Are you a creative person? Have you ever wondered if it would be possible to make a career doing what you love? Whether it’s as a practising artist or as a manager making moves in the entertainment industry, there are plenty of career options in this giant global industry.
But where do you start? Here are 6 steps:
1. Start with your strengths.
What are you most passionate about? What are your skills and talents? What artform excites you? Are you happiest when working with your hands? Are you technically-minded? Do you enjoy planning and organising? Are you good with people? Can you work collaboratively or do you prefer to work solo? Get to self-reflecting and a clearer picture might emerge.
2. Name your ideal job.
Is it directing a Hollywood blockbuster? Launching your own record label? Overseeing a busy art department? Being the lead in a play? Give yourself permission to dream – dreaming is for free! Naming your ideal job will help you identify a goal. As you progress in your career and discover more opportunities, that ideal job may change a little, but it’s a great place to start.
3. Identify a plan.
How are you going to make that dream job a reality? Create a brief but realistic outline that helps you see how to get from where you are (here) to your ideal job (there). What training or further education do you need? What jobs or experiences might you need to build a foundation for your career?
4. Research your education options.
Sure, you can try to jump straight into the industry and learn as you go, but who will help you open doors and introduce you to the right people? Investing in a qualification can also give you the time and space to practise and become excellent at your craft. It can even be a shortcut – after all, it’s better to study under the guidance of a professional who will give you honest feedback, than to present amateurish work to paying clients and risk ruining your reputation. Consider courses like these at JMC Academy.
5. Get practical learning experiences.
You should start building a strong portfolio and CV while you study. Whatever course you choose, make sure they have strong industry connections and give students opportunities to work with real events and clients. Does the course offer internships or work experiences? Are the teachers able to recommend students for real work during or after they study? Will you be creating professional-standard work for your showreel or portfolio?
6. Keep growing and learning. Meet new people and be open to new adventures.
Creative people can be inspired by so many different things. Life experiences add fuel to the creative fire. Travelling enables you to meet new people, understand other cultures, and grow your character. You could even consider studying abroad to really boost and enrich your creative education. You never know what life may hold!
A creative career can be incredibly rewarding and challenging. Starting out may seem daunting at first, but with a solid plan and an adventurous spirit, you could have a fulfilling, interesting and fun career, being paid to do what you love.
