Finding a job to match your creative urges can be a daunting prospect. After weeks of searching, you may feel like your fine art or music qualification may not lead you into the job of your dreams. However, rest assured: there is creative work out there.
At first, a creative career may not pay the highest of salaries, but you can make a living out of your creativity whilst your career progresses into a more financially rewarding job.
Here are a few tips to help you on the path to a creative career and How To Find Creative Job Openings.
Get to know your local creative groups and organizations
It may seem like a roundabout way of getting into a creative job, but spending time getting involved with local arts groups or is a great way to get your finger on the pulse. Getting involved in a local scene puts you in touch with people already in the type of work you are looking for, and every bit of experience looks great on a resume.
You may even be able to get involved with some of the work groups are already doing. The more involved you are, the higher your chances of finding work doing something similar. You can also showcase your work in local competitions and open events where you may be able to attract the attention of a potential employer.
Pick up niche magazines and local zines
You will often find that a niche magazine or local zine will be a good place to find unusual and creative work. At the same time, you will find them more responsive to contact. These types of magazine could allow you to showcase your work or get involved with the work it already does, even if you’re working for a low wage or freelancing.
Get your portfolio together and spread the word
A portfolio is an essential item for any creative type looking for work. At the end of the day, a prospective employer wants to see that you are capable of getting results and a portfolio allows you to show off your skills.
Spend some time organising and showcasing your work on social networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Google+. Don’t just put it up there and leave it though, keep it up-to-date with plenty of fresh content and news about what you are doing. By doing this, any employer looking at your portfolio will be able to see that you are productive, creative and organised.
Try your hand at self publishing
Publishing your own work may seem like a large task, but there are websites and tools specifically for this purpose. If you are a writer, you could publish some stories in Kindle Direct Publishing.Musicians can sell their music directly through iTunes and other sites.
It isn’t too difficult to set up your own small online store to sell your art. Whilst making a living publishing your own work can be tricky to do, even if you do not make enough money, you will get valuable experience which you can take into any job interview. At the same time, this will give you a second revenue stream to supplement any other work you find.
Getting On the Career Ladder
Finding a creative job might take some time and perseverance, but if you invest time in developing your experience, you’ll get there eventually. Don’t see it as a chore: if you’re doing what you love, your path to a creative career won’t seem like hard work at all.
Featured images:
- Photo credit: smartphotostock.com
By Sam Wright
Sam Wright is a freelance writer who’s currently working with Brand Republic.
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