Getting started
Art and illustration
Within the Creative industries, you could be looking at a wide range of occupations. Prospects has a useful list of job profiles each containing relevant information about key responsibilities, skill requirements, starting salaries, entry requirements, career prospects with links to major employers and current graduate vacancies.
Potential job roles
Job roles in this sector include:
Creating a Portfolio
You can start building up a portfolio of work while you're an undergraduate student. Your portfolio should:
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provide examples of your own ideas as well as your coursework
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demonstrate your evolving skills - so remember to add to this with any work experience you get.
Online portfolio
Having an online portfolio shows potential employers that you can use at least one content management system, and that you are familiar with how websites work.
A great place to showcase your work is an online design community or directory. Examples of free platforms include:
You can also create your own website. There are lots of website-building tools to help you create an online portfolio but be aware that some may involve costs.
Whatever you decide, make sure your portfolio is constantly updated and that you can confidently showcase and talk about your work.
Keep up-to-date with the industry
It's good to keep up-to-date on sector developments and track any vacancies coming up. Below are some great resources to help you research opportunities available. The knowledge gained through your research may help you to target your applications and will help when preparing for interviews.
- Arts Industry – Providing the latest art industry news and job opportunities in the sector.
- Arts Jobs & Arts News – Advertises latest job opportunities in the art and culture sector as well as posting the latest art related news.
- Arts Hub UK – Essential jobs and news information for professionals working in the UK arts and cultural industries.
- Creativeboom – Website covering all the latest news and daily headlines which offers a comprehensive industry overview. Search the dedicated jobs career centre for current job postings organised by specific category.
- Artquest – Useful advice, information and opportunities for visual artists.
- ScreenSkills - Industry body which supports skills and training for people working in the creative industries and advertises vacancies in film, TV and related industries.
