Creative arts and design

The creative arts and design sector encompasses a wide variety of fields, from the visual and performing arts to publishing. It is suited to those with a flair for creativity and a desire to share and discuss their work with others.

Typical jobs in this sector include:

  • auctioneer
  • photographer
  • producer
  • curator and exhibition assistant
  • fashion designer.

Key skills that are useful in this sector include:

  • creativity, whether written, visual, or performing
  • commitment to your preferred job, particularly in the face of rejection
  • the ability to collaborate with others
  • resilience, particularly important given the early career insecurity in this sector
  • proactivity, especially when marketing yourself and your work.

For job profiles and detailed information on pursuing a career in this sector, see the Prospects website:

Creative arts and design profile

Contents

How to get a job

To prepare for a career in creative arts and design, you should research the sector carefully. You should also talk with people who are in the sector already.

Work experience is also an essential requirement for gaining employment in this sector. You can get this through work experience programmes, internships, and volunteering.

Make a connection

To connect with people already working in the sector, consider joining Saint Connect, the University of St Andrews’ exclusive, global, online community for networking and career mentoring.

See more ideas for making a connection.

Work experiences and internships

Some larger organisations within this sector offer structured, paid internships. These organisations include:

Creative access, an organisation that seeks to increase underrepresented group participation in the creative arts, also advertises paid opportunities, as does Creative Scotland.

The length of these internships varies from a few weeks to a year, depending on the organisation.

Internships are often highly competitive, and you may want to explore alternative routes to work experience.

Many work experience opportunities are not advertised, especially among smaller or regional organisations and businesses. You should consider making speculative applications to these organisations if you would like to gain experience with them. Though this work is unlikely to be paid, it will give you the opportunity to increase your experience, work with several organisations, and expand your portfolio.

Find an internship (Careers Centre)

Volunteering 

Organisations within this sector often look for volunteers, and this can be another way of getting work experience. Within St Andrews, volunteer opportunities include:

You could also consider joining student societies, such as the Art Society or the Photography Society.

Build your portfolio

For some parts of this sector, you should look to produce and grow a portfolio of your own creative work. Your portfolio could include, for example:

  • designs (graphic design or fashion)
  • written work (publishing)
  • photographs and completed video projects (photography and videography).

You can build your portfolio through work experience opportunities or in your own time. By exhibiting your skills and enthusiasm for the sector, you will go a long way to improving your chances of securing a paid role.

You can build your portfolio on an unpaid basis or through freelancing.

You may also find it helpful to market your portfolio to others. You can do this by making a connection, as described above, and by increasing your work’s exposure through blogs and social media.

Attend events

The Careers Centre often puts on events where you can talk to employers visiting St Andrews. Visit the events page for more information.

Finding a job

Check out our job listings for vacancies or see the resources below for jobs in the creative arts and design sector.

Find jobs (Careers Centre)

Jobs in the UK

Jobs outside the UK

Applying for a job

When applying for jobs in this sector, you can expect to do at least some of the following:

Because of the nature of this industry, there may be significant variations in the application process. For some roles, especially those in the visual arts, a creative CV will sometimes be appropriate. If you are unsure what CV to use, book an appointment with a CV adviser.

Your portfolio may also form part of your application, and you may be asked about it during an interview.

If you would like personalised help on any aspect of applying for a job, you can book an appointment with a careers adviser.  

Applying for a job