Making a Switch to the Creative Industries

By James Jenkins

A lot of us get fed up with routine and the repetitiveness in our lives. Some try to shrug it off and force themselves to “like it or lump it”, picking up depression along the way. Others respond to their true calling, refusing to self-impose a life sentence of job dissatisfaction. They begin a new focus in life: to build a career based on what they enjoy doing.

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.

Portfolio will be an extremely crucial key to get inside the industry, because this is the only way you can prove yourself to an employer that you have got what it takes. Document every piece of drawing, painting, photo or performance you ever did. Enter as many related contests as possible. Winning is not important, but an evidence of participation is what will really add value to your portfolio.

Finally, never underestimate the importance of networking. Most of the vacancies in the creative sector are never advertised, instead they have been fulfilled through referrals. If you don’t have any best buddies working in your dream field, start reaching out to them. Create instances where you can impress potential employers, whether that be unpaid internships or competing in contests and festivals.

Know this, the creative industries is a daring field, and stories of episodic joblessness is not uncommon. Make sure you still hold another consistent employment before shifting your career towards the artistic direction. You don’t want to join the ranks of starving artists.

Photography is one of the creative arts that is easy for an amateur to gain experience in. A good camera can be bought cheaply these days, though remember to check out camera reviews first.. This article, Making a Switch to the Creative Industries is released under a creative commons attribution license.

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Topics: Arts and Entertainment | Comments Off

Tags: art, Arts and Entertainment, creativity, employment, film, Happiness, mental health, Music, Occupations, Photography

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