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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Looking for a Way Out of a Mundane Job? The Creative Industries is a Possibility

By James Jenkins


A lot of us get fed up with routine and the repetitiveness in our lives. Some try to shrug it off and force themselves to adapt to a less than enjoyable career, picking up depression along the way. Others respond to their true calling, refusing to self-impose a life sentence of job dissatisfaction. They begin a new focus in life: to build a career based on what they enjoy doing.

To start off, you need to narrow down your passion. It is always more advantageous to specialise in one skill, then to try and pass yourself off as a jack of all trades. Within the extremely encompassing range of fields, including dancing, acting, singing, writing and filming, it is crucial that you can demonstrate what you are especially good at. It is easier for the employer to hire several specialists, instead of somebody who demonstrates a mediocre capacity for a range of related job skills.

And where would you get your training from? Unless you have been entering and winning contests and receiving offers left and right, you might need to enhance your skill. Going to a polytechnic school is a good choice because they place their emphasis on practical training, which is what the industry actually needs. Always be suspicious about universities offering a program in "arts" because not only are they much too time consuming to complete, they tend to prioritise theories over practicality - if any. Learning on the job, such as finding an internship, is even better and employers are often grateful for your work. Think outside the box - it could be designing basketball singlets, painting murals, or writing articles.

Keeping a good portfolio is of utmost importance. An employer will only be able to judge your potentials based on your own record of your passionate activities. Videos, sound recordings and images are what they will be looking for to determine if you have reached industrial standards. A great way to enrich your portfolio is to include entries to competitions, regardless if you have won anything at all.

Networking will be your other critical asset. Far too many opportunities in the creative industries never made it to the situation vacant section, simply because they are frequently taken up by the acquaintances and associates within the job. Applying as an unpaid intern is an excellent opportunity to make a impression for those already working in the field. Otherwise, participating in clubs and festivals related to your interest is another way of establishing a network.

Know this, the creative industries is a job sector defined by stiff, passionate competition, and stories of periodical joblessness is not uncommon. Make sure you still hold another consistent employment before shifting your career towards the artistic direction. Going hungry will not help you make greater art to impress.




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