Top Careers for Creative People

Are you searching for a career that will ignite your passion while also making your money?

Many creative people feel confined and demotivated when working in a traditional office setting. It can be different to focus and be enthusiastic when you are trapped in a boring and repetitive job. Fortunately, there is a wide range of careers that can help creative people to thrive. Most of these careers allow employees to choose their own working style, which can be very rewarding.

So, let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top careers for creative people that could get your artistic juices flowing.

Your Career Opportunities

Makeup Artist

If you are skilled with a makeup brush and enjoy giving people makeovers, this job could be perfect for you. Makeup artists can work full-time in beauty salons to gain skill and experience. They can also go freelance and provide their services for special occasions such as weddings, proms, and photoshoots.

One of the great things about this career is that little formal education is needed. After completing a cosmetology program, you then need to apply for a license. You can then choose the industry that you work in and even start your own business.

Working for a celebrity!

The industry you work in will determine the salary you can secure as a makeup artist. While the average salary is $60,000 per year, the sky’s the limit in terms of how much you can earn. If you have a special talent, you can be a personal makeup artist for a celebrity or work in the movie industry.

For more great info, check out our Makeup Artist Job Description.

College Art Teacher

Teaching art classes to college students is a great way to remain connected to your artistic routes. To teach this subject, you need to be familiar with different art techniques and be passionate about the subject. In addition to teaching students, this role can involve conducting research and supervising graduate teaching assistants.

You will usually need a Ph.D. in your subject of choice to teach college courses. However, most community colleges only require teachers to hold a master’s degree. Although obtaining the necessary degree takes time and effort, this career can be very rewarding.

Boost your income with a specialization…

The average salary for a college art teacher is $70,000 per year. You can boost your income by offering special classes in the evenings, on weekends, and in the summer holidays. Other subjects that creative people can enjoy teaching include Music, Drama, and English.

Photographer

If you love taking photographs and have a good idea, becoming a professional photographer could be right for you. This is one job that many creative people are drawn to as it lets them play with color and texture.

The first step on your path to becoming a professional is discovering your niche. Popular specializations include aerial, fine art, wedding, portrait, natural light, real estate, wildlife, commercial, and landscape.

The options are endless…

There are lots of different photography courses you can take to hone your skills. Working in a portrait studio or for a media company is a great way to gain work experience. While it can be difficult to find work as a freelance photographer, this path gives you the freedom to choose your working style.

For more information, take a look at How to Become a Photographer and How to Become a Real Estate Photographer.

Interior Designer

This job allows you to spend time transforming rooms and putting smiles on people’s faces. Working as an interior designer is perfect for anyone who likes playing with fabrics and colors. You can work full-time for a large company to gain experience working with clients.

Like most types of artistic roles, you will need to create a portfolio of projects to attract clients. Most states require you to gain a license before you can get to work. In addition to working for private clients in their homes, you can transform hospitals, schools, airports, and other buildings. You can also work closely with wedding and party planning to design the themes for special events.

Film and Video Editor

If you have a strong eye for detail and enjoy editing, this could be your perfect match. You can use your skills to add special effects to film and video to make them shine. This is often a collaborative role that involves working closely with producers, directors, and camera operatives.

It is often necessary to hold a bachelor’s degree in a subject related to broadcasting or photography. You also need to have a good understanding of video editing software and digital cameras. You can start by working on personal skills to hone your communication and negotiation abilities to build your portfolio.

To find out more, check out our in-depth Video Editor Job Description.

Industrial Designer

If you have a passion for art and engineering along with a business head, this career combines your talents. This role mainly involves developing the designs and concepts for a range of different products. You need to consider the function, usability, aesthetics, and production costs while creating a cohesive design.

To land an entry-level industrial job, you usually need a bachelor’s degree in industrial design, architecture, or engineering. You also need to create a strong electronic portfolio that will attract potential employers. It is also possible to use your flair for design to create unique products that make you a fortune.

Landscape Architect

Anyone with a green thumb and a creative streak can have fun with this rewarding career. Landscape architects usually meet with clients and translate their needs and desires onto a blueprint. They also create project budgets, manage a team for gardeners, and analyze environmental reports on land conditions.

The career path for this role consists of gaining a bachelor’s degree, completing an internship, and getting a license. While you may gain experience initially working for a company, this is a great business to launch yourself. This will give you the freedom to choose your clients and projects, which can be very rewarding.

Producer/Director

If you have a love for TV and movies and a strong creative vision, this role could be very rewarding. Both producers and directors are responsible for steering actors and other professionals on sets to create engaging entertainment. Other elements of this role can include choosing the right performers, selecting scripts, and overseeing the set design.

You usually need to have a bachelor’s degree in a subject like film, cinema, writing or acting to do this job. Most producers and directors put in several years of work experience on movie sets before they can secure their dream job. Some jobs that will give you the skills you need include cinematographer, video and film editor, and actor.

Graphic Designer

You can use your artistic talents to create graphic art for a wide range of companies. This includes designing logos, advertising brochures, and even full advertising campaigns. Talented graphic designers can find work in design studios, marketing agencies, and corporate offices. You can also work in a freelance capacity and choose the clients and projects that interest you.

While you can start working as a graphic designer without formal qualifications, a bachelor’s degree will boost your career prospects. It is a good idea to get a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or graphic arts. You also need to be familiar with various graphic design tools and create a strong portfolio.

Find out more by checking out our Senior Graphic Designer Job Description, our Graphic Designer Job Description, and How to Become a Graphic Designer.

Fashion Designer

You can transform your passion for fashion and eye for design into a fun and lucrative career. This job involves creating unique designs for different areas of the fashion industry. After sketching out your ideas, you will select patterns and fabrics and oversee the process of garment creation.

While it is not necessary to have a degree to do this job, you need to create a strong portfolio. Your original designs and completed items will speak for themselves and show you have the right skills. Completing an internship under an experienced designer is a great way to hone your skills.

Want to know more? No problem, it’s all in How to Become a Fashion Designer.

Art Director

Last but not least in my top careers for creative people list is one of my favorites! This role involves visualizing and coordinating the visual style of different projects. After meeting with clients, you would determine the best way to visually represent their concept or message. This includes choosing the best artwork, photographs, and other design elements for the project.

Art Directors usually head a team and need to have strong leadership skills. They often work on movies, television productions, or for magazines and newspapers. It is also possible to work in a freelance capacity to head special projects.

Deep understanding of art and design…

You usually need to hold a bachelor’s degree in art or design to work as an art director. This advanced role is available to people who have experience and a strong portfolio of work. You also need to have a deep understanding of different types of art and design.

Do You Have An Eye For Design?

Well then, great news, we’ve found a selection of amazing and insightful guides and handbooks just for you! Let’s start with your exam prep using the PPI NCIDQ Fundamentals Practice Questions and Mock Exam, along with the Interior Design Reference Manual: A Guide to the NCIDQ Exam, and finally, the NCIDQ Exam Secrets Study Guide: NCIDQ Test Review for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination.

Finding your unique design style can take some time, so check out the Universal Principles of Interior Design – 100 Ways to Develop Innovative Ideas, Enhance Usability, and Design effectively, and The Interior Design Handbook: Furnish, Decorate, & Style Your Space, and you’ll have your niche in no time!

For some creative guidance, take a look at Interior Design For Beginners: Basic Interior Design Principles, and Starting Your Career as an Interior Designer, or perhaps how to Become an Interior Designer: An Essential Guide to Achieving Your Interior Design Career Dreams, and The Interior Design Productivity Toolbox: Checklists & Best Practices to Manage Your Workflow, all available online in 2023.

Final Thoughts

These are just a few of the best paying and most engaging careers for creative people.

By now, you probably have an idea of the creative career you want to pursue. The next step is finding out the education and licensing requirements you need to meet before starting work.

It is a good idea to brush up on your creative skills and put together a portfolio of your work. This will help you to stand out from the crowd and attract potential employers. Once you have gained a little work experience, you may decide to boost your earning potential by starting your own company.

Now, go out there, and let’s Get Creative!