A Glance at the Creative Industries
Advertising
Introduction to the industry:
The creative industry that focuses on using visuals, words, and impactful storytelling to support the success of marketing.
Backgrounds:
Advertising, marketing, and communications; creative writing, English literature, journalism; graphic design; market research; business administration
Top Companies:
- Ogilvy
- Publicis Groupe
- WPP
- Omnicom
- IPG
- Dentsu
- BBDO
- Saatchi & Saatchi
Top universities for media & marketing & communications (QS ranking):
- The University of Amsterdam
- Goldsmiths, University of London
- London School of Economics and Political Science
- University of Southern California
- New York University
Possible Career Buildup:
Career might start with a position such as entry-level account manager, web planner, graphic designer, copywriter, and can gradually work up to managers, executives, and creative directors.
Architecture
Introduction of the industry:
Architecture is where art and science meet through design. It considers not only the aesthetics behind designing and constructing buildings but also environmental science, sustainability, and social and economic impact.
Backgrounds:
Art and design, engineering, environmental studies
Top companies:
(https://www.archivibe.com/largest-architecture-firms-in-the-world/) (https://www.archdaily.com/330759/the-100-largest-architecture-firms-in-the-world)
- Aecom
- Gensler
- IBI Group
- Nikken Sekkei
- Aedas
- HDR
- Sweco
Top universities for architecture and built environment (QS ranking):
- University College London Bartlett
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Delft University of Technology
- ETH Zurich
- Manchester School of Architecture
- National University of Singapore
Possible Career Buildup:
A career in architecture starts from undergraduate and master degree education followed by years of internship experience in architectural firms. Examinations in some countries are required for architects to receive licences. An architect’s career ladder begins from assistant architects to project architects, senior architects, and project managers. At the very top of the ladder, an architect may start running or owning an architectural firm. The career paths for architects are also diverse, including architectural firms, real estate development firms, government and public sector, spreading interests and expertises across building design, urban planning, policies, digital design etc.
Fine Art
Introduction of the industry:
Fine art has an emphasis on individual expression and aesthetic and emotional values. It includes a wide range of practices including painting, sculpture, photography, calligraphy, printmaking, installation art etc. While it has stereotypically been recognized as a discipline that is uncommercial.
Backgrounds:
Art history, fine arts (including both technical skills and conceptual creativity), art business and management
Top universities for art & design (QS ranking):
- The Royal College of Art
- University of the Arts London
- The New School
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Royal Academy of Arts
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Possible Career Buildup:
Upon pursuing bachelor’s and master’s in fine arts, many artists start working on their personal projects to build a portfolio or join residency programs. The career buildup for artists depends heavily on industrial networks, collaborations with institutions, and opportunities at galleries and exhibitions. At the middle and senior stage of a career, artists can work as curators, art consultants, collectors, and educators.
Fashion
Introduction of the industry:
Fashion is a dynamic and ever-evolving industry that blends creativity, craftsmanship, and commerce. It encompasses the design, production, marketing, and distribution of clothing, accessories, and textiles. Fashion is influenced by cultural movements, technological advancements, and consumer trends, making it an industry that balances artistic vision with market demands.
Backgrounds:
Fashion design; fashion merchandising; fabric innovation; fashion styling; fashion photography
Top schools for fashion:
- Parsons, The New School for Design
- The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
- Central Saint Martins
- London College of Fashion
- Royal College of Art
Possible Career Buildup:
Starting from assistant roles, assistant designers, fashion stylists, fashion coordinators, marketing assistants. Middle-level jobs include more advanced designers, marketing managers, public relations managers etc. Advanced level including fashion collectors, signature designers, creative directors etc.
Film, TV, Radio, Photography
Introduction of the industry:
Interested in film and TV productions, broadcasting, and photography? This industry depends heavily on digital technologies and collective creativity.
Backgrounds:
Although knowing about the techniques of production is essential, lots of successful people in the industry also did not start their education/career from production. Depending on different roles, the knowledge and skills required can vary. Yet, apart from writing, directing, acting, photography, editing, knowledge around engineering, producing, financing, marketing and PR, law and contracting can also be needed.
Top Institutes & Institutions in London:
- London Film School
- British Film Institute,
- BBC
- Heyday Films
- Working Title
- Pinewood Studios
Possible Career Buildup:
Starting from working as interns and assistants in a crew and gradually specialises in certain roles.
Music
Introduction to the industry:
The music industry field that encompasses composition, performance, production, and distribution. With the rise of digital platforms and streaming services, the landscape of music consumption and career opportunities has evolved, offering musicians and industry professionals new ways to reach global audiences.
Backgrounds:
Music theory, music performance, music production, music business and marketing
Top Institutes & Institutions:
- Juilliard School
- Berklee College of Music
- Royal College of Music
- Royal Academy of Music
Possible Career Buildup:
Starting the career as a musician can start with formal musical education and self-practice. Musicians might choose different paths such as joining orchestras, bands, opera companies etc. Lots of musicians also start their own albums, bands, and production firms.
Performing Arts
Introduction to the industry:
Performance arts covers a wide range of forms including screen acting, theatre, dance, opera, circus arts etc. It is a form of art that has rooted connections with rituals in ancient times.
Backgrounds:
Professional performing artists usually have professional training experiences with their field of expertise.
Top Institutes & Institutions:
- Juilliard School (USA) for dance, drama, music
- Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
- NYU Tisch School of the Arts
Possible Career Buildup:
Like many other artists in other forms of art, performing artists could either be freelancers or be contracted with companies. Many actors also have agencies that help them develop their career paths.
Publishing & Journalism
Introduction of the industry:
The publishing and journalism industry is one of the creative industries that is experiencing both major opportunities and risks due to digitisation.
Backgrounds:
English Literature & Creative Writing, Law & Contracting
Top Institutes & Institutions:
- Columbia University School of the Arts (publishing, creative writing)
- University of Oxford (publishing, writing)
- UCL
- Harvard University (publishing, journalism)
Possible Career Buildup:
In the digitisation age, it is important for people entering this industry to understand and use digital media platforms, and to explore other possible ways of telling stories, both fictions and non-fictions (for example, some journalism is taking place in interactive media including VR).
Video Games
Introduction of the industry:
The game industry is a rapidly growing sector that combines storytelling, visual artistry, and technology. It spans video games, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mobile gaming, catering to a global audience. The industry involves various disciplines, from game design and programming to sound engineering and marketing.
Backgrounds:
Game development requires expertise in areas such as computer science, digital art, animation, game design, sound production, and user experience (UX) design. Knowledge of game engines and an understanding of player psychology are valuable skills for entering the industry.
Top Institutes & Institutions in London:
- Goldsmiths, University of London
- UCL
- PlayStation London Studio
- Rockstar North
Possible Career Buildup:
Possible job titles include game designer, programmer, concept artists, animator, sound designer, composer, marketing managers, user testing engineers etc.