Many of us will have experienced a time in our lives where we’ve felt drawn to pursue a creative career, whether our passions lie in the creative arts, the stage, or the great outdoors. However, being brave and finding the confidence to actually get started can feel daunting. We may worry about ruining our favourite hobbies by commercialising them or feel insecure about entertaining self-indulgent fantasies about doing our creative passions as a career. Despite this, with the right knowledge and attitude, the opportunity to pursue your creative spark as a career may not be as far-fetched as it seems. In fact, it may be right at your fingertips.
Graphic Design Careers
Transitioning into a career in graphic design offers a unique opportunity to blend your existing technical soft skills with your creative flair. If you have an eye for detail and a passion for communicating brand stories through visual artwork, a graphic design career could be the perfect career for you.
To gain the skills and experience necessary to gain employment as a graphic designer, many individuals will take online graphic design courses to upskill in graphic design and gain a host of knowledge in software such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. A strong portfolio will also be key in landing a new job. Some individuals choose to pursue freelancing in order to build up a portfolio whereas others choose to offer small businesses in their local community free logos or branding that they can then use to build a portfolio.
Embracing feedback and continuously learning will refine your skills over time. With determination and a willingness to explore new ideas, you can transform your passion into a fulfilling career in graphic design.
Outdoor Activity Careers
People with an adventurous spirit and a passion for nature and exploration will no doubt find a smooth transition into a career in outdoor activities. If you enjoy teaching others and you aren’t afraid of getting your hands dirty, consider an outdoor activity career, working in the fresh air with other likeminded individuals.
You may wish to get a head start and complete qualifications before submitting any job applications. A lot of people who transition into this industry obtain certificates in wilderness first aid, guiding, or outdoor teaching to enhance their credibility and safety awareness. To really set yourself apart from the rest, volunteering is a great way to build up experience that will make you shine in an interview. Not only will this look good on your CV, but it will enable you to gain invaluable skills in guidance, creating inspiring learning environments, and an understanding of the practicalities of safety in such a physical role.
If you already have a particular area of interest, consider taking specialist courses and qualifications in these areas and gaining volunteer experience in your particular areas of interest. This will help to give you an edge over other applicants and ultimately secure a career in your dream industry.
Backstage Theatre Careers
For theatre fans with a passion for storytelling and the magic of behind the scenes operations, transitioning into a backstage theatre career is an exciting opportunity to work in an environment that resonates with you. From wigs, hair, and makeup (WHAM) to lighting and sound, there are so many backstage theatre career paths to choose from, meaning you can tailor your choice to exactly what you’re passionate about.
Those looking to get into working in backstage theatre will generally start out by volunteering in their local theatres or participating in school production. This can help you to gain hands-on experience in various roles such as lighting, sound, or stage management. For WHAM careers, consider asking your friends to sit for you to practice on and building a portfolio of your work that you can show to potential employers to showcase your talent.
It is highly recommended to complete professional courses in line with the particular area of backstage theatre that interests you to add a level of qualification to your applications.