High Demand Careers for Creatives in 2021: 15 Dream Jobs That Actually Pay [Updated]

Want a creative career with financial security and good job prospects? Here’s a list of 15 creative jobs that can fulfil you – and pay the bills.

You may be surprised to learn that, in Australia:

• Creative jobs are, on average, paid 24% more than those in other industries
• Job growth in the creative sector is almost double that of other occupations
• The average salary in the creative design industry is between $65,000 — $110,000
• Top-earning Australian creative directors are paid $300,000 per annum

Additionally, most jobs in the creative industries are support roles, like account managers and project managers, rather than core creative roles. This can pose a fantastic opportunity to be involved in the industry you love while saving your creative energies for a personal artistic practice outside of work.

While most creative industries tend to be concentrated in Sydney and Melbourne, the strong increase in remote working means that more creative jobs are accessible for people living in regional QLD or Perth.

Ready to feel excited about the creative possibilities for your career and empowered to choose a fulfilling path? Below is a list of creative jobs that will flex your creativity and bring in a good income.

What are the highest paying creative jobs in Australia?

1. Interior designer

Qualification: Professional Interior Design Course

Interior design job description

Interior designers plan, design and specify details for building interiors. This can range from the construction of commercial and industrial spaces to retail and residential spaces.

What does an interior designer do?

• Develop and design building and retail interiors, residential and other general spaces
• Design furniture
• Organise interior foundations such as lighting and air-conditioning
• Organise drawings and other decorating guidelines
• Discuss design concepts and offer advice to clients
• Evaluate a clients’ requests
• Work collaboratively with contractors and tradespeople in the early stages of the design process

Skills you’ll use

• Technical design – 82% skill level
• Customer service – 74% skill level
• Building & construction – 66% skill level
• English language – 62% skill level
• Sales and marketing – 60% skill level

Is it right for you?

• You’re full of clever, original ideas and you find unusual ways to solve problems
• You can clearly picture how spaces and objects will look before you start moving or changing anything
• You’re a close listener who pays attention to the meaning behind what people are saying
• You are comfortable speaking to others and expressing ideas
• You notice small details others miss

Entry-level jobs

• Interior design assistant
• Interior stylist’s assistant
• Junior interior designer
• Interior decorator
• Technical designer

2. Beauty therapist

Qualification: Diploma of Beauty Therapy

Beauty therapist job description

Beauty therapists perform a variety of beauty treatments on clients, involving but not limited to skincare, body treatments, nail care, spa therapy and aromatherapy. Beauty Therapists may also perform some administrative duties such as greeting clients and taking bookings.

What does a beauty therapist do?

• Speak with clients about their needs, examine their skin, hair and nails
• Provide guidance on skincare, treatments and cosmetic application
• Perform manicures and pedicures, sometimes including decorative nail art, artificial nails, nail repair, and other nail-focused treatments
• Give massages, facials, and other face and body treatments
• Remove hair through services such as waxing, bleaching, laser hair removal and other specialised treatments
• Other housekeeping tasks such as taking bookings, coordinating appointments and upholding client records
• Offering advice on and selling cosmetic products

Skills you will use

• Serving others – 48% skill level
• Active listening – 45% skill level
• Judgement and decision-making – 45% skill level
• Reading comprehension – 45% skill level
• Speaking – 43% skill level

Is it right for you?

• You’re an attentive listener
• You’re a confident speaker and can comfortably communicate with others
• You notice small details
• You have a steady hand and arm
• You have good written comprehension

Entry-level jobs

Sales assistant
Laser hair removal therapist
Makeup artist
Sales assistan

3. Event planner

Qualification: Certificate in Event Management

Event planner job description

Event Planners are employed by clients to organise and coordinate services for a wide range of events, which include conferences, functions such as birthdays and weddings, industry events and general seminars.

What does an event planner do?

• Promote events to potential customers
• Answer queries regarding services provided and the price for room and equipment rental, as well as catering and other associated services
• Meet with clients to speak with them about their needs, then discuss package options to achieve the clients’ goals
• Arrange a variety of services catering, displays, decorations, audiovisual equipment, location and venue, transport and more
• Negotiate the type and costs of services to be provided within budget
• Evaluate a clients’ requests
• Work collaboratively with contractors and tradespeople in the early stages of the design process

Skills you will use

• Planning and organising – 82% skill level
• Negotiation and conflict resolution – 78% skill level
• Building and construction – 66% skill level
• English language – 62% skill level
• Sales and marketing – 60% skill level

Is it right for you?

• You’re an attentive listener & confident speaker
• You are a good reader & written communicator
• You spot potential problems far in advance
• You’re very organised
• You are talented at smoothing over tense situations

4. Graphic designer

Qualification: Graphic Design Diploma

Graphic designer job description

Graphic or creative designers create visual concepts to convey notions through informing and inspiring, and in turn capturing the attention of customers. Graphic design can be done freelance, in-house, or as part of an agency.

What does a graphic designer do?

• Decide on both objectives and constraints of the design brief via discussions with clients
• Carry out research and assessing the communication requirements as requested by the client/client brief
• Undertake research and examine communication requirements
• Inventing design concepts for the objective to be effectively communicated
• Organise mock-ups, layouts, sketches and illustrations to convey design concepts
• Keep client files on record for future use

Read an interview with a graphic designer

Skills you will use

• Communications and media – 90% skill level
• Design – 89% skill level
• Fine arts – 84% skill level
• Computers and technology – 78% skill level
• English language – 69% skill level

Is it right for you?

• You can easily generate lots of ideas on a topic
• You frequently notice small details that others miss
• You are an attentive listener and confident speaker
• You often find new, clever ways to solve problems

Entry-level jobs

• Junior design assistant
• Graphic design assistant
• Junior graphic designer

5. Copywriter

Qualification: Certificate IV in Marketing

Copywriter job description

Copywriters work with clients to produce writing to influence, inform, and connect with an audience. They work in advertising and marketing, primarily, with a range of styles – from creative copy for branding, descriptive content for e-commerce, SEO focused text for websites, research-based reports, guides, and whitepapers, and many other forms in between. They can work permanently in-house at one company, or as part of a creative agency working with ever-changing clients and projects. Many copywriters also become freelancers after a few years, where they can increase their earning power and call their own shots.

What does a copywriter do?

• Speak with the client about the primary message they’d like to convey and their target audience
• Discuss visual and content concepts with other team members
• Produce drafts to present to clients
• Adjust the content until the client is content with the final result

Meet a freelance writer

Skills you will use

• English language – 73% skill level
• Marketing – 70% skill level
• Communications and media – 67% skill level
• Customer and personal service – 57% skill level
• Technology – 54% skill level

Is it right for you?

• People tell you that you have a way with words
• You’re better in writing
• You’re a careful, attentive listener
• You are always coming up with original, clever or unusual ideas
• You enjoy using reasoning and general principles to think through problems

Entry-level jobs

• Junior copywriter
• Marketing assistant
• Marketing and communications consultant
• Junior content writer

6. Photographer

Qualification: Diploma of Photography

Photographer job description

A photographer is essentially an artist with a camera. Photographers utilise a combination of technical skills and creative flair to take photographs of just about anything. The majority of photographers are self-employed freelancers, although a small portion work in-house at publications, or for a creative agency. From weddings, people and places, to landscapes and nature, the possibilities are really endless with the photography industry.

An overwhelming majority of photographers are self-employed – salaried full-time roles are rare.

What does a photographer do?

• Plan the logistics of photoshoots, including hiring people, organising equipment transport, and securing locations
• Consult with clients, negotiate jobs, and plan briefs
• Select camera settings such as apertures, shutter speeds and focus depending on environmental factors as well as what effect is desired
• Set up artificial lighting and other equipment, such as flashes and reflectors
• Direct and coordinate subjects and assistants
• Test equipment before its use to ensure it is working efficiently
• Enhance, retouch and resize images if required, using digital software and other equipment

Skills you will use

• Customer service – 72% skill level
• Sales and marketing – 69% skill level
• Fine arts – 84% skill level
• Using photography equipment – 68% skill level
• English language – 54% skill level

Is it right for you?

• You’re at ease communicating and negotiating with clients
• You’re a natural businessperson and salesperson
• You are excellent at noticing details, near and far away
• You generate lots of new, creative ideas
• You enjoy logistical puzzles and solving problems on your feet
• You can easily visualise how things will look in advance
• You enjoy working with equipment and technology

Entry-level jobs

• Freelance photographer’s assistant
• Freelance image processing assistant
• Junior retoucher
• Studio assistant

7. Social media manager

Qualification: Diploma of Social Media Marketing

Social media manager job description

Social media managers work with the broader digital marketing team, crafting a social media strategy that aligns with an organization’s goals. The Social Media Manager has the final say in which platforms are best suited, and what kind of creative content and copy the team will make. They produce social media content, keep an eye on trends, analyse data and create reports, and manage content creation activities across their team.

What does a social media manager do?

• Produce a business social media strategy and develop steps to put this into place
• Produce creative concepts that align with the client’s/organisation’s goals
• Recognise influential opportunities, engage regularly with audiences via selected online platforms
• Sign off on social media content, copy, tactics and other campaigns
• Manage paid campaigns on Google Ads, Facebook and Instagram

Skills you will use

• English language
• Communications and media
• Administration and management
• Sales and marketing
• Customer service

Is it right for you?

• You like solving problems logically, using general principles or rules
• You’re an attentive listener and confident speaker
• You can quickly generate lots of ideas on a topic
• You’re good at reading and writing
• You often come up with clever, original ideas

Entry-level roles

• Content creator
• Social media assistant
• Digital marketing assistant

8. Creative director / art director

Qualification: Bachelor of Design Arts

Creative director job description

A creative director (sometimes referred to as an art director) is a senior-level creative strategist and is one of the highest paying creative roles. Creative Directors, working either in-house or with an agency, lead a creative team in developing and executing creative work. The type of work varies depending on what field they work in, such as graphic design, advertising, copywriting, media and more. Most creative directors have, at the least, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant creative arts field. They usually also have several years of previous experience in a creative job and experience in managing people and projects.

What does a creative director do?

• Lead a team of creatives
• Manage projects from conception to completion
• Develop strategies and pitch them to clients/stakeholders
• Coordinate work for groups of people across departments
• Provide constructive feedback to team members
• Oversee marketing or promotional campaigns
• Manage budgets and deadlines

Skills you will use

• Thinking creatively
• Keeping knowledge up to date
• Relationship building
• Planning and prioritising work
• Communicating with the public

Is it right for you?

• You’re a born problem-solver
• You listen closely to what people are saying, detecting the themes and underlying meanings
• You are excellent at noticing details, near and far away
• You are full of new, innovative ideasYou’re a clear, persuasive speaker and writer

Entry-level jobs

• Junior graphic designer
• Junior copywriter
• Commercial photographer’s assistant
• Advertising assistant

9. Animator / motion designer

Qualification: Diploma of Digital Media Technologies

Animator job description

Animators create visual communications that move for a variety of purposes, including entertainment, games, marketing, advertising and other communications. They will often collaborate with other animators, as well as producers and clients, take direction from a lead animator or creative director, and work to tight deadlines.

What does an animator do?

• Design 2D and 3D assets, including characters, objects, sets and environments
• Draw vector-based 2d illustrations
• Create storyboards to show the narrative and visuals
• Developing the pacing and timing of movement, often in conjunction with audio effects and music
• Using technical software, such as Cinema 4D, Maya, Adobe After Effects, 3DS Max
• Collaborate with a production team, including creatives from other disciplines

Skills you will use

• Design techniques and tools
• Visual media production
• Fine arts
• Computers and technology
• English language

It is right for you?

• You’re a weapon in a brainstorming session
• You often notice small details that others miss
• You’re a strong verbal and written communicator
• You have lots of original and unusual ideas
• You love puzzles and problem-solving
• You can picture things clearly in your mind before you create them

Entry-level jobs

• Animation intern
• 3D modeler
• Multimedia illustrator
• Lighting artist
• Junior digital designer

10. Content manager

Qualification: Diploma of Digital Marketing

Content manager job description

Content marketing is a booming field within digital marketing that combines creative, journalistic writing with marketing disciplines. It involves creating and sharing online educational content, unlike traditional marketing which directly promotes a brand, or its products and services. Content marketers produce articles, videos, newsletters, reports, infographics, apps, games, quizzes, and even in-person experiences. As a content marketing manager, you’ll develop and run content campaigns, plan and supervise the work of individual content producers, measure results with key metrics and present them to your supervisors.

What does a content manager do?

• Plan, develop and implement content campaigns to support business goals
• Manage a variety of creators, such as writers, designers and video producers
• Analyse data regarding website traffic and audience behaviour
• Coordinate an editorial calendar
• Execute content-related SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) projects
• Provide constructive feedback to team members

Skill you will use

• Digital marketing
• Reading and writing
• Customer service
• Administration and management
• Data analysis

Is it right for you?

• You enjoy thinking through problems logically to find solutions
• You listen closely to what others say
• You can easily generate many ideas on a given topic
• You’re a very confident written and verbal communicator
• You’re wouldn’t mind working with data in spreadsheets and analytics tools

Entry-level jobs

• Content marketing assistant
• Junior content writer
• Digital marketing assistant

11. User experience (UX) designer

Qualification: User Experience Design Course

UX designer job description

UX is a relatively new field that blends psychology and design. User experience designers improve the way people interact with a product or service, usually a technology product such as software or hardware. They do this by observing people’s behaviour when using a product, conducting research, and analysing the result. Working in teams with other designers, analysts and developers, UX designers use the insights gained to make changes to the product aimed at improving the user’s experience. Once changes have been made, UX designers will test again to see if the experience has truly improved – it is a cyclical process which improves with every iteration.

What does a UX designer do?

• Conduct user research
• Compile and present findings to other teams
• Create wireframes, plan user journeys and develop prototypes using design software such as InVision, Adobe XD, and Sketch
• Collaborate with other designers and across departments to find ways to improve user experience

Skills you will use

• Design software and tools
• Interaction design
• User research
• Adobe suite
• User interface design

Is it right for you?

• You enjoy using logic and general principles to find solutions
• You notice small details
• You’re an excellent listener and clear speaker
• You are methodical, and enjoy arranging things in order
• You can easily come up with lots of ideas on a topic

Entry-level jobs

• Junior graphic designer
• Junior UX designer
• Junior UI designer

12. UI designer / web designer

Qualification: UX Design Courses and Web Design Courses

UI designer job description

UI designers create user interfaces, in the form of websites, apps, and software. They develop the graphic look and feel of an interface, designing and testing for optimal user experience. UI designers need a keen eye for detail and the patience to methodically identify and solve problems. The best UI designers are both creative and technically minded, with a keen interest in human behaviour and a sense of empathy for the users they are designing for.

What does a UI or web designer do?

• Interpret design briefs from clients or stakeholders
• Create design prototypes, using software such as Sketch or Invision
• Create and maintain design system libraries and assets
• Conduct continuous research into best design practices for user interfaces
• Work with teams of developers to implement designs
• Collaborate with other teams to determine design requirements
• Carry out user tests to optimise designs for usability

Skills you will use

• Computers and devices
• Graphic design
• Communication
• Web design
• Clerical and office work

Is it right for you?

• You like solving problems using logic
• You’re interested in human behaviour
• You notice small details that others miss
• You enjoy collaborating with others
• You are drawn to sorting and ordering things
• You love visual design and technology

Entry-level jobs

• Junior UI designer
• Junior web app developer
• Junior front-end developer

13. Video game designer

Qualification: Certificate IV in Digital and Interactive Games

Video game designer job description

Video game designers work across a broad range of areas in creating games. The job title ‘video game designer’ can refer to a few different kinds of roles, depending on the studio. It can refer to a level designer, where you design individual levels. It can also refer to a video game developer, who writes the code, tests bugs, and does software development work on the game. Sometimes, a video game designer refers to the creative director for a game, where you work with a team to develop the art direction for an entire game, including the concept, story, gameplay, characters, and setting. This is a senior leadership role that requires experience in both designing and development.

What does a video game designer do?

• Lead a team through the game design process
• Design game levels and interfaces
• Program and test game software
• Develop and implement concepts for story, characters, animation, setting, interactions, and game mechanics

Skills you will use

• Game engines
• Documentation and administration
• Design
• User experience
• Programming

It is right for you?

• You enjoy problem-solving using logical principles
• You often notice small details that others miss
• You’re an attentive listener and confident verbal communicator
• You enjoy sorting and ordering things into patterns and categories
• You’re able to come up with many ideas at once

Entry-level jobs

• Junior game developer
• Junior game level editor
• Video game tester
• Junior game artist
• Junior game animator

14. Fashion designer

Qualification: Diploma of Design Arts (Fashion & Costume Design)

Fashion designer job description

Fashion designers come up with new apparel designs, develop products for the fashion market, and oversee production methods. They identify and respond to trends in different contexts, draw illustrations or sketches for a new product, present their ideas to clients or management for approval. When it has been signed off on, the designer will then construct prototypes and samples, often with the help of assistants, and hand the design over to a manufacturer with specifications for fabric and production methods.

What does a fashion designer do?

• Come up with design concepts for clothing, footwear and accessories
• Develop sketches, diagrams, and plans
• Produce prototypes and samples
• Interpret design briefs from clients
• Direct technical manufacturing aspects, such as fabric and production methods, for each item

Skills you will use

• Technical design
• English language
• Administration and management
• Production and processing
• Sales and marketing

Is it right for you?

• You have a lot of creative, unusual ideas
• You’re a confident speaker and listen closely
• You can come up with many ideas quickly
• You’re a strong written communicator
• You can easily visualise how things will look in your mind’s eye

Entry-level jobs

• Assistant fashion designer
• Assistant patternmaker
• Apparel production assistant

15. Industrial designer

Qualification: Diploma of Design

Industrial designer job description

Industrial designers conceptualise, design and produce manufactured products, such as furniture, cars, electronics, toys and appliances. They prototype new products for commercial, industrial and consumer use, on a small or mass-production scale. These designs are then sent to factories for production. When designing, they consider how humans will interact with the product, as well as how to make the manufacture in a way that is efficient, sustainable and cost-effective.

What does an industrial designer do?

• Formulate and interpret design briefs, constraints and requirements for a project
• Carry out design research to determine what is needed
• Sketch new concepts for products
• Create computer renderings and model physical prototypes
• Choose manufacturing processes and determine production costs

Skills you will use

• Technical design
• Engineering technologies
• Mechanical
• Computers and devices
• Product manfucturing processes

Is it right for you?

• You come up with a lot of clever, original ideas
• You enjoy using logic and reasoning to solve problems
• You’re a good listener
• You can easily picture how things will look in advance
• You’re comfortable speaking with others to communicate your ideas

Entry-level jobs

• Industrial production assistant
• Junior product designer
• Junior industrial designer
• Industrial design assistant

Not only can a creative career be fulfilling, it can also be a lucrative choice – especially if you focus on the complementary business skills that can propel you to stand out success. We’ve seen that you don’t always have to make a choice between doing what you love and making a good living.

If you’re curious about what it’s like to have a career that blends art and work, here’s a list of top-recommended books on the topic.

1. Real Artists Have Day Jobs (And Other Awesome Things They Don’t Teach You in School) by Sara Benincasa
2. Find Your Artistic Voice: The Essential Guide To Working Your Creative Magic By Lisa Congdon
3. The Creative Habit: Learn It And Use It For Life by Twyla Tharp
4. Scratch: Writers, Money, and the Art of Making a Living by Manjula Martin
5. Letter to My Daughter by Maya Angelou
6. Creative Confidence: Unleashing The Creative Potential Within Us All by Tom Kelley & David Kelley
7. Mind Your Business: A Workbook To Grow Your Creative Passion Into A Full-time Gig by Ilana Griffo