided design, which is informed by planning legislation, budget, client and user requirements, environmental impact, and other constraining factors.
What you need: Aside from a creative and imaginative mind, you’ll also need skills in problem solving, attention to detail, and computer aided design. A 5-year degree in architecture, recognised by the Architect’s Registration Board (ARB), along with 2 years’ work experience is also essential.
What you can earn: Once qualified, you could make around £33,000 a year, with experienced Architects earning £45,000+.
Perfect for: People who always have a pencil behind their ear.
Our advice: An industry approved degree is absolutely essential for Architects, alongside professional experience in the field. Luckily, there are a number of ways to study – whether you want to do it part-time or full-time, with most degree courses also offering work placements. And if you put the work in during your placement, you could be offered a permanent positon as a result.
Choreographer
What they do: Design and create dance sequences, to be performed by dancers and actors in a wide range of settings – including anything from music videos, TV, and film, through to gymnastics, and dance shows. They’re also required to work closely with the Director to ensure their routine complements the storyline, music, wardrobe, and set design.
What you need: Professional dancing experience is usually required, but entry may also be possible with specialist qualifications. Above all else you’ll need to be great at dancing, communicating, and teaching, and possess excellent balance and poise (because not many people can style out falling off the stage).
What you can earn: This will be dependent on your reputation, experience, and the type/size of production you’re working on. As many Choreographers work freelance, they often set their own pay rates.
Perfect for: People who can turn anything into a song and dance.
Our advice: Whether you’re interested in ballet, jazz, contemporary, or any other style of dance – specialist training, work experience, and formal education will teach you a variety of methods and techniques that can be incorporated into a future career. Getting involved in voluntary positions, such as with local dance schools, musical theatre and community productions, is also a great way to boost your skills.
Designer
What they do: Designers could work in a number of fields, from textiles, interior design, and fashion, through to games, websites, and graphics – with their specific duties dependent on their specialism. But no matter what area they work in, a Designer’s role always involves creating aesthetically pleasing visual concepts that communicate ideas with consumers.
What you need: Artistic and creative ability, along with excellent communication skills, with most Designers also needing to have knowledge and experience in specialist computer software. A qualification in your field is usually essential, and most employers will also look for candidates with portfolios that demonstrate their skills.
What you can earn: Whilst this may vary depending on the area of design you work in (and whether you’re self-employed or freelance), most Designers could stand to earn around £35,000 with experience.
Perfect for: People who are all about appearances.
Our advice: Design can be a competitive field, meaning figuring out how to stand out from the crowd is key. Demonstrating your skills and abilities through portfolios of your work is a great way to do this, along with carrying out internships, freelance projects, or independent work. Gaining experience in design software is also important (whether it’s through uni, a course, or at home).
How to become a Graphic Designer
Honourable mentions: Actor, Screenwriter, Photographer, Art Director, Editor, Videographer, Musician, Illustrator, PR Officer, Creative Director, Casting Director.
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