Creativity & Careers
The Academy of Creative Technologies commonly attracts students who consider themselves or are considered by others as "creative."
These are the students who doodle while taking notes in class; who prefer to edit their instagram pics manually instead of using preset filters; who modify their clothes in order to have an original look, who prefer manipulating levels and skins instead of playing video games; who find creative ways to manipulate lighting for theirs and their friends selfies; who prefer to edit videos they record over being seen skateboarding in them; who can not leave a thing alone because they find ways to manipulate it and make it "cooler"; who walk, dance, sing, and flat out live to the beat of their own drum. These are the creatives of the ACT and often they struggle to find careers that fit their originality. After all, if you are used to thinking outside of the box, it's easy to feel boxed in by a traditional job. However, they don't have to. Industry is broad enough that it needs plenty of creatives and their unique abilities.
Creative Individuals:
- are daydreamers
- are observant
- work the hours that work for them
- take time for solitude
- turn life's obstacles around
- seek out new experiences
- "fail up"
- ask the big questions
- take risks
- view all of life as an opportunity for self expression
- follow their true passions
- get out of their own heads
- lose track of time
- surround themselves with beauty
- connect the dots
- constantly shake things up
- make time for mindfulness
Occupational Opportunities for Creative Individuals
Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual communications media, such as print, broadcasting, and advertising. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.
Details:
Salary Range in California: $60,900 - $198,470 - Average: $126,370
Preparation: Most require a 4-year Bachelor's Degree, some do not.
Approximate Job Growth: 380 Annual Job Openings
Set up, or set up and operate audio and video equipment including microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment for concerts, sports events, meetings and conventions, presentations, and news conferences. May also set up and operate associated spotlights and other custom lighting systems.
Details:
Salary Range in California: $27,530 - $92,730 - Average: $52,560
Preparation: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Approximate Job Growth: 510 Annual Job Openings
Analyze, interpret, and broadcast news received from various sources.
Details:
Salary Range in California: $24,060 - $160,600 - Average: $77,360
Preparation: Most require a 4-year Bachelor's Degree, some do not.
Approximate Job Growth: N/A Annual Job Openings
Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs. Control audio equipment to regulate volume level and quality of sound during radio and television broadcasts. Operate transmitter to broadcast radio or television programs.
Details:
Salary Range in California: $23,670 - $87,360 - Average: $47,650
Preparation: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Approximate Job Growth: 90 Annual Job Openings
Operate television, video, or motion picture camera to record images or scenes for various purposes, such as TV broadcasts, advertising, video production, or motion pictures.
Details:
Salary Range in California: $32,740 - $132,520 - Average: $75,030
Preparation: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Approximate Job Growth: 80 Annual Job Openings
Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.
Details:
Salary Range in California: $23,990 - $115,490 - Average: $65,890
Preparation: Most require a 4-year Bachelor's Degree, some do not.
Approximate Job Growth: 120 Annual Job Openings
Develop and design manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
Details:
Salary Range in California: $35,220 - $117,110 - Average: $73,110
Preparation: Most require a 4-year Bachelor's Degree, some do not.
Approximate Job Growth: 160 Annual Job Openings
Write advertising copy for use by publication or broadcast media to promote sale of goods and services.
Details:
Salary Range in California: $43,010 - $192,260 - Average: $96,120
Preparation: Most require a 4-year Bachelor's Degree, some do not.
Approximate Job Growth: 680 Annual Job Openings
Create or reproduce hand-made objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.
Details:
Salary Range in California: $22,080 - $83,310 - Average: $51,870
Preparation: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Approximate Job Growth: 40 Annual Job Openings
Perform dances. May perform on stage, for on-air broadcasting, or for video recording.
Details:
Salary Range in California: $10.36/hr - $34.54/hr - Ave.: $19.30/hr
Preparation: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Approximate Job Growth: 40 Annual Job Openings
Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
Details:
Salary Range in California: $29,690 - $77,250 - Average: $51,570
Preparation: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Approximate Job Growth: 50 Annual Job Openings
Interpret script, conduct rehearsals, and direct activities of cast and technical crew for stage, motion pictures, television, or radio programs.
Details:
Salary Range in California: $45,720 - $n/a - Average: $118,830
Preparation: Most require a 4-year Bachelor's Degree, some do not.
Approximate Job Growth: 1,510 Annual Job Openings
Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.
Details:
Salary Range in California: $34,010 - $131,610 - Average: $79,170
Preparation: Most require a 4-year Bachelor's Degree, some do not.
Approximate Job Growth: 570 Annual Job Openings
Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.
Details:
Salary Range in California: $30,930 - $135,490 - Average: $66,220
Preparation: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Approximate Job Growth: 780 Annual Job Openings
Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
Details:
Salary Range in California: $36,110 - $n/a - Average: $109,070
Preparation: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Approximate Job Growth: 360 Annual Job Openings
Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.
Details:
Salary Range in California: $32,680 - $141,130 - Average: $78,120
Preparation: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Approximate Job Growth: 200 Annual Job Openings
Design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.
Details:
Salary Range in California: $19,080 - $46,940 - Average: $31,920
Preparation: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Approximate Job Growth: 390 Annual Job Openings
Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
Details:
Salary Range in California: $31,610 - $94,860 - Average: $59,240
Preparation: Most require a 4-year Bachelor's Degree, some do not.
Approximate Job Growth: 1,340 Annual Job Openings