Getting Started in the Creative Industries
Are you a budding musician or artist? Do you enjoy telling stories? Do you feel at home in museums or at festivals? Perhaps working in the creative industry is something you want to consider.
What is a creative career?
A creative career includes any job that involves expressing your creativity, or helping creativity happen. Each job varies in what skills and talents are needed, meaning you can often find a job suited to your strengths and interests. Whether it’s a career in art, music, or theatre. Or perhaps in a role in events management, museums and heritage, or film and television.
Here are just a few examples of creative jobs that you might like to consider:
Content Marketer – This role can involve graphic design, social media management, website management and writing.
Freelance Photographer and Filmmaker – Lots of companies like to hire filmmakers to document their projects. You can also consider filming events like weddings or paving your way in the film and television industry.
Theatre Practitioner – This involves putting on theatre performances, carrying out creative workshops for schools and communities and perhaps performing yourself!
Why should I pursue a creative career?
Working in this industry can be a lot of fun if you have a passion for creativity! And the mix of permanent and freelance opportunities means you can have more freedom over your working hours and which projects you want to work on.
So where should I get started?
If you don’t already have a specific creative interest, there are lots of resources to explore what kind of creative you are, and what part of the industry might best suit you.
The Creative Types quiz can help you discover your ‘creative personality’, while Discover! Creative Careers can help translate your interest and skills into what kind of job suits you. For example, if you’re organised, like helping people and interested in film, you could be a television producer or production journalist. It gives insight into what people in these roles do, as well as featuring advice on how to get there.
When do I start taking steps towards my dream creative career?
It’s never too early and it’s never too late! Whether you’re studying towards GCSEs or you’re at college, you can begin to forge your path. If you’re set on a specific career, it’s a good idea to research what qualifications the role requires using the National Careers Service. This way, it can help inform your choice of subject to study when it comes to picking your options.
It's also a good idea to keep your eye out for any mentorship and trainee opportunities if you’re over the age of 16. These are great ways to learn directly from someone who already has your dream job and gives you a contact to start building your network.
How can I pursue a creative career locally?
Wakefield is a great place to start working towards your future creative career. If you’re interested in the Performing Arts, Dance, Drama or Production (stage or screen) CAPA College offers numerous creative courses for post-16s.
Academy of Live Technology offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in live events design and production, in addition to creative technologies for live events. Screen Yorkshire also offers training and development for young people seeking a career in the film and television industry. For example, their Beyond Brontës programme offers industry specific modules, CV and interview workshops, and invaluable mentorships with people already operating within the industry.
You can also keep up to date with mentorship or trainee opportunities on the Creative Wakefield website, or by following them on Instagram or Twitter.
We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!
Words by Antonia Stephenson