Jobs in the creative industry

Creative job roles

Employers in the creative industry are looking for people with multifaceted skills, who are innovative, imaginative, and have original ideas to bring the table. So, what are the creative industries? And what kind of jobs are out there?

The creative industries are made up of a wide range of professions, including creative arts and culture, music and performance, the screen industries, and everything in between. There are so many creative job roles up for grabs and there’s something to suit everyone’s career goals. Some of the creative jobs you could consider include:

• Fine artist
• Curator
• Photographer
• Designer (graphics, illustration, fashion, games, animation, interiors)
• Journalist
• Musician
• Writer (creative writing, poetry, non-fiction, scriptwriting, screen writing, marketing and communications)
• Broadcaster (TV, radio, podcasting)
• Producer (film, TV, stage, radio, podcasting)
• Director (film, TV, radio, stage)
• Social media manager
• Actor
• PR specialist.

Be part of a growing industry

According to a report by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport(opens in new tab), the creative sector is growing more than five times faster than the national economy and contributed more than £111 billion to the UK economy in 2018. What’s more, a DCMS estimate(opens in new tab) suggests there were 4.2 million total filled jobs in the DCMS sectors from October 2020 to September 2021. The sector with the most jobs filled in this period? The creative industries, at 2.3 million.

Finding work in a thriving industry can only be a good thing – this means more jobs, better opportunities for career progression, and even higher salaries, as roles are in greater demand. If you were concerned about the career prospects for creative jobs, these kinds of statistics will hopefully put your mind at ease.

Enjoy a flexible, portfolio career

While it's absolutely possible to find a full-time creative job in a large organisation, working regular hours, a lot of people working in creative professions enjoy the benefits of a flexible, portfolio career, offering various workplaces their skills and talents on a freelance basis.

A lot of jobs in the creative sector work this way, for example, a magazine or newspaper may commission a piece from a freelance writer or journalist, while a lot of films and TV shows employ their cast and crew for a specific production, where time on set and in post-production varies depending on the role. If you find the idea of regularly working somewhere new with a different team of people exciting, the flexibility of a creative career could be for you.

Do a job you love

Your career is a big part of your life, taking up a large proportion of your time, so if you're able to make that choice, you might as well choose something you enjoy! Most people find the opportunity to be creative in their job really fulfilling, so a career in the creative industry is the perfect way to achieve a rewarding work life.

"I've always been quite a creative person. I started off doing oil paintings, but thought if I could refine this into something I could make a career out of then that would be the best option for me, and the University really helped me do that. I feel like the skills that I gained while I studied here have helped me get to where I am today." Matthew Gray, BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Promotion graduate.

How we prepare you for jobs in the creative industry

We aim to give you the best chance to break into the creative industry after graduation. While you study, you’ll be able to take advantage of multiple opportunities to enhance your employability, including work experience and placements, live projects and commissions, and opportunities to network with industry leaders. Some examples within each of our subject areas include:

Art and Design

Get involved with live briefs and projects for real-life clients through the Sunderland Creatives Agency(opens in new tab). Whether you’re a graphic designer, photographer, illustrator, animator, or writer, the agency is a chance for you to gain valuable work experience and build your contacts. You’ll also get opportunities to exhibit your work in public spaces, providing you with experience of critically selecting and showcasing work and funding exhibition spaces.

Performance

You’ll be introduced to an extensive network of professional contacts, including actors, directors, agents, and casting directors. They'll share their knowledge and experiences with you, supporting you to make your mark as a performer and producer. Benefit from sessions including a Commedia Dell'arte masterclass, vocals, creative writing, dance techniques, circus skills, and drag artistry. You’ll even learn how to pitch ideas and complete funding applications, so you’re industry-ready after graduation.

Film and Media

As a Film and Media student, not only will you work alongside staff who are experts in their field using our fantastic production facilities, but you’ll develop and pitch ideas to industry practitioners and undertake work experience opportunities. Our students have worked with the BBC, Capital FM, Sunderland AFC, and Tyne Tees Television, and participated in masterclasses delivered by Lord David Puttnam.

Journalism and Communications

You’ll be able to publish work from day one in the mediaHUB and write for our student publications, including Fashion North(opens in new tab) and SportsByte(opens in new tab), or get involved with our community radio station, Spark Sunderland(opens in new tab), if broadcasting is more your thing. You can also take advantage of real-world media opportunities and gain experience in PR, copywriting, and social media via the Sunderland Creatives Agency.

Start your creative career journey

Become part of the creative industry by studying a creative degree. We offer a range of courses across subjects that include Art and Design, English, Journalism, Film and Media, Performance, and Public Relations. Learn more through our course pages or join us at our next Open Day.