A career in the arts industry offers a unique opportunity to exercise boundless creativity. Whether you're a painter, musician, actor, or any other type of artist, this path invites you to captivate, provoke, and inspire. Beyond personal expression, art has a profound societal impact, challenging norms and reflecting “the human experience”. Modern art careers encompass various fields, from digital art to arts administration and therapy offering diversity within the field. If you are creative and dream of exercising your creative mind, a career in the arts is for you!
Why Choose a Career in the UK's Creative Industry?
The UK's creative industry is a dynamic and vibrant sector that offers numerous compelling reasons to choose it as your career path. Here are some key reasons to consider a career in this thriving field:
- Rich History and Cultural Diversity - The UK has a deep-rooted history of creativity and artistic innovation. It is a place where tradition meets contemporary expression. The cultural diversity within the creative industry ensures that you'll be exposed to a wide range of artistic influences, ideas, and perspectives, fostering innovation and enriching your own creative journey.
- Global Centre of Talent - The UK is a global centre for creative talent. With its diverse range of degree programmes and employment opportunities, it attracts artists and professionals from around the world. Such exposure and opportunities encourage collaboration with like-minded individuals and build a global network of creative contacts.
- Diverse Career Opportunities - The creative industry encompasses a wide range of fields, from film and television to design, fashion, and the visual arts. This diversity means that you have numerous options to choose from and the flexibility to explore different career avenues as your interests evolve.
- Employment opportunities - The UK government has pledged £77 million in new investment in the creative arts sector. This shows commitment to promoting the creative industry and creating new job opportunities. The government also plans to grow the creative industry by £50 billion and generate a million jobs by 2030. Simply put, the creative industry has a bright future with lots of employment opportunities.
- Cultural Impact - Creative professionals have the unique opportunity to shape and reflect society's culture and values. Whether you're creating thought-provoking artwork, designing influential fashion pieces, or producing impactful films, your work can challenge norms and contribute to the changing social culture.
What are some popular career paths in the creative industry?
The creative industry offers a range of exciting and well-paying careers. Here are some popular jobs in the creative industry in the UK along with their average salaries.
Actor: Starting salary of £20,000
Actors are professionals who bring characters to life on stage, in film, television and even in video games and animations. They use their acting skills to convey emotions and tell compelling stories. Aspiring actors may choose to be formally trained at drama schools or conservatories developing essential skills such as acting techniques, accents and physical skills demanded by different roles. Networking is a crucial part of this role to enable navigation through this competitive industry.
Animator: Average salary of £30,000 to over £60,000
Animators breathe life into characters and visual narratives through the magic of motion. They work across industries, including film, television, video games, and advertising. Animators create movement, expressions, and action, often using a combination of traditional and digital techniques. They collaborate with other artists and technical experts to produce captivating animations that engage and entertain audiences.
Visual Effects Producer: Average salary £30,000 to £75,000
A visual effects producer plays an important role in the entertainment industry, overseeing the creation of digital effects and enhancing the visual elements in films, TV shows, and other media productions. They work closely with directors, visual effects supervisors, and post-production teams to manage budgets, timelines, and the overall execution of visual effects sequences. Successful visual effects producers are skilled at balancing artistic vision with project management to deliver stunning visual effects on screen.
Games Artist: Average salary £20,000 to over £60,000
A career as a games’ artist involves creating the visual aspects of video games. Games artists use their artistic and technical skills to create characters and environments leading to the design, story and rules of the video game itself. They are responsible for creating and enhancing the gaming experience. The work of a games artist has gained importance in recent years as they have the ultimate responsibility to keep players engaged and entertained. As the demand for video games continues to rise, the gaming industry is beginning to offer a number of exciting career opportunities.
Graphic Designer: Average salary £24,000 to £40,000
Graphic design is a creative and dynamic career that involves creating visual content for a wide range of mediums, including print, digital, and multimedia. Graphic designers use their artistic and technical skills to communicate ideas, brand identities, and messages effectively through images, typography, and layout. Graphic designers can explore opportunities in various industries, including advertising, marketing, web design, and publishing.
Photographer: Average salary £20,000 to 40,000
A career in photography is for individuals who have a passion for visual storytelling and capturing moments in time. Photographers can specialise in various genres, including portrait, fashion, wedding, landscape, commercial, and more, allowing for a wide range of creative expression. Building a strong portfolio is crucial for attracting clients and job opportunities. Photography careers can encompass freelance work, studio ownership, or employment with media outlets, advertising agencies, or creative industries. Success often hinges on a combination of artistic vision, technical proficiency, marketing savvy, and adaptability to evolving industry trends.
Fashion Designer: Average salary £25,000 to over £50,000
Fashion designers are artistic visionaries who create clothing and accessories. Their work encompasses trend analysis, sketching designs, selecting fabrics, and overseeing the production process. Fashion designers often specialise in specific niches, such as haute couture or sustainable fashion. They need to stay ahead of fashion trends and consumer preferences while infusing their unique creative touch into their collections. Fashion designers also have the opportunity to work in collaboration with the film industry and are responsible for costume design.
Interior Designer: Average salary £25,000 to over £45,000
Interior designing as a career path involves transforming spaces into functional and aesthetically pleasing environments. Interior designers work closely with clients to understand their needs, preferences, and budgets, and then use their creativity and expertise to create personalised and visually appealing designs. This profession offers opportunities in residential and commercial design, and it requires a deep understanding of architecture, furniture, colour theory, and staying up-to-date with design trends and materials.
Architect: Average salary of £30,000 to £50,000
Architects blend artistic creativity with practical design to shape a construction. They plan and create buildings, considering aesthetics, functionality, and safety. Architects work on a diverse range of projects, from residential homes to commercial complexes and public structures. They must balance client needs, regulatory requirements, and environmental considerations while delivering innovative designs. Architects play a pivotal role in creating the physical spaces we inhabit and interact with daily.
Creative/Art Director: Average salary £65,000 to over £100,000
Creative directors guide the creative direction of projects across various media, including advertising, marketing, design, and entertainment. They lead teams of artists, designers, and writers, ensuring that the final product aligns with the client's goals and artistic vision. Their role involves brainstorming concepts, providing feedback, and overseeing the creative process from inception to completion. Creative directors play a critical role in shaping the look, feel, and message of campaigns or projects.
Where can you study to establish a career in the Creative Arts industry?
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is an outstanding institution known for its creative courses. With cutting-edge facilities and experienced faculty, AUB is the ideal place to nurture artistic talent. It offers diverse programs in art, design, film, fashion, and more, providing students with a platform to excel in the creative industry. AUB's strong focus on career preparation and range of courses makes it a top choice for aspiring young minds in the creative field.