Talked to a former account person recently, who had been laid off and was consistently reaching out, interviewing and not getting very far. He had a few freelance jobs here and there but nothing stuck.
A friend suggested a position at a fashion brand, and though he had little experience, he got it and LOVED it. He said he'd never felt this excited and passionate about advertising.
Now he's letting go of his ad dreams and switching his focus to fashion. Even though he has to start over from the very bottom and go to school again, it's worth it to him because it's something he loves.
Two things we can learn from this:
1. Sometimes a bad thing happens to lead to you the good stuff.
2. There are other ways to be creative than being a creative.
This article has some great examples of jobs for creative people, for example - a Fashion Designer.
8 Creative Jobs That Pay Over 60k (click to view all)
(please note most of these aren't for people just starting out so it's a bit misleading)
Valerie Atkisson | ArtBistro
Fashion Designer
Median Salary: $61,160
Job Summary:
Fashion designers help create the billions of dresses, suits, shoes, and other clothing and accessories purchased every year by consumers. Designers study fashion trends, sketch designs of clothing and accessories, select colors and fabrics, and oversee the final production of their designs.
Skills and Requirements:Projected Growth: 1%
Designers must have a strong sense of the esthetic—an eye for color and detail, a sense of balance and proportion, and an appreciation for beauty. Fashion designers also need excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Despite the advancement of computer-aided design, sketching ability remains an important advantage in fashion design. A good portfolio—a collection of a person’s best work—often is the deciding factor in getting a job.
In addition to creativity, fashion designers also need to have sewing and patternmaking skills, even if they do not perform these tasks themselves. Designers need to be able to understand these skills so they can give proper instruction in how the garment should be constructed. Fashion designers also need strong sales and presentation skills to persuade clients to purchase their designs. Good teamwork and communication skills also are necessary because increasingly the business requires constant contact with suppliers, manufacturers, and buyers around the world.
Education Level:
In fashion design, employers usually seek individuals with a 2 or 4 year degree who are knowledgeable about textiles, fabrics, ornamentation, and fashion trends. Aspiring fashion designers can learn these necessary skills through internships with design or manufacturing firms. Some designers also gain valuable experience working in retail stores, as personal stylists, or as custom tailors. Such experience can help designers gain sales and marketing skills while learning what styles and fabrics look good on different people.
And 10 Unexpected Jobs for Creative Types (click to view all)
