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Creative Arts and Design
People who work in this sector use their creative ideas to improve the usefulness and appearance of almost everything we see and use in our daily lives.
- Designers work on products ranging from cars to clothes and home appliances, to magazines. They make sure that their designs are attractive, functional and, where possible, environmentally sustainable.
- Artists produce paintings, sculpture and other pieces that decorate homes, workplaces and public spaces.
- Craftspeople, such as engravers and silversmiths, produce items using both traditional and modern methods and materials.
Check out the professional bodies’ own entries in the Profession Finder
There are a number of professional bodies covering these sectors. Here you will find information on:
- Jobs and salaries
- Routes and Qualifications
- Funding
Jobs and Salaries
There are a wide range of jobs within Creative Arts and design.
Examples of jobs include:
- Drama therapists -BADth (British Association of Drama Therapists)
- Dance teachers - BATD (British Association of Teachers of Dancing)
- Photographers - BIPP (British Institute of Professional Photography), MPA (Master Photographers Association)
- Interior designers - BIID
- Make up artists - NASMAH
- Musicians - ISM
- Audiology - BSA
- Medical illustrators - IMI
- Videographers - IOV
- Sound and Lighting
Routes and Qualifications
Although it is often unnecessary to have a formal qualification, many institutes do offer courses and training:
Apprenticeships are also often a good way to get into a profession within the creative arts and design.
Search Skillset's database for creative media courses.
Funding
Funding is often hard to come by, however, some professional bodies do offer advice on how find financial help, for example, the IOC.
Skillset offer bursaries towards the cost of training and they also subsidise training courses to reduce the course fees.
‘Specialist Residential Centres’ offer extra support for students wanting to study some art and design courses. Places are only available if similar provision isn't on offer locally. See if you can find a residential bursary for a course you're interested in studying away from home.
What’s it like to work in this sector?
- Employees in this sector often work regular hours; however they are sometimes required to do overtime to meet deadlines.
- While those that are self employed often have no set hours, but may need to be available during weekends and evenings to sell their work.
- Many craft workers and artists have more than one part-time job to boost their income.
Where can I work?
- Jobs in this sector are available throughout the UK.
- However there is a higher concentration in London and the South East.
What do employers look for?
- Creativity, understanding of how to use shape and colour, and good spatial awareness are important for many jobs.
- Computer skills are essential for most design work, Artists need to be practical and may require good drawing skills, while craft workers have to be good with their hands.
- There are job opportunities at all levels, but competition for jobs is intense. Some entrants have few formal qualifications, but many enter after having relevant art and design training.
- There are many full- and part-time design, art and craft courses, ranging from those at GCSE level, to those leading to postgraduate qualifications.
- Employers and course admissions tutors normally expect to see a portfolio of work.
