7 High Demand and High Paying Careers for Creatives in 2024

Want a creative career with financial security and good job prospects? Here are 6 creative jobs that can fulfill you – and pay the bills.

We have a persistent myth in our society: that to live a creative life, you’ll live poor and die with a falafel in your hand.

You need a job that allows you to be creative, but the thought of financial insecurity gives you pause. So, how can you be creative and successful?

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 

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 whilst having a steady income.

Below is a list of creative jobs that will flex your creativity and bring in a good income.

1. Interior designer

What is an interior designer?

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

Entry-level courses

Diploma of Interior Design

The Diploma of Interior Design offers a comprehensive and hands-on education in creating inspiring interior spaces. Gain expertise in design principles, spatial planning, and industry-standard tools, that prepares you for a career as a skilled interior designer. With a focus on creativity and real-world projects, this diploma equips you to excel in residential, commercial, or hospitality design.

Short course in interior design

A short course in Interior Design provides a condensed introduction to the principles and practices of creating appealing living and working spaces. Learn essential design elements, colour schemes, and spatial concepts to kickstart your interior design journey. This practical and focused program is ideal if you’re looking to step into the world of interior design quickly and learn on the job.

2. Beauty therapist

What is a beauty therapist?

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

Entry-level courses

Certificate III in Beauty Services

This course covers the essential skills and knowledge required to start a career as a beauty therapist. Learn about skincare, makeup application, waxing, and basic beauty treatments, preparing you for entry-level roles in beauty salons or spas.

Diploma of Beauty Therapy

The diploma level builds upon the skills acquired in the certificate course and offers a more comprehensive understanding of beauty therapy. It includes advanced techniques in facials, body treatments, aromatherapy, and spa operations, allowing you to pursue higher-paying positions and possibly open your own beauty salon.

3. Event planner

What is an event planner?

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

Entry-level courses

Certificate in Event Management

This course teaches you the foundational skills and knowledge needed to plan and coordinate events. From event conceptualisation to execution, this course covers various aspects of event management, getting you ready to enter the industry as an event planner or coordinator.

Diploma of Event Management

This diploma offers more advanced training in event planning and management. Learn about budgeting, marketing, risk management, and vendor coordination, preparing you for more senior event management roles.

4. Graphic designer

What is a graphic designer?

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

Entry-level courses

Certificate III in Design Fundamentals

This course introduces you to the fundamentals of graphic design, including layout, typography, and digital design software. It provides hands-on experience in creating visual concepts and is perfect for aspiring graphic designers looking to start their career.

Diploma of Graphic Design

Building on the skills acquired in the Certificate IV course, the diploma delves deeper into graphic design principles and techniques. Work on real-world projects to develop a strong portfolio and become job-ready to pursue entry-level graphic design positions.

5. Photographer

What is a photographer?

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

Entry-level courses

Certificate in Photography

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to photography techniques, equipment, and post-processing. Aspiring photographers gain essential skills to capture and edit images, making them ready to work as entry-level photographers or photographic assistants.

Diploma of Photography

The diploma offers more advanced photography training. Develop your creative vision and specialise in specific genres like portrait, landscape, or commercial photography, to prepare for a career as a professional photographer.

6. Social media manager

What is a social media manager?

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

Entry-level courses

Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication

Part of this course focuses on developing skills in social media marketing and strategy. Learn how to manage social media platforms, create engaging content, and analyse social media metrics, to become eligible for entry-level social media management roles.

Diploma of Social Media Marketing

This diploma provides a deeper understanding of social media marketing, including campaign planning, influencer marketing, and audience targeting. After this course, you’re well-equipped to take on more significant responsibilities in social media management and marketing.

7. Makeup artist

What is a makeup artist?

Makeup artists are skilled professionals who use cosmetics and makeup techniques to enhance the appearance of their clients. They work in various settings, including the fashion and beauty industry, film and television, theater, weddings, special events, and more.

What does a makeup artist do?

• Apply makeup to clients for various occasions and events
• Consult with clients to understand their preferences and desired looks
• Select and use makeup products to achieve different effects
• Create special effects makeup for films and theater productions Stay updated with the latest makeup trends and techniques
• Provide makeup advice and tips to clients
• Collaborate with photographers, hairstylists, and other professionals for photoshoots and events

Entry-level courses

Diploma of Makeup Artistry

The Diploma of Makeup Artistry offers a comprehensive education in makeup application and techniques. Gain hands-on experience in creating different makeup looks for various settings, from bridal and fashion to special effects. This diploma equips you with the skills and creativity to pursue a rewarding career as a professional makeup artist.

Short course in makeup application

A short course in Makeup Application provides a quick and focused introduction to makeup techniques and products. Learn the basics of makeup application, including foundation, eyeshadow, and lipstick techniques. This practical program is perfect for those looking to start their makeup artist journey and gain essential skills in a short period.

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 success. We’ve seen that you don’t always have to make a choice between doing what you love and making a good living.

So browse a subject you’re passionate about and start the journey to your dream career, today!