There are two main points to consider about the creative industry. Jobs are extremely competitive and you may not know where to start due to the range and variety of work as well as the overlap with other professions.
The Creative Industries’ Sector Skills Council defines the creative industries as those which include the media (television, radio and interactive media), publishing (books, newspapers, journals and magazines), the fashion and textile industry, photo imaging and film as well as computer games and animation, and all of the facilities and associated work that goes along with these, such as specialist equipment within for example a studio.
People who want to work in the creative industries start in one particular sector but then finds that their skills and talents can overlap with another sector. For example, journalists may begin their careers on a newspaper but then move into television or radio, particularly if they are freelancers.
In terms of skills that you need, these will be obvious. You will have a strong and outgoing personality, be good with words – written and verbally – and have a creative imagination. You will be very open-minded so that you do not become hemmed in by the practices and process that are already established around you. You want to try different things to demonstrate your energy and artistry in whatever creative sector you are involved in.
You need to meet deadlines under pressure whether for a newspaper or a television or radio programme. You need to enjoy being part of a team while at the same time making independent decisions in your areas of responsibility about what should happen now or next. You may need to have technical knowledge about your sector – which will come from your degree as well your training and experience – which will enable you to better understand developments and trends in your work.
Your chosen area of work should focus partly on the training that will be provided as the creative industry is one area where technology and practice are rapidly changing.
In radio, for example, you could be a reporter (finding and reporting on local news, current affairs and human interest stories), broadcast assistant (planning and helping to produce programmes for the broadcasters), or even a station manager (responsible for all of the different strategic and operational aspects of running the station, including financial targets, managing staff and technical resources).
In fashion and textiles, you might work in design, where you will use your creative skills to marshal ideas into exciting and inspirational new patterns and clothing trends. You will have an instinct about how to combine colours, patterns and shapes to produce innovative products. Your work could involve the design of clothes, footwear, jackets, and overcoats.
In publishing, your choices range from editing, proofreading, web content writer or manager, magazine or newspaper journalist.
Whatever you finally choose to do, immense satisfaction will come from the innovation, style and creativity that you have used to get your own ideas accepted.