Into the Wild: Getting into The Creative Industry

Are you a recent graduate? Want to get into the creative industry? Let’s talk about it!

Graduating from university and going straight into a job within the creative industry can be really difficult and watching your peers posting their job success on LinkedIn and social media is no walk in the park either. So let’s talk about things to bear in mind and things to do to springboard you into the creative industry!

Social Media Presence

The creative industry is booming! Numerous websites are available for showcasing your work. If you haven't already, create an online portfolio or website to display your best projects. Share the link widely. If your work isn’t visible, you won’t get noticed!

Leverage the power of social media to reach a broader audience. On Behance, engage with other creatives by commenting on their work and joining creative networks. On Instagram, post regularly and use relevant hashtags to increase your visibility. Stories and reels can give a behind-the-scenes look at your process, making your profile more engaging.

LinkedIn is not just for job searches but also for building professional relationships. Regularly update your profile with your latest projects and achievements. Join industry groups and participate in discussions to showcase your expertise. Recommendations and endorsements from colleagues can also add credibility to your profile.

Consistency is key. Regular updates and connections with the community show you’re active and ready for collaborations. In this rapidly evolving industry, staying proactive and engaged can significantly enhance your career prospects.

Hone your Skills

Many people graduate with design or creative degrees, but what sets you apart? It could be a specific skill, a unique style, or a particular taste. Keep designing things that spark joy and align with your passion. If you're not getting work, consider rebranding existing brands for different purposes or functions. For example, McDonald’s as an Organic Vegan brand.

Enhance areas where you might struggle by signing up for courses on platforms like Lynda or LinkedIn. Follow accounts such as "The Brief Club" and submit your work to gain exposure. Stay resilient and open to feedback. The creative industry can be competitive and sometimes challenging, but persistence and a willingness to learn from critiques will help you grow and improve.

Create, create, create!

If you know what makes you unique- don't lose sight of it. Embrace the qualities that make you different.

Get comfortable with your Work

As a creative, you know your work inside out and better than anyone else. However, it's important to remember that others are not familiar with your work at all. Make sure you can comfortably discuss your projects in detail. Explain your creative process: how you brainstormed ideas, the research you conducted, and the methods you used to bring your vision to life. Describe the inspiration behind your work and the steps you took to transform abstract concepts into tangible designs.

Being able to articulate why you discarded less effective concepts shows critical thinking and a commitment to quality. It also provides insight into your ability to self-edit and refine your work. This level of transparency helps potential employers and clients understand your dedication to excellence and your capacity for objective self-assessment.

Don’t get Discouraged

Transitioning from a student to a graduate position can be really difficult. It often requires significant time, energy, and practice. On average, it can take about 15 months to land a role as a graduate. There is no cheat code or set of instructions to follow, and many times you might feel you have little control over your situation. So don’t lose hope. Be gentle with yourself. Stay the course.

?The creative industry thrives on innovation and individuality, so let your unique perspective shine through in everything you do. Keep pushing boundaries, experimenting with new ideas, and most importantly, have fun with your creative journey!

We would love to hear what helped you break into the creative industry, feel free to share your comments below!

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