There's an array of creative careers on offer, from roles in performing arts and music to those in design, fashion and art. Discover which creative job is right for you

Actor

As an actor you'll present a character or situations to an audience through speech, body language and movement.

Work varies 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 but 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 need the ability to interpret and analyse roles, the confidence to network and follow up contacts, as well as 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 creative career is suitable for those with a good eye for detail, storytelling skills, and the ability to work with others and take direction.

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.

Many dancers 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.

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 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 when looking at opportunities.

Starting salaries fall within the region of £18,000 to £25,000.

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.

This design job 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.

Expect a starting salary between £18,000 and £23,000.

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.

You don't need a degree in music, but for some genres, such as classical, having a degree is highly regarded.

Competition in this field is fierce, so you'll need to practice to maintain and develop your skills.

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 visual images.

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

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

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

Stylist

Using creative skills to produce visually appealing displays, photo shoots or outfits, stylists have an eye for visual composition and proportion. You’ll also need a strong grasp of commercial awareness including a good knowledge of designers, brands and trends. In this creative role you’ll also need initiative, the ability to generate ideas, 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 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 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

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