Being creative means different things to different people. You can be practical, enjoy using your hands and being active with your creativity. For instance fashion designer, cabinet maker and visual artist are all practical creative careers.
You can be technical, enjoy letting your imagination run using technology to produce your finished piece. For instance, graphic design, game design, computer art, etc.
You yourself can be the artwork, for instance, acting and dance.
Or you can be a literary creative or wordsmith such as is the case for authors and content creators.
None of these types of creative career are mutually exclusive and being practical, using technology, being a literary creative and being the artwork yourself may be a feature of any art form. But the focus of the work might be dominated by one of these factors which may represent what motivates you to be creative.
So in this and over the following three articles I’m going to focus on creative careers, characterised by being practical, technical, literary or you yourself being the creative entity.
Starting with this article, Creative Careers for Practical People.
Fashion designer
At the top of their profession, fashion designers create garments designed to push the boundaries of how we think about clothing. They set the standard for style which starts the trend in the fashion industry.
Most people who move in to this field work for the big brands but today with social media and other digital marketing options, coupled with the move towards buying online and away from the high street, the opportunities for new talent have never been more realistic.
Start a blog to promote your style and brand and dress as many people in your creations as you can convince, including yourself, whenever the opportunity arises.
Local fashion shows might draw the local press, particularly if coupled with fundraising for charity.
Success as a designer in the fashion industry has never been an easy path and if you dream of moving in to the fashion industry today don’t expect an easy ride. That said, if you are very talented and determined enough to never give up this might be worth considering.
Costume designer
Costume designers design costumes for stage and film productions. You would need to be happy working collaboratively with the director and performers and would be working to a brief. This wouldn’t suit somebody who doesn’t like to work creatively within parameters set by others. But if you enjoy working with fabric to create designs that fit a theme, such as might be required for an historical drama, this might be worth looking in to.
The availability of work is limited by the number of theatres and film production companies so you need to be talented and determined to succeed.
Volunteer with a local am-dram group or contact your local theatres including community theatres and any film production companies you can find. Vacancies will be advertised in publications such as The Stage in the UK. In the US you can access vacancies on mandy.com or Backstage.com but if you rely on the advertised vacancies alone you may always be battling against strong competition. If you want the odds in your favour take the initiative and tap in to vacancies before they’re advertised. Take a look at speculative applications in my blog on Creative Job Hunting.
Set/stage designer
A bit like costume designer, set or stage designer is a competitive field. Vacancies in this field is limited by the number of theatres and film production companies and it is your talent and determination that will set you apart.
Access to this type of career is similar to Costume Designer described above. Volunteer if you can and then post your work on social media and make sure you make it on the list of credits for the production.
Photographic Stylist
A photographic stylist is concerned with staging a photo shoot. Building a portfolio of your work with good references is a good place to start and then placing this online. If you know any photographers who could use your talents offer your time for free. Or you could contact photographers who advertise their services for any opportunities to volunteer. Once you have a portfolio showcasing your abilities use online platforms such as freelance sites like Fiverr where you could list your services.
Potter
Potters can sell their wares online, at craft markets or in a retail outlet. The route to market will depend on where most potential customers visit and the cost of ‘setting up stall’ so to speak. Online options such as Etsy and craft markets can be successful. You could set up, or pay a developer to create, a website and promote it via SEO and social media.
Perfumer
Unlike the case for many creatives it’s not enough to showcase a perfumer’s product with an image. It needs to be smelled to be appreciated. Once the brand is established the image will be enough. A perfumer could sell their own or create bespoke perfumes for others. The routes to market, however are similar to those of a Potter. Craft markets or contacting existing retail outlets to negotiate a deal to sell your product in their shops. This might work for small tourist outlets where people might consider an affordable luxury. Once your brand is established you could increase the price and consider other routes to market.
Jewellery designer
A jewellery designer creates decorative pieces to wear in a variety of materials. Like a fashion designer they should take every opportunity to wear and be photographed wearing their creations for social media.
The options available for a potter and perfumer to bring their product to market are the same for a jeweller. Also consider markets frequented by the right demographic for your product such as student venues and festivals.
And finally …….
As is the case for all creative careers, if you choose this path take every opportunity to showcase your talent. Standing out in a creative career is all about getting your work in front of as many people as possible. Don’t forget word of mouth referrals are free and the most effective form of advertising. The more people see or experience your products the more people may talk about it. So don’t let an opportunity pass you by.