The 8 Creative Careers That Pay You Well
You may have been told not to quit your day job, but if you’re passionate, creative and hardworking you can turn a creative passion into a career. It doesn’t mean you have to live below the poverty line either. In fact, many creative careers pay well. While most careers require some creative thought, there are some jobs where creativity is integral to the role.
Are you a creative type? If you are, you probably already know, but if you want to take a personality test to be sure, try the Career Aptitude Test.
1. Set Designer
Do you dream of working on the sets of blockbuster movies? The good news is that jobs in the film industry are becoming more common. A career in the entertainment sector is recession-proof and exciting, also the pay is good. Set design is one of many careers where you can pursue a behind-the-scenes job in film, theatre or television. A set designer is responsible for the research, design, and supervision of the construction of sets and scenery, costumes and all the visual aids required in stage, film and television productions.
Duties
• Create sketches, to-scale models, plans, and working drawings
• Design sets and props, while adhering to budgetary restrictions
• Supervise construction and art professionals in matters relating to designs for sets
• Advise on other technical production requirements which affect set design, such as lighting
Personal Attributes
• Artistic ability
• Creative personality
• Practical and artistic skills
• Excellent communication skills
Education and Training
Skills can also be gained on the job through extensive experience in the industry. However, completing a qualification in design, visual arts, live production and management or scenic and set construction is the best way to start.
Artist Call Out Now Open
2. Contemporary Chef
There are many creative careers out there, however if you have a love of food, artistic flair and like to please people, you really could consider a career as a chef. You’ll be able to use your creative culinary skills in the kitchen to experiment and create dishes that delight the senses – sight, smell, and taste!
Duties
• Ensure quality and availability of produce and ingredients
• Supervise, train and coordinate staff of cooks and food preparation employees
• Create and plan recipes and design presentation of food
• Inspect supplies, equipment, and work areas for cleanliness and functionality
• Manage, monitor and maintain both safe food practices and workplace health and safety
Personal Attributes
• Creative ability
• Organised
• Leadership skills
• Physical stamina
• Handle high-pressure environment
Education and Training
A point often overlooked is that you may be able to gain your education and training on the job. Many chefs learn their skills through work experience or an apprenticeship. Others receive training at private training organisations, technical colleges or culinary arts school.
Become an Instagram foodie!
3. Digital Copywriter (Content Writer)
Digital copywriters produce written content for web pages. This is designed to engage, motivate or educate an online audience. Accordingly, you’ll need creative abilities in writing to create content that is both innovative and able to incorporate a message.
Duties
• Plan content marketing strategies
• Research content writing projects
• Write content for an audience
• Edit and proofread content
• Use digital marketing strategies to write for SEO optimisation
Personal Attributes
• Creative writing ability
• Excellent communication skills
• Research and analytical skills
• Organisation
• Attention to detail
Education and Training
You can gain an introduction to digital copywriting through one of the online courses available, such as those offered by Australian Online Courses. You can also search online for e-books and blogs that offer tips on getting started.
4. Photo Stylist
A Photo stylist works on a shoot with a photographer, usually for magazines but also other publications. They help to create a theme, mood or tone for a story. These publications could be print or online versions. In reality, you will be in charge of props, lighting, and the colour scheme to create a feeling for an editorial feature or publication.
Duties
• Collecting materials and props for a shoot
• Arranging objects and props on set
• Setting up lighting and special effects
• Maintaining the database of images taken on a shoot for online or catalogue use
Personal Attributes
• Creative ability and imagination
• Organisation skills
• Attention to detail
• Able to handle a high-pressure environment
• Communication and teamwork skills
• Budget management skills
Education and Training
An art or design background or degree is helpful, but the majority of training is self-taught and requires building a portfolio.
5. Art Director
Art directors are responsible for the visual style and images in publishing, advertising, and public relations as well as film and television production industries. They create the overall design and manage people who develop artwork or layouts.
Duties
• Concept creation
• Manage and select photographs, art, and design elements
• Develop the look of a publication, advertising campaign or sets for film and television production
• Manage staff in design, photography and graphics departments
• Liaise with clients to develop an artistic style
• Coordinate with other creative departments
• Manage and maintain budgetary requirements
Personal Attributes
• Artistic and creative ability
• Excellent communication skills
• Leadership
• Time management skills
Education and Training
Art Directors may start out as graphic artists, set designers or as fine artists or photographers. They may begin these careers via tertiary qualifications, such as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Dazzle Jam, photography
6. Make-Up Artist / Body Painting
Make-up artists apply make-up and style hair for people appearing on camera or in front of an audience. They often work in the entertainment industries but may also work as independent contractors for events or as personal assistants to individual performers.
Duties
• Research and design make-up techniques and hairstyles
• Work to production designers’ brief
• Style hair
• Use special effects make-up
• Make notes and taking reference photographs
• On-set hair and makeup
• Make-up removal
• Maintain wigs and hairpieces
Personal Attributes
• Creative ability
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Concentration
Education and Training
Make-up artists can gain skills through studying at vocational training colleges and by acquiring on the job experience in the industry. To begin with, you could take a short, online course such as Introduction to Make Up by Australian Online Courses.
7. Digital Marketing Manager
Marketing managers oversee the promotion of a business, service, product or brand. Depending on the size and nature of the organisation, marketing managers may be responsible for an entire line of products and services or be focused on just one. They may also be in charge of a staff of marketing assistants.
Duties
• Plan digital marketing campaigns, including web, SEO/SEM, email, social media and display advertising
• Maintain social media presence across digital channels
• Measure and report on the performance of digital marketing campaigns
Personal Attributes
• Creative ability
• Innovative
• Adaptability
• Teamwork
• Business and tech savvy
• Professional development skill
Education and Training
Tertiary qualifications in marketing and digital marketing are expected. If you have a marketing degree, you can study a professional development course in digital and social media marketing to move into the digital industry.
Australian Online Courses
8. Multimedia Designer
Multimedia designers are specialised graphic designers with animation skills that enable them to create computer-based movies and presentations. In particular, they use powerful software programmes to create graphics and animations for websites, film and television, advertisements and computer games.
Duties
• Creating multimedia products
• Creating digital images for animation
• Transferring audio/video files to be edited and manipulated digitally
• Creating artwork to be used in video games
• Creating animated sequences using computer software
Personal Attributes
• Visual communication
• Creative abilities
• Attention to detail
• Organisation
• Teamwork
• Professional-development skills
Education and Training
Relevant school subjects include Graphic Design, Art and Design, IT/Computer Studies, Design and Technology and Science.
Hopefully this article has given you some ideas about the various kinds of creative careers available. If you choose one of them, do let us know how you get on.
Haley Williams
Haley Williams is a Content Writer at Australian Online Courses. She is also an experienced freelance journalist specialising in writing magazine features on topics covering women, children, parenting, health, fitness, and nutrition. She writes for Madison, Good Health, Practical Parenting, My Child, and Oxygen magazines and has worked for News Limited and APN News & Media. Haley has a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) and is a member of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance.
