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Apprenticeship Creative Arts & Design Jobs

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          Helping you find a career in creative arts & design

          If you have a strong creative skill set, the creative arts and design industry may be perfect for you!

          It can be tough industry to crack, particularly at entry level because there is so much competition, but once you do it's highly rewarding. There aren't many other industries that allow you to explore your creativity and utilise your imagination like this one!

          Working in the creative industries means more than just liking fashion or reading an art blog. You'll need to be highly self-aware and spend time developing your own unique style or brand, especially if you want to work for yourself.

          When you're starting out in the creative industry, you're unlikely to be making the key decisions - particularly if you're working for a company. Instead, you'll be an assistant as you learn the ropes of the industry and also have the room to develop your own processes under the guidance of those with more experience. Alongside this, you'll develop your communication skills with clients and potentially experience working in multiple teams. Communication is crucial for client work in this industry to ensure that both parties are happy with the final product.

          There can be strange working hours in this industry, with many having to work unsociable hours in order to meet deadlines for clients, runway shows, productions, or any other creative event you can think of.

          Developments in technology have also opened up this sector, which has created new jobs. Those with skills in photoshop, CAD, InDesign, and animation are high in demand.

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          FAQs
          Which skills are needed to work in the creative arts & design industry?

          To work in the creative arts & design industry, you'll need to be committed and willing to learn to help you develop and produce the best work. It'll also help if you have an open mind to try new things and artistic methods - particularly if you're working within digital design.

          You will also need to be very punctual with your work - the deadlines in this industry are strict!

          You'll need to keep up to date with the latest trends and developments. You'll also need a thick skin and a tonne of resilience, because being successful in this industry is tough.

          What are typical entry routes into the creative arts & design industry?

          You should be in a position to apply for assistant level roles in the creative arts, design or fashion sectors after you complete your apprenticeship, if this is the route you decide to go down when planning your career.

          Beyond that, however, there isn't a set progression path for careers within this industry. If you work hard, your efforts should pay off and your career will grow. Be sure to make contacts by networking, you never know when someone will recommend you.

          Also, be sure to keep your portfolio completely up to date and include every single success you have! It is an incredibly useful tool to gain new clients.

          What are typical career development pathways in the creative arts & design industry?

          If you've completed an apprenticeship in this area, you could consider going on to university afterwards in order to increase your professional standing.

          You should also check out the funds that are available through Creative Skillset, which has been developed to support talent in TV, film and other areas.

          Always get involved with projects where you can - or do internships - even if you don't have much responsibility at the start, it will be beneficial to be part of a big project and you can see how the processes work. As you get more experience, you will likely have more freedom to put ideas forward.

          Alternatively if you would rather work for yourself, a great way to start is through social media. Social media accounts are mostly free to set up and allow you to post examples of your work for prospective clients to see and you can advertise your services. Through these platforms you can also network with other creative professionals online and begin to build up your brand.

          How much do Creative arts & design professionals get paid?

          As an apprentice, you'll earn a minimum of £4.15 per hour if you're under 19 or in the first year of your apprenticeship, or the National Minimum Wage if you're over 19. This works out at around £150 - £240 per week.

          When starting out in the industry (even after your apprenticeship) your wage is likely to be modest - unfortunately, this is often the price that's paid for working in a competitive industry.

          Starting salaries for assistants in this field are usually around £18,000. Average salaries for the following roles are:

          Gallery curator - £27,122 Graphic designer - £21,562 Illustrator - £22,030 Textile designer - £22,127 Senior fashion designer - £34,006

          Freelance workers are able to set their own rates and those who are high in demand can set their rates incredibly high and earn in excess of £100,000 a year. However, this will take years of hard work and the income is not always stable!

          What qualifications do I need for a career in creative arts & design?

          To get a job in the creative arts sector as a school leaver, it's a good idea to undertake a vocational qualification. A diploma, certificate or short course can give you the practical skills you need to get a portfolio together and start planning job or project applications.

          Professional organisations such as Creative Skillset, as well as colleges, can provide or lead you directly to these qualifications.

          Alternatively, you could look at apprenticeships in the creative sector. Apprenticeships involve studying and working for a company at the same time, and are becoming increasingly common within the arts. You will work alongside experienced staff and will have one day off per week to study, usually at a local technical college or equivalent. This can be a great route for those who know they want a creative career early on, and don't want to burden themselves with the time and debt of university.

          Creative arts & design further reading

          Arts Council England
          Arts Industry
          Arts Hub
          Arts Professional
          Arts Emergency
          Design Council
          British Institute of Interior Design
          UK Web Design Association
          Design Industries Association
          Design Business Association
          Creative Industries Federation
          British Arts Festivals Association
          Performing Arts Network and Development Agency (Panda)
          Chief Cultural & Leisure Officers Association
          Equity
          ArtWorks Alliance
          British Fashion Council
          UK Fashion & Textile Association
          Creative Industries
          Creative Skillset
          Fashion Association of Britain
          Chartered Society of Designers