Creative careers can be so rewarding, so take a little time and learn how to follow your passion all the way into a rewarding career!
What are the creative industries?
It's a really broad term for lots of different roles that attract people from all backgrounds, including those with few or no qualifications. Read a bit about the creative industries here.
How to find a creative career
Discover a world of possibilities in the creative industries with this Career Finder tool on the Discover Creative Careers website. You can filter by preference and interests to find the perfect thing for you.
Discover the pathways to creative jobs
Want to get into Advertising and Marketing, Video Games, Film and TV, or Theatre and Performing Arts? Learn more about what it takes to crack these industries.
Does working in the music industry sound good to you?
Watch this great video showcasing the different roles in the music industry, showing the versaility of people needed behind the scenes for musical performers to put on a gig.
Apprenticeships in the creative industries
An apprenticeship allows you to combine formal training with real workplace experience through employment. Learn how apprentices can flourish across the creative sector.
Here are some creative careers that are a little off the beaten path!
Did you know that Banksy has sold works for well over £50m combined? When the street artist set about turning the art world upside down nearly 30 years ago, not many people would have thought he could make a living out of it. That’s the thing about the creative sector: by its very nature, it’s constantly changing.
So, if you’re looking to expand your knowledge of the industry beyond the traditional routes (painter, photographer, fashion designer…), follow us down these creative career paths off the beaten track.
If you like to draw…
Doodlers wanted! As a Tattoo Artist, you can either work independently or for a studio, but most people learn the trade as an apprentice under a more experienced tattooist. You’ll need a natural flair for design, excellent hand-eye co-ordination skills and an extremely steady hand.
Alternatives careers: Graphic Designer, Architect or Illustrator.
If you appreciate photography…
Did you know museums and galleries employ Curators to manage collections of artefacts or works of art? It can be a varied role that involves acquiring, caring for and displaying the collections, so a university degree or apprenticeship is the best route in. Beret optional.
Alternative careers: Magazine Editor, Video Editor or Social Media Manager.
If you’re good at making things…
Product Designers improve the usability (or the capacity to perform tasks safely, effectively and efficiently, to those outside the industry) of items by creating new designs or enhancing existing ones. Sound interesting? You’ll want to look into Design degrees.
Alternative careers: Set Designer, Jeweller or Restorer.
If your favourite subject is textiles…
Why not use your awareness of trends to develop and deliver creative concepts as a Visual Merchandiser? This often involves curating, arranging and displaying items both inside a shop and its windows in a way that encourages customers to buy them. No degree required!
Alternative careers: Stylist, Interior Designer or Costume Designer.
If you like working with computers…
When multiple images are put together to create an illusion of movement, this is called animation. An Animator is, therefore, very artistic and familiar with computer programmes, which can be studied at university. First assignment: watch hours of cartoons.
Alternative careers: Web Designer, Gameplay Designer or Product Designer.
Don’t end your research here! From illustration to model making, students aged 13-16 are invited to explore Saturday Clubs and learn new skills and meet people who can reveal further education and career opportunities.