Earlier this week we began profiling creative careers – what certain jobs entail, the study they require and how much you could potentially earn from them. Here we give you Part 2 – the final 5 out of 10 creative jobs we take a closer look at. 

6. Photographer
The role of a photographer can vary greatly. It can include shooting images for a wide range of purposes, from family portraits, fashion, food, and crime scenes, to medical and scientific records. They usually specialise in one area, such as newspapers, advertising, editorial, fashion, forensic, scientific, medical, or general practice.

What qualifications do I need?
There are no set qualifications for entry into this career but a lot of photographers have completed a course in photography. However we have spoken to quite a few professionals from this field that sound word of mouth is also an excellent way to get your work out there – using things like blogs, Twitter and Facebook to showcase you work is an excellent idea. See our earlier post to find out how a professional photographer got his break. If you do want to go down the path of formal training, courses that offer industry contacts and work placements are particularly useful. There is a wide range of relevant courses available, including A-levels, City & Guilds qualifications and degrees.

How much does it pay?
Salaries for photographers may range from around £12,000 to £50,000 or more a year.

7. Musician
Musicians play one or multiple musical instruments and can often play many different musical styles. Usually they play solo or as part of a group at concert halls, nightclubs, religious organisations, theaters, or in production or recording studios.

What qualifications do I need?
A lot of musicians learn their skills through long-term training and many start playing an instrument during childhood. Some musicians train with accomplished musicians and others complete formal training offered by music conservatories, colleges, or universities. Courses usually include composition, music theory, conducting, music interpretation, and performance of a specific instrument. Most musicians continuously study music to stay up to date on new styles and update their skills.

How much does it pay?
Depending on experience annual salaries can vary from £14,500 up to £40,000.

8. Film director
Movie directors interpret and visualise the written script and control the dramatic and artistic aspects of a movie. They typically develop a vision for a movie and carry out the vision by directing the actors and technical crew. They guide the tone a movie portrays and what it gives the audience as they experience viewing the movie. They choose cast and crew members and conduct rehearsals. They approve the lighting, camera angles, lens effects, and choose the design. They also approve costumes, scenery, location, and choreography. Movie directors work closely with the movie cast and crew and coordinate movements to shape the movie. They often consider suggestions on key issues. Movie directors are often involved in the writing and editing aspects and work with editors to make sure emotions and camera shots coincide with the character. The also give advice on final images and participate in the musical composition and mix of sounds for the movie.

What qualifications do I need?
There are no set qualifications, though many producers have a foundation degree, an honours degree or a Higher National Diploma/Certificate (HND/HNC). They move into producing through a variety of routes. TV drama producers may start off working in the theatre and progress via script reading to production. Some current affairs producers start as journalists or TV researchers. Another common route into the TV or film industry is to start as a runner, which offers the chance to make contacts and experience all aspects of the business. Directors typically begin as actors and complete formal training in drama or directing. Some start out as assistant directors to gain experience in the industry.

How much does it pay?
Salaries vary and depending on experience you could earn anywhere from £16,000 per year to £120,000.

9. Writer
Writers produce works of fiction and non-fiction. They may work on novels, short stories, poetry, scripts for radio, TV, film or theatre, non-fiction books, newspaper and magazine articles or website content.

What qualifications do I need?
There is no set entry route. While a high standard of English is essential, academic qualifications are generally less important than flair, originality and experience. To develop as a writer it is often considered necessary to read and write a great deal. Many writers have a degree. This may be in a relevant subject, such as English literature, creative writing, journalism or performing arts, or in an unrelated topic. Obtaining early experience, such as contributing articles to a student newspaper, writing radio features, doing work experience or joining a writers’ group, can be useful.

How much does it pay?
Income varies enormously. While some writing projects can be lucrative, it can take time to become established enough to be able to earn a full-time income. Those with a strong reputation and track record typically command higher fees. Prose fiction and non-fiction writers negotiate their own fees with publishers, usually through their agent.

10. Art exhibition organiser
Art exhibition organisers are responsible for planning, mounting and maintaining displays in galleries or museums. They combine their appreciation of art with project management skills, to create interesting and engaging events to attract the widest possible audience.

What qualifications do I need?
Art exhibition organisers may need a degree, usually in a relevant subject such as fine art, art history or archaeology. Some also have a professional postgraduate qualification. This may be studied part time during employment.

How much does it pay?
Salaries may start from around £12,000, rising to around £60,000 or more a year for heads of art exhibitions in national galleries.