Focus on…Creative Industries

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The Creative Industries – which include industries such as advertising, print and design, TV and film, theatre, music and gaming – accounted for 1.68 million jobs in 2012, 5.6 per cent of the total number of jobs in the UK. 

Even during the recession, in 2011-2012, employment in the Creative Industries increased by 8.6 per cent, a much higher rate than the overall UK Economy (0.7%).

Over 1 million talented and creative people work in this industry. But who are those people, and what can you expect life working in the creative industry to be like? We look at some facts and figures.

What are Creative Arts?

The Creative Arts are often grouped together with digital technology – which provides these industries with a platform to deliver content. Cultural Industries, such as heritage and restorative projects, along with museums and art galleries, are often included within the Creative industries.

 Jobs in Creative Arts can be categorised as follows:

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• advertising
• cultural heritage
• craft and design
• digital media and technology
• fashion
•  film

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• literature
• music
• performing arts
• photography
• TV and radio
• visual arts.

How many people work in the creative arts industry?

• 540,000 people currently work in the creative and cultural industries as their main job.
• 27,400 people work in a ‘creative’ second job. Two thirds of these are self-employed.
• Total employment in the UK’s creative media industries alone has grown by more than 4,000 since 2009
• 24% of the workforce is freelance, while over 30,000 creative jobs are temporary or seasonal

Who works in creative arts?

• Representation of women has increased by 9% – there are now over 69,500 women working in the creative and cultural industries.
• Just 1% of the cultural and creative industries workforce would describe themselves as disabled
• Representation of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people (BAME) in the creative workforce is just over 5%

What can I expect working in this sector?

• a higher chance than average of working on a self-employed or part-time basis, and the risk of long periods of unemployment
• rapid changes in the type of work you’re doing, when you’re doing it and where
• opportunity to relocate, as most of these industries are based in larger cities
• an unsteady income, which can vary from month to month
• to earn less than other sectors, as many arts jobs are at the mercy of funding
• working hours to vary from regular, office hours to irregular, unsociable hours as required
• to potentially have to take on a second job to support yourself while working in the arts, especially if you’re at the bottom of the career ladder
• highly competitive workforce, as many jobs and promotions are very sought after
• to develop your talent, and become highly skilled in your area
• the opportunity to see your vision for work happen in real life
• a constantly changing  workplace, with lots of new faces every season
• plenty of variety in your work, with every day being different

How can I apply for a creative arts job?

With so many different areas, and so many different roles, there is no one way to apply for a creative job. Work experience will be extremely desirable within these industries, perhaps more so than qualifications – although some skilled jobs in the media and digital sectors will require you to be qualified. A natural flair for the art you’re practicing is much more important, and the ability to be business minded will help you succeed on the commercial side. Many jobs require you to start at the bottom and work up, so be prepared to work hard on little pay.

Many creative arts will hold events where you can speak to practitioners in that industry, who can advise the best entry to their organisation. Failing that, speak to your employability advisor who can get you on track to finding a creative arts role that works for you.

Despite all the negatives, many people become very successful in the creative industry, and if you’re looking for a rapidly changing job, with variety and the opportunity to see your work come to life, then this might be the industry for you.