Breaking into a creative career can be tricky. Industries are often saturated with individuals and agencies all trying to snag a role as a creative professional of some sort.
The opportunities open to you are endless with fields of expertise including graphic design, illustration, web design and more. If you are considering a career as a creative professional, there are some things you need to know first. Whether you’re looking to begin a career as a Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Web Designer or something further afield, it’s important to stand out when competing against other candidates whilst retaining your personal design style.
Here are a few things you should know before starting a design career or becoming a creative professional…
You don’t necessarily have to go to Art school or do a degree.
Yes, it can get you somewhere further and faster but this isn’t always the case. Experience is valued highly in a creative role so it’s best to familiarise yourself with all of the software and programs. Learn anything you’re unsure of – Adobe Suite skills are often key for creative roles. There are tonnes of tutorials and resources out there to help you learn anything you’re unsure of before you apply for a role.
Don’t compare your designs to others.
Break out of that frame of mind. Instead, compare your current work to the stuff you used to produce. Everyone really does have their own style and that’s totally fine – Can you imagine how boring the world would be if we all churned out the same-looking designs…
Do something creative every single day.
Keep the spirit alive and you’ll be improving day by day. Try keeping a journal if that sort of thing works for you or you could create an account on Instagram or a Pinterest board where you collect inspiration – This feed should be purely for creating a theme of creative inspo that catches your eye (who knows, you may gain a few followers which could lead to new, exciting opportunities!)
Someone somewhere will totally love your work as much as you do. Find them.
Create an online portfolio, submit your best pieces to exhibitions and tell people about the services you can offer them. Get your CV or resume up to scratch too!
Don’t give up.
The best things often take time – Doing something you love day in day out is truly worth your time and effort.
Deep metaphor warning… Painting a big canvas takes a while; you have to build up the layers to create the final masterpiece. Keep working at it and you’ll smash it.
What’s holding you back from being a creative professional? Is anything troubling you before you take the leap? Perhaps you’re unsure which design direction to head in. Leave any questions in the comments below or drop me an email and I’ll get back to you!
6 Comments
I absolutely love this! Inspiring read <3 x
Aw thank you! So glad you like it xx
Building a brand is not an easy task to perform. It requires an effective strategy along with measured steps to stand apart from competitors. So, your tips are helpful to make the strategy for the same. Thank you so much for sharing this valuable information.
You motivated me so much! Thanks for making this short post!
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