What Does it Take to get a Job with Creativity
Boring jobs tend to be unhealthy jobs. Many employees find themselves routinely fearing the imminence of Mondays, and see their careers as no more than an unfortunate necessity for a universal cause – to not go to bed hungry. Yet some of us constantly feel a urge to unleash a stream of creativity. This includes writing, moving images or amateur dramatics, most of which have people already living off these activities as a profession. So if you are confident enough turn your passion into a full time investment, maybe you should ponder on the idea of working in the creative industries. The creative industries are broader than the typical ‘music, writing, art’ trio that are bandied about. You could be taking car photos, trimming topiary bushes, or coming up with ideas for new toys. Education can be the answer, but it isn’t going to guarantee your personal success in these types of industries.
The first point is to focus specifically on what you like to do. The creative industries is very broad. Film-making, photography, theatre, publishing and broadcasting are just a minor example of what this sector entails. In reality, employers prefer specialists rather than someone with an entry understanding of “related fields”. Take film making as an example: would you be a cinematographer, boom operator, gaffer or a make up artist? In the recording industry, you could either be a sound engineer, or you could design recording studio furniture.
And where would you get your training from? Unless you have been entering and winning contests and receiving offers left and right, you might need to enhance your skill. Going to a polytechnic school is a good choice because they place their emphasis on practical training, which is what the industry actually needs. Always be suspicious about universities offering a program in “arts” because not only are they much too time consuming to complete, they tend to prioritise theories over practicality – if any. Learning on the job, such as finding an internship, is even better and employers are often grateful for your work. Think outside the box – it could be designing basketball singlets, painting murals, or writing articles.
Keeping a good portfolio is of utmost importance. An employer will only be able to judge your potentials based on your own record of your passionate activities. Videos, sound recordings and images are what they will be looking for to determine if you have reached industrial standards. A great way to enrich your portfolio is to include entries to competitions, regardless if you have won anything at all.
Networking will be your other critical asset. Far too many jobs in the creative industries never made it to the situation vacant section, the reason being they are quickly filled in by the acquaintances and associates within the job. Applying as an unpaid intern is an excellent opportunity to build a relationship with those veterans of the field. Outside of that, participating in clubs and festivals related to your interest is another way of establishing a network.
Finally, never forget that this is one of the more marginalized sector among all job sectors. Having a safety net – i.e. a sustainable job while you work towards your portfolio and networking is practically mandatory. Good luck!
If you have a magazine subscription you’ll know that all those words need to be generated by someone. Often, magazines are happy to take contributions by enthusiasts. Find one you enjoy, for example, a classic car magazine, and approach the editor.. Also published at What Does it Take to get a Job with Creativity.
categories: occupations,creativity,art,music,film,photography,employment,happiness,mental health
