This blog post aims to highlight the world of possibilities available to young, creative professionals and provide career tips for students interested in the creative industries.
Introduction to the Creative Industries
Before we explore the diverse career paths within the creative world, it’s essential to understand what we mean by the term creative industries.
Creative industries is an umbrella term for a wide range of fields, including art and design, fashion, architecture, advertising and marketing, film and media, music and performing arts.
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) define the creative industries as:
“Those activities which have their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent and which have a potential for wealth and job creation through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property.”
According to 2023 statistics from the DCMS, the creative industries employed 2.4m people and represent almost 10% of UK registered businesses. With the creative industries growing twice as fast as the UK economy in 2022, it highlights the importance and value of the creative industries in the UK.
Why Work in the Creative Industries?
Working in the creative industries offers many benefits, from variety and diversity to fulfilment and innovation. For those exploring creative careers, here are five reasons to pursue creative industry jobs:
- Creative Freedom: Many roles within the creative industries allow you to exercise diverse skills and showcase your creative talent across projects and day-to-day tasks.
- Diverse Sectors and Career Paths: From architecture to publishing, design to performing arts, the creative industries are home to a wide range of sectors and offer extremely varied roles, including animator, copywriter, graphic designer and screenwriter.
- Technical Skill Development: The growth of the creative industries in the UK highlights the demand for creative professionals with technical skills to help bring ideas to life and adapt to the evolving challenges of the digital world.
- Rewarding Career Opportunities: Whether you’re an artist getting your first piece of work commissioned or a journalist covering a high-profile story, the creative industries offer excitement and fulfilment throughout your career.
- Important and Wide-Reaching: Everywhere you look you can see the influence of the creative industries. They shape culture, inform and inspire audiences and drive innovation across all industries.
How to Prepare for a Career in the Creative Industries
If you are considering a career in the creative industries, it’s important to give yourself the best possible chance of success by preparing for the future. Here are a few ways you can start planning for your dream career:
- Start Building a Portfolio: Creative portfolios come in all shapes and sizes, and many art schools and colleges require them. Students should start building their portfolios to showcase their work and skills.
- Network with Creative Professionals: Whether it’s at a careers fair, industry event or on LinkedIn, connecting with creative professionals as a student is a great way to gain industry insight and career opportunities.
- Explore Freelance Opportunities: According to 2023 DCMS statistics, 28% of the 2.4m people employed in the UK creative industries were self-employed. Students can begin to explore freelance opportunities even before they have a degree or formal training.
- Research Required Qualifications, Skills & Experience: Students should be aware of the steps after school to pursue different creative careers. Some roles will require a degree, specialist training or technical skills.
- Gain Relevant Work Experience: Whether you’re exploring internships and placements at creative agencies or hands-on, career-specific work experience like InvestIN’s Summer Experience Programmes, boosting your CV and applications with industry experience is key to success.
Popular Creative Industries
Let’s dive into some of the most popular creative industries, sharing insight and expertise to help you pursue your dream career.
- Art & Design
What is it?
Art and design is a broad term that encompasses many different fields within the creative industries. It combines skill and creativity with expression to evoke feelings and emotion.
Popular Roles:
- Graphic Designer
- Illustrator
- UX/UI Designer
- Arts Administrator
- Concept Artist
- Games Designer
- Animator
Key Skills:
- Critical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Problem solving
Typical Pathway:
Students looking to pursue a career in art and design typically start exploring their skills during school while building a portfolio. After school, students can pursue a foundation year before specialising in a specific area, such as graphic design or fine art. This prepares them for internships and apprenticeships to gain practical experience within the industry.
Explore InvestIN’s Art & Design Programmes here.
- Architecture
What is it?
The Cambridge Dictionary defines architecture as: ‘The art and practice of designing and making buildings.’ Architecture combines creativity and functionality to ensure structures and spaces are visually appealing and effective.
Popular Roles:
- Architect
- Sustainable Design Consultant
- Interior Designer
- BIM Coordinator
- Architectural Designer
Key Skills:
- Creative vision
- Project management
- Collaboration
- Analytical thinking
Typical Pathway:
A career in architecture requires a combination of qualifications and experience. Students typically require an accredited three or four-year undergraduate degree in architecture, followed by practical work experience and in some cases a master’s degree. Students can also explore degree apprenticeships.
Explore InvestIN’s Architecture Programmes here.
- TV & Filmmaking
What is it?
TV and filmmaking is the process of creating audio-visual content. It encompasses every step from scriptwriting to the screens, including filming, editing and casting. Roles can be split into pre-production, production and post-production, which all play an important part in the finished product.
Popular Roles:
- Video Editor
- Sound Designer/Mixer
- Camera Operator
- Runner
- Technician
Key Skills:
- Collaboration
- Editing
- Software proficiency
- Cinematography
Typical Pathway:
Those seeking a career in TV and filmmaking can pursue film and media studies at school before studying it at university or gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level roles like a runner. Experience is key in the TV and filmmaking industry.
Explore InvestIN’s TV & Filmmaking Programmes here.
- Media
What is it?
Media refers to mass communication, encompassing various channels and platforms like radio, print, social media and the internet. Media aims to reach and influence audiences and serves different purposes depending on the content and channel.
Popular Roles:
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Journalist
- Copywriter
- Content Creator
- Publisher
- Social Media Manager
Key Skills:
- Communication
- Strategic decision-making
- Adaptability
- Research skills
Typical Pathway:
The path for those seeking a career in media is similar to TV and filmmaking, with emphasis on practical experience. Students can pursue a degree in media, journalism, marketing or other relevant fields or can explore entry-level roles and internships.
Explore InvestIN’s Media Programmes here.
The Future of Creative Industries in the UK
The future looks very bright for the creative industries in the UK, with projected growth and ambitious targets set by the government. Research from Nesta, in partnership with the Creative Industries Council, highlights how the creative industries are driving economic growth across the UK, aiming to create one million new creative industries jobs between 2013 and 2030.
The creative industries continue to adapt and evolve in line with emerging technology and the demands of the digital world. From virtual reality runways to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into creative processes, the shifting digital landscapes and exploration of emerging tools continue to reimagine creative practices.
As a driver of innovation, the creative industries are set to be a key part of the UK government’s industrial strategy, increasing funding and enhancing access to skills and training.
Pursue a Creative Industries Summer Experience Programme with InvestIN
Now you’re an expert in the creative industries, are you ready to gain hands-on experience alongside top professionals?
InvestIN offers the ultimate work experience across some of the most in-demand creative industries, including Art & Design, Architecture, Media and TV & Filmmaking.
Offering Weekend and Summer Experience Programmes in London, InvestIN provides students aged 15-18 with an immersive experience of their dream career.
So, what are you waiting for? Register for an InvestIN work experience programme today and maximise your potential. Explore InvestIN programmes here.
FAQs
What are creative industries?
Creative industries is an umbrella term for a wide range of fields, including art and design, fashion, architecture, advertising and marketing, film and media, music and performing arts.
What are examples of creative jobs?
There are many different creative industry jobs, from art and design to film and TV jobs. Students seeking creative jobs can explore roles such as artist, animator, graphic designer, architect, copywriter and various marketing jobs.
How can I prepare for a career in the creative industries?
One of the best ways to prepare for a career in the creative industries is to gain practical work experience led by industry professionals. Check out InvestIN’s wide range of creative industries programmes here and gain valuable industry experience today.
