Creative jobs

If you're ready to start your career in the creative industries, there are many creative jobs available for those with artistic talent, a flair for design or a desire to perform

Actor

The role of an actor is typically to present a character or situations to an audience through speech, body language and movement.

The work varies enormously, and it can range from live stage performances, TV soap operas and film parts to radio work and television advertising. The job may also involve education, training or therapy.

A degree isn't essential, however, studying media, performing or visual arts will help. Few actors land jobs with no prior training - most hone their craft over a number of years.

To be successful, you'll require the ability to interpret and analyse roles, the confidence to network and follow up contacts, the ability to take instruction and criticism as well as showing resilience and determination.

Gain an insight into life as an actor and discover the 7 skills needed to succeed in performing arts.

Animator

Whether your animation work is in 2D or 3D, hand-drawn or computer generated, you'll need a high level of artistic ability and knowledge of technical software packages.

This is a career suitable for those with a good eye for detail, storytelling skills, and the ability to work with others and take direction. You'll need to be able to commit to what you're doing, while also being flexible enough to switch between several ongoing projects.

To find a job or work experience you'll need to put together a showreel (or video portfolio) demonstrating examples of your animation work. It's acceptable practice to send this to employers speculatively, but it's better to target specific projects you're interested in.

Find out more about becoming an animator.

Dancer

Interpreting the work of a choreographer, you'll use movement, gesture and body language to portray a character, story, situation or abstract concept to an audience.

You may perform to a live audience or take part in recordings for television, film or music videos.

Many follow portfolio careers, combining performance with teaching, choreography or administrative work in a dance company.

You'll need:

physical fitness, stamina and perseverance
motivation and discipline
confidence and self-belief
the ability to work as part of a team.

Take a look at the training you'll need to work as a dancer.

Dramatherapist

You'll use the performance arts to help people explore, address and deal with a range of personal and social difficulties.

Professional training is at postgraduate level. To get a place on a course, you'll need a degree in drama, performing arts or a psychological health-related subject.

Alternatively, you could have a relevant professional qualification such as social work, teaching, nursing or occupational therapy and current evidence of theatre experience.

Jobs in the NHS are usually covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay rates. Once qualified, you're likely to be employed on Band 6 (£33,706).

Gain an in-depth understanding of what it's like to be a dramatherapist.

Fashion designer

Specialising in an area of fashion, such as sportswear, children's wear, footwear or accessories, you'll work on the design of clothing.

A degree in art and design, clothing technology, fashion, graphic design or textiles may increase your chances of success.

You'll need to show:

an eye for colour and a feel for fabrics and materials
the ability to generate ideas and concepts
technical skills, including pattern cutting
garment technology skills and knowledge.

Learn more about the role of a fashion designer and discover 5 ways to get into fashion design.

Game artist

As a game artist you'll create the visual elements of video games for platforms such as mobile, console or PC. You'll work closely with designers, developers, animators and testers as part of a highly creative team.

Look out for alternative job titles such as 3D artist, environment artist, character artist, texture artist and more when looking at opportunities in the video game industry - as you may need to specialise in one of these areas.

You'll need to work collaboratively with colleagues and ensure your artwork follows the style for each project you work on - as well as being willing to accept feedback and make changes to your designs. Strict deadlines are also a feature of this career path.

Explore the role of game artist and consider video game careers.

Graphic designer

A graphic designer gives an organisation a visual brand by working on websites, advertising, books, magazines, posters, computer games, product packaging, exhibitions and displays and corporate communications.

The work demands creative flair, up-to-date knowledge of industry software and a professional approach to time, costs and deadlines.

Starting salaries for junior graphic designers are £18,000 to £23,000.

Find out more about the role of a graphic designer and relevant graphic design courses.

Interior and spatial designer

Designing or renovating internal spaces, you'll work in a range of commercial, leisure or domestic settings. The job combines the efficient and functional use of space with an understanding of aesthetics.

You'll need a relevant degree, such as 3D design, interior architecture, interior design or spatial design.

A high level of technical knowledge, good drawing skills and creativity and imagination will also come in useful.

Discover more about interior and spatial designers and the interior design courses available.

Jewellery designer

Using a variety of materials, including gold, silver and precious stones, you'll submit designs for mass production, make jewellery in small numbers or create bespoke pieces commissioned by a client.

You don't need a degree to be a jewellery designer - proven craft skills are more important - but those without a degree will usually need to undertake an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.

Find out what skills you'll need to become a successful jewellery designer.

Musician

You'll create or perform music as a composer, instrumentalist or singer. You may work alone or as part of a band, choir or orchestra.

Although you don't need a degree in music, for some genres, such as the classical repertoire, having a degree is highly regarded.

Competition in this field is fierce, so you'll need to dedicate hours of practice to maintain and develop your skills. Experience and overall musicianship are of paramount importance.

Discover how much you could earn as a musician, and find out more about careers in music.

Photographer

A professional photographer works to a brief set by the client or employer to create permanent visual images.

You could specialise in weddings, family and baby photographs, fashion, food, architecture or landscapes.

In full-time employment, starting salaries can be between £16,000 and £22,000.

Learn more about the role of a photographer and how to start your professional photography career.

Stylist

Following a design brief, stylists use creative skills to produce visually appealing displays, photo shoots or outfits.

An eye for visual composition and proportion is vital, as is commercial awareness including a good knowledge of designers, brands and trends, initiative, idea generation and problem-solving skills and flair and individuality.

Junior stylists can expect to earn in the region of £18,000 to £20,000.

Find out what qualifications you need to work as a stylist.

Textile designer

An eye for colour, texture, fabrics and patterns as well as an understanding and experience of using different textile processes and techniques is what's needed to make it as a textile designer.

You'll create 2D designs that can be used, often as a repeat design, in the production of knit, weave and printed fabrics or textile products.

A degree in one of these areas may help you to enter the profession:

art and design
fashion
knitwear
surface design
textiles.

Read more about the work of a textile designer.

Theatre director

With responsibility for the practical and creative interpretation of a dramatic script or musical score, you'll be involved in design and pre-production, through to the final performance.

Most directors are employed on a freelance or fixed-term contract basis as artistic or resident directors in repertory companies.

You usually progress into the role after gaining experience in other positions such as:

actor
assistant director
designer
producer
stage manager
writer.

Take a look at the skills you'll need to be a successful theatre director.

Other jobs for creatives

Find out more

Discover how to get a creative job.
Learn more about putting together a creative portfolio.
Explore related creative roles in the film industry.