Well, well, well. So, you've decided to explore different career paths in the creative industry. Congrats! You must be feeling so excited to embark on a journey full of passion and creativity, right? Right?
Okay, let's not get too carried away here. While the creative industry might seem like a dreamland for artistic souls, it can also be a tough nut to crack.
But hey, don't let me rain on your parade but let's dive into the reality of creative careers and job searching, shall we?
First things first, let's talk about
“creative” careers.
The term itself is a bit ambiguous, isn't it? I mean, what exactly does it mean to have a “creative” career? Does it mean you get to spend your days painting rainbows and unicorns? Or does it mean you're constantly brainstorming groundbreaking ideas for the next big ad campaign? The answer, my friend, is both yes and no.
Creative careers can encompass a wide range of industries, from graphic design to writing to music production. And yes, while some of these industries might involve more rainbows and unicorns than others, they all require a certain level of creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.
But don't be fooled, just because a career is considered "creative" doesn't mean it's all fun and games. You'll still have deadlines to meet, clients to impress, and bills to pay. Sorry to burst your bubble, but that's just the reality of it.
Now, let's move on to career exploration. This is the fun part, right? Researching different industries, learning about job responsibilities & requirements, and figuring out what path you want to take...
It can be fun but also be overwhelming. With so many options out there, how do you know which one is right for you?
Well, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best way to figure out what career path you want to take is to do your research and explore your options.
Don't be afraid to try new things and take on different projects. You never know, you might just discover a hidden talent you never knew you had.
And I know it can be scary, but don't hesitate to reach out to professionals in the industry. They can provide valuable insight and guidance to help you make the right decision.
Finally, let's talk about job searching.
Ah, the joys of scouring job boards, writing cover letters, and showing up for interviews. It's enough to make anyone want to crawl back under the covers and hide. But fear not! There really are ways to make the job search process a little less painful.
First and foremost, make sure your resume and portfolio are up-to-date and tailored to the industry you're applying to. Research the organization you're applying to and make sure you understand their mission and values. And don't be afraid to reach out to absolutely anyone you know who knows someone on the inside and ask for referrals or advice.
Last but not least, remember that finding the perfect job (for you) takes time. You might face rejection, you might need time to figure out what your thing is, you might have to take on gigs that aren't your “dream” job at first - but if you keep pushing forward and putting in the work, you'll eventually find your place in the creative industry.
You will find the work that works for you.
So there you have it, a short and sweet guide to exploring different career paths in the creative industry.
Just remember, while it might not be all rainbows and unicorns, pursuing a career that allows you to express your creativity and passion is always worth it in the end. Happy job hunting!
Yours in creative goodness,
EBS
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EB Sanders | Career Coach for Creative Types
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