A Brief Guide on Entering the Creative Industries

A lot of us get fed up with routine and the repetitiveness in our lives. Some try to shrug it off and force themselves to "like it or lump it", picking up depression along the way. Others respond to their true calling, refusing to self-impose a life sentence of job dissatisfaction. They begin a new focus in life: to build a career based on what they enjoy doing. Apart from getting some formal education (which often isn't even relevant for some creative careers), what should you do?

To start off, you need to narrow down your passion. It is always more advantageous to specialise in one skill, then to try and pass yourself off as a jack of all trades. Within the extremely encompassing range of fields, including dancing, acting, singing, writing and filming, it is crucial that you can demonstrate what you are especially good at. It is easier for the employer to hire several specialists, instead of somebody who demonstrates a mediocre capacity for a range of related job skills.

It is also likely your passion is not up to employable standards, and this is what draws the line between a pastime and a profession. Extra tertiary education may be an option, but always do proper research on the course materials that they provide. Universities are notorious for promising degrees that seemingly relates to the creative industries. In reality they are typically heavily slanted towards theoretical work, and the only way to receive actual practical training is by doing postgraduate studies - which translates to additional tuition years and fees. A better way will be to look into a reputable polytechnic school where the focus will be on technical training, which is what the industries actually need.

Keeping a good portfolio is of utmost importance. An employer will only be able to judge your potentials based on your own record of your passionate activities. Videos, sound recordings and images are what they will be looking for to determine if you have reached industrial standards. A great way to enrich your portfolio is to include entries to competitions, regardless if you have won anything at all.

Also, know that available positions within the creative industries tend not be advertised, as they are frequently filled by people that have been recommended within the circles. Should you find yourself lacking contacts within your desired fields, you need to start making impressions. Volunteer yourself as unpaid assistants for promising employers. Outdoing your competitors in a reputable festival can also draw interests from distributors.

Be advised, the creative industries is a daring field, and chances of periodical joblessness is not uncommon. Make sure you still hold another consistent employment before you start making that transition towards a more innovative career. Going hungry will not help you make greater art to impress.

If you have a magazine subscription you'll know that all those words need to be generated by someone. Often, magazines are happy to take contributions by enthusiasts. Find one you enjoy, for example, a classic car magazine, and approach the editor.. Also published at A Brief Guide on Entering the Creative Industries.