Jobs/employment opportunities for creative types?

CleoAgave · 04-05-2005, 12:42 PM

I know that I'm probably not the only one struggling to figure out what the hell I want to do with my life, but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about what a creative type might try for work. I've most recently been temping and working at various office type jobs. I've also done retail/food service and I'm not really psyched about starting a new job. I'm interested in hearing anyone's story about how they discovered what they wanted to be when they grew up. Also, if anyone writes for a living I would be really interested in hearing about how you got started.

blue_kitty · 04-27-2005, 11:39 AM

My roommate is a theatre major, emphasizing in costume design (which would let you be creative AND learn how to do something useful for yourself like make your own clothes). She was interested in theatre, so she decided on that for her major, and then got interested in the design of the different costumes and is now emphasizing in that.

I've always liked science, and had a love for Biology and the dissections we were always doing in school, so I'm a Biology major, pre-Medical school with the desire to become a medical examiner/pathologist by the time I'm done. It was either biology or theatre/art/music for me. If I hadn't decided on biology, I probably would have done photography or something like that.

I picked my major simply because we had to do research papers my freshman year of high school. I had a general idea of things I was interested in and might like to do, and just happened to get lucky while looking things up and came up with medical examiner, pathologist, forensic pathologist, crime scene photographer, and molecular/cellular biologist. Of course, I had the help of the teacher of the class, but it was really nice. So far I haven't decided I hate what I'm studying, so I must have done something right.

You could always try writer, designer, cook (become a chef or baker or something like that since you have some experience with food service), or something like that. Sorry, but I don't know any writers besides the computer science majors who write code.

CptSternn · 04-28-2005, 10:52 AM

First, you will never get a cool job right off, so get a crappy job at a good company and then startin sedning out resumes/cv's until you find something better.

My first job was a teacher for Microsoft - teaching the MCSE classes. Talk about boring. No to mention the worst part - having students come back months later for follow up classes on various other systems (ie. SQL, Exchange ,etc) and them telling you they got a job paying thriple what your making, and your the expert on the subject.

Either way, you have to start on the bottom of the totem pole to work yer way up. Trick is to get on at a company with a good name no matter what crap job you get.

Slán

Xan · 10-05-2006, 06:40 PM

I must agree with the previous reply. Find a reputable company and get a job there. It is easier to get a better job once you have one. Also take a look at yourself and find what makes you happy. Then head in that direction. Good luck and dont let anyone diswade you.

RobinGreenwood · 10-06-2006, 01:02 PM

Yep. While you figure things out, you'll probably still need money. So I agree. Take what job you can get that doesn't stifle you completely. As for a career, think about what you enjoyed at school, or wish you had taken (do you really regret not doing home-ec or literature?). Or do you have hobbies you're good at? They can become careers. I have a friend who went through the entire biochem program with me, mostly to please her science-teacher parents, and after graduating she went to art school to learn weaving. Now she's going to be a weaver. She has always had spinning and weaving as a hobby (yep, an actual spinster!), and she's carving out a career doing what she enjoys. So I say, do what you like, even if it's just a sideline for the longest time.

Me, I'm going to be a dietician because...basically, I cry when I see how some people are living their lives with complete disregard for their personal well-being. And worse, people completely disregard their children's health. If I didn't care so much, I'd be doing something creative and artsy. Or writing children's stories. Do something you love though, or you'll regret it! And you can always change careers if you get bored.

Godslayer Jillian · 10-06-2006, 04:42 PM

This thread is older than I am. Don't answer to it.

roberteggleton · 10-06-2006, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CleoAgave

I know that I'm probably not the only one struggling to figure out what the hell I want to do with my life, but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about what a creative type might try for work. I've most recently been temping and working at various office type jobs. I've also done retail/food service and I'm not really psyched about starting a new job. I'm interested in hearing anyone's story about how they discovered what they wanted to be when they grew up. Also, if anyone writes for a living I would be really interested in hearing about how you got started.

you've presented such a totally brave question. many, deny and hide until parental support is not available, such as at death or insitutionalization. A true friend would never say something like, "well, it's your life."

First, be practical. Consider if you have relocation options, such as relatives that would let you hang for a while until you get settled, and then decide base on economy of the geography.

Robert Eggleton
"Rarity from the Hollow" (my novel would also help you out)

vampgoth · 01-21-2008, 04:19 AM

hey. does any one know if there is any jobs going in the uk if so can they get back to me please. i know to shops but don't think they are looking for any one. the shops are hellfire and osiris. but does any one know anything else. if so get back. on tommy8720@************

vampgoth · 02-23-2010, 05:11 AM

dos no 1 come on to this site no more

lol

Catch · 02-23-2010, 06:26 PM

Okay, to find creative jobs look around at jobs listings for what you want to do, and then be more aggressive and send samples to people who are not looking. Internet searches work well. Look up Wizards of the Coast or on-line magazines and read the submission information. Do whatever. Artists are supposed to be extraverted. It may take awhile to get ahead but you don't have anything without a porfolio. I also like blogging because it is an on-line porfolio but I protect my work with patents.

I wasn't going to post links to my blog, but I write about this topic all the time.

Blogging:
http://greatercommunity.blogspot.com/

Acting:
http://acting76.blogspot.com/

Getting a job.
http://getajob76.blogspot.com/

02-24-2010, 04:09 AM

After 5 years, I am sure this person has already found out what to do with life. Please don't feed the necros.

Catch · 02-24-2010, 11:55 PM

Whatever, in school one of the professors worked as a freelance artist. He explained the ongoing days of working followed by pursuing any leads on future work. I changed my degree.

02-25-2010, 12:49 AM

The original poster still has not logged in since 2005.

Catch · 02-25-2010, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vampgoth

hey. does any one know if there is any jobs going in the uk if so can they get back to me please. i know to shops but don't think they are looking for any one. the shops are hellfire and osiris. but does any one know anything else. if so get back. on tommy8720@************

Vamp Goth is also looking for work. Remember we are trying to limit reopening the same topic threads... for some reason!