Get in touch (creativewakefield@wakefield.gov.uk) and we’ll aim to connect you with other creatives who may be able to offer support or find a solution e.g., a suitable training course. You can also use our Notice Board to connect with local peers in our network – you will be welcomed by a friendly and supportive creative community.
Freelancing or Starting Your Own Business
In many creative industries, it is very common to be self-employed. Here are some resources to look at if you’re considering setting out on your own: ● AD:VENTURE– Free dedicated support for new start-ups in West Yorkshire. ● A-N– Resources and information to support professional artists. ● ART QUEST– Everything a graduate needs to know about becoming an artist. …
Finding Opportunities
As a Creative Wakefield Network member, you can sign up for alerts when relevant opportunities are shared on Creative Wakefield news. Here are some other popular places to look for creative opportunities: ● ARTS JOBS– Opportunities in the arts and culture sector. ● CRAFT AGENCY– Recruiting for world class design agencies and inhouse studios. ● DISABILITY ARTS– An organisation …
Networking
Meeting other creatives gives you the chance to learn from others and may even lead to future work or collaboration opportunities. Find networks associated to your field online or join the Creative Wakefield Network to meet other local creatives. Other local creative networks: ● Leeds Arts University Creative Network ● Kerning the Gap ● The Yorkshire Mafia ● Yorkshire …
Building Your CV & Portfolio
It is important that you have a strong CV to stand out in your field. If you want to work in a visual industry (e.g. graphic design or photography) you will need a portfolio to show your work to potential employers or clients. Here are some resources to help make sure your CV and portfolio are up-to-scratch: ● CREATIVE …
Getting Industry Experience
There are many different ways to access industry experience, including regional schemes that have dedicated strands for the creative industries and national schemes, specific to a particular sub-sector. If you’re interested in a particular company or organisation, be sure you’re first to hear about their opportunities by signing up for their newsletters and regularly checking the news and job pages. …
Looking for a Career Change?
For professional advice that is specific to the creative industries, a specialist career coach can offer expert guidance, but this type of support usually comes at a cost. However, with a little dedicated research, you may be able to find free or subsidised opportunities. Where to start: ● AD:VENTURE– West Yorkshire regional support if you’re looking to start a …
Getting The Training You Need
Once you know what you’d like to do, you will need to do relevant training. There are many ways to gather skills you need. Use the following resources to explore different training offers: ● ARTS PROFESSIONAL– Professional development event listings. ● CREATIVE PATH FINDER – Find creative qualifications within an hour’s commute of Wakefield. ● DIGITAL CULTURE NETWORK– Developing …
Find Your Path
The creative industries offer a wide range of exciting job opportunities to suit everybody. If you’re not sure where to start or where you fit in, use these resources to explore opportunities and find a career you might enjoy: ● DISCOVER CREATIVE CAREERS– A directory of different creative roles. ● EXPLORE CREATIVE CAREERS– Career pathways and average salaries …
