Creative Arts and Design

The sector in a snapshot

In short, the creative industries provide work in areas such as art, design, crafts, photography, film and TV, performing arts, music, fashion and cultural heritage​​.


The creative industries is a growing sector which makes up approximately 5% of the economy. Much of this growth is driven by an increase in digital services within the sector and there is a strong link between creative roles and those that fall into the digital media category.


Sheffield is recognised as a creative and innovative city with companies, events and work spaces that bring together like-minded people from the creative industries. Highlights from Sheffield’s creative community include: DocFest; Children’s Media Conference; Warp Films; The Workstation; Sheffield Theatres, Tramlines and much more!

What could the sector offer you?

Jobs in this industry are likely to:

  • Give you the chance to develop- you will practise a craft/talent that you are passionate about.

  • Offer the likelihood of being self-employed or working as a freelancer for some or all of your career- most artists work for themselves.

  • A challenge- getting into the creative industry can be worthwhile, but it is not easy.

  • Have flexible working- you will need to be prepared to work outside standard office hours, as well as in different locations for some work in the sector.

  • Be involved in exciting projects- working in industries like stage/screen could mean you being involved with household names, or ones that might one day be!

  • The chance to work with others- you will mix with and collaborate with other creative professionals during your career and be inspired by others.

Reality check

The harsh truth is not everyone makes it in the arts. You will need to be proactive and resilient, particularly at the beginning of your career as you may face job instability and a lower income as you get started. Hours may be long and often unsociable. It may even be something you do alongside another job. When you have work in the industry, it might be that it is project-based meaning you will be driven by deadlines rather than your own creativity. If you are self-employed you may need to be skilled in other areas beyond your art itself.


You will likely need to have skills in...

Determination, resilience, commitment, creativity and developing good ideas in your area of interest, self-promotion, organisational, time management, networking skills, independent working, collaboration, adaptability, research into industry developments

Getting involved in local opportunities can be a great way to network and start building your portfolio of work.

A portfolio is essential for a career in this sector to showcase your skills!

Some roles in the sector

FASHION DESIGNER (£20-40,000 per annum, designer dependent)

Fashion designers use their creative flair and up-to-date knowledge of current trends to design clothing ranges. As a designer, you might work to your own or your company's brief. You will make decisions about colours, patterns and fabrics to create original sample designs. Fashion designers will usually specialise in one area including women’s/men’s/children’s wear, accessories or footwear. You might work as part of a team of designers and work towards project deadlines. Employment in fashion design can be competitive and so higher education qualifications might be necessary and will give you valuable opportunities for relevant work experience placements and networking.

ACTOR (wage will vary depending on role, type and location)

As an actor, you bring characters to life through speech and movement and you could work in a range of different settings including film/TV, theatre, radio and advertising. You might also find acting work as part of education or training programmes. Working hours might be long and unsocial with possible periods of unemployment or job instability. There is no standard route or formal qualifications required for a successful acting career. Practical experience of acting will be crucial for developing your acting skills and to make yourself known in the profession. Doing a relevant college, higher education or drama school course, as well as getting involved with community/student performing arts groups and productions will help you to do this.

MUSICIAN (wage will vary depending on settings and role)

As a professional musician you could expect to work in performance or creation of music in a variety of genres whether in a studio or to a live audience. You might work alone, as a freelancer or as a permanent member of a choir, band or orchestra. Like most creative careers, earning a living as a professional musician is extremely competitive and musicians will have usually been honing their talent over a number of years. As well as performing, you might also work on composing new music as well as managing aspects of the business such as arranging concerts/gigs and promoting your act by networking with relevant contacts and managing promotions. Although you do not necessarily need a degree, pursuing a higher qualification at a university or conservatoire can be highly regarded for some genres. However, getting practical experience through local bands, orchestras or choirs, as well as demonstrating a determination to succeed, will be crucial in this industry.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR (approx. £47,320 per annum, could be more depending on funding)

A creative director liaises with client to ensure products and services are marketed effectively. They are likely to create advertising campaigns and review these based on sales figures and surveys. As a necessity, they will need to stay aware of changes in media such as trends and may also be involved in arranging conferences and exhibitions to promote the services, organisation or products.

Did you know? Freelance work is common in the arts

GRAPHIC DESIGNER (approx. £18,000 to £35,000 per annum)

As a graphic designer, you will create visuals for a number of products to help organisations improve their identity and brand. This might mean contributing to websites, merchandise, exhibitions, advertisements or packaging based on the brief that you are given by your client. You might work as part of a team in larger organisations or work alone as a freelancer. Keeping up to date with the latest software will help you to stand out in a competitive industry. Work experience placements will be essential for you to get real life project experience as well as giving you the chance to build a portfolio of your work. Higher education qualifications might be necessary and will give you valuable opportunities for relevant work experience placements and networking. ​​​​​​​

Like this sector? Check out the similar ones here

Music.pdf

See what your career map might look like for the college

Design & Visual Arts.pdf
Performing Arts.pdf