Creative arts & design graduate jobs & schemes 2025

There are diverse career paths within this sector, including:
 

• Graphic Design – Branding, marketing, UI/UX, and digital design.
• Advertising & Marketing – Creative strategy, copywriting, and campaign development.
• Media & Journalism – Broadcast, digital, print, and investigative journalism.
• Film & TV Production – Directing, scriptwriting, editing, VFX, and animation.
• Photography & Videography – Commercial, editorial, and content creation.
• Fine Art & Illustration – Gallery work, freelance commissions, and book illustration.
• Theatre & Performing Arts – Acting, directing, stage management, and production.
• Fashion & Textile Design – Clothing, accessories, and fabric innovation.
• Game Design & Animation – 3D modeling, character design, and concept art.
• Interior & Architecture Design – Residential, commercial, and event design.

Many roles combine creative and technical skills, often requiring software expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, Blender, Unity, or AutoCAD.

Unlike sectors like finance or consulting, graduate schemes in creative industries are less common, but some do exist:
 

• Advertising & Marketing – WPP, Ogilvy, Publicis, Saatchi & Saatchi, Dentsu, and Havas offer structured programs.
• Broadcast Media – BBC, ITV, Sky, and Channel 4 have graduate schemes in production, journalism, and digital content.
• Publishing & Journalism – Penguin Random House, The Guardian, and Reuters have graduate trainee programs.
• Gaming & Animation – Ubisoft, Rockstar Games, Framestore, and Industrial Light & Magic offer graduate programs.
• Fashion & Design – ASOS, Burberry, and Adidas offer design-focused schemes.
   

Most graduates start in entry-level jobs, internships, or freelance roles rather than through formal schemes.

It depends on the field:
 

• Essential for structured jobs – Graphic design, media production, architecture, or animation often require degrees.
• Helpful but not mandatory – Journalism, advertising, marketing, and copywriting value experience just as much as formal education.
• Not always necessary – Fine art, photography, theatre, and fashion design often prioritize portfolios over degrees.
   

Even without a degree, strong experience, a well-crafted portfolio, and networking can land you opportunities.

• Creativity & originality – Ability to generate fresh, compelling ideas.
• Software proficiency – Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Blender, Maya, etc.
• Storytelling & communication – Particularly important in media, advertising, and film.
• Technical skills – Digital and traditional illustration, animation, photography, videography, or 3D modeling.
• Attention to detail – Precision in design, editing, and presentation.
• Networking & self-promotion – Many roles require strong industry connections or an online presence.
• Resilience & adaptability – The industry is highly competitive, with evolving trends and technology.

Salaries vary widely depending on the role and sector:
 

• Graphic Design: £22,000 – £30,000 starting salary.
• Advertising & Copywriting: £25,000 – £35,000 in agency roles.
• Media & Journalism: £22,000 – £28,000, with freelance work potentially paying more.
• Film & TV Production: £18,000 – £25,000, with salaries increasing based on experience.
• Photography & Videography: £20,000 – £30,000, though many start as freelancers.
• Game Design & Animation: £25,000 – £35,000 at entry level, rising significantly with experience.
• Fashion & Textile Design: £20,000 – £30,000, often with freelance opportunities.
   

Freelancers and self-employed creatives may earn significantly more or less, depending on experience and demand.

• Highly competitive, especially in fields like film, fashion, and advertising.
• Many entry-level jobs are freelance, internships, or unpaid work, so perseverance is key.
• Building a strong portfolio and personal brand helps differentiate you from other candidates.
• Networking and industry connections are often as important as qualifications.

• Showcase a variety of work – Include digital, print, motion, and experimental projects.
• Tailor it to your target industry – If applying for advertising, include branding work; if going into film, showcase video projects.
• Use online platforms – Behance, Dribbble, Instagram, and personal websites help showcase your work.
• Include process work – Show how you develop ideas from concept to execution.
• Keep it updated – Regularly add new projects, especially self-initiated work.

✔ Gain experience early – Internships, freelance gigs, and student projects help.
✔ Develop a strong online presence – Use LinkedIn, Behance, or Instagram to showcase your work.
✔ Network with industry professionals – Attend creative meetups, film festivals, or art exhibitions.
✔ Stay up to date with industry trends – Follow industry news, new design tools, and emerging media platforms.
✔ Learn relevant software – Employers expect proficiency in tools like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, or Blender.
✔ Consider side projects – Personal projects, collaborations, or competitions can boost your portfolio.