List of 30 High Paying Jobs for Creative Introverts

If you are an introvert and happen to be highly creative, you may find yourself wondering what jobs would best suit you.  Perhaps you already are in the work world but find yourself growing more disillusioned by the day, with the job you chose.  If you’ve been wondering what else is out there for someone like you, here’s a list of 30 high-paying jobs that a creative introvert may wish to consider.  It goes without saying that all these jobs are high-paying, extremely creative, and possibly suitable for the typical introvert.  Here they are:

User Experience Designer ($113,982)

User experience designers are responsible for taking insights from user experiences and using the insights gained to inform their design.  This requires professionals that are adept at taking statistics, identifying insights from it, and subsequently using those insights to engineer a design that is improved to users.  User experience designers often require a business degree as a pre-requisite.

Pros

• highly creative: If you like to solve problems and be creative, this job is perfect for exercising both muscles.
• Job Security: Being a UX Designer is an extremely popular job in this digital age.  For that reason, you can expect some level of job security.
• Tangible results: In some roles, you can not see your output in a tangible way.  This role, however, allows you to see your output and its impact on the users of your service or product.
• Can be 100% Remote: If you prefer to have no direct human contact, this role has room for your preference.
• It’s extremely analytical: if you love mulling over a problem or an idea, this job will put that skill to good use as being able to analyze well is part of doing the job.
• You won’t be in the “limelight: Not everyone will fully comprehend what your role is but that also means you won’t get more attention than you may be comfortable with.  You can happily work in the background.
• Relatively a low-stress level job.

Cons

• May need to spend time convincing people of the value of your job.  This is because many people tend to misunderstand it.
• Highly collaborative: even though this job can be done remotely, you will still have to invest a lot of time working with others in your organization from various other departments such as products, research, and marketing.
• Your results will attract a lot of criticism.  Constructive criticism helps make better work. However, if receiving criticism is something you find challenging, this job may not be a good fit for you.
• Face-to-face user testing and collaboration may still be required to get the optimum results.  Of course, you can do this role entirely remotely and may even advocate for a fully remote status if your employee offers that flexibility.  However, iterative design processes may give you the best output if in-person interaction is incorporated.

User Experience (UX) Director ($135,250)

In organizations that have a User Experience department, the UX Director manages it. This role requires a professional that ensures the organization produces desirable user experiences for its customers.  It also requires this leader to direct the user experience professionals in the enterprise in achieving their individual and collective responsibilities for the department’s desired outcomes.

Pros

• Apart from paying well, this role often offers insurance (including health, dental, life, disability, and vision.
• Paid time-off:  It is common for packages for UX Directors to include unlimited paid time off.
• Parental Leave
• The UX Director can influence the employee experience in the UX department more than anyone else.

Cons

• You may need at least 10 years of experience in a sales and product management position.
• Prior experience managing a user experience team may also be expected of you.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills may be required of the person filling this role as the UX Director needs to spearhead collaboration between departments in the organization and other relevant stakeholders.
• Typically, the UX Director has a master’s degree in marketing, business administration economics, engineering design.

Fashion Designer ($72,720)

With a creative eye for styles, trends, and ingenuity, fashion designers create clothing with their custom designs. These creatives need to stay on top of emerging trends in fashion and the interests of consumers. Fashion designers may even look to previous eras for inspiration for today’s next look.   A degree in business or textile design may be ideal for those interested in this role.

Pros

• This job has some level of job security.
• Ideal for people who love design and creativity.
• The job usually offers a reasonable work-life balance.
• Remote working may be possible.  This may save you from a commute and also the stress of a busy or chaotic work environment.
• Your designs will directly affect the buying habits of consumers and the overall success of your company.
• You can work for yourself and be successful if you have established networks and great design skills.

Cons

• It can be mentally demanding.  Fashion designers often have significant responsibilities placed on them to deliver exceptional work.
• The job is often highly collaborative.  Fashion designers have to work with other members across the production chain to ensure a design is viable and efficiently produced.
• Though the earning potential for exceptional designers is high, most designers will earn a decent living but not get rich.
• Staying on top of trends is important so being able to keep up will affect your job outcomes.
• You will need a certain je ne sais quoi: This is an eye for design and style that some seem just to be born.

Product Designer ($84.422)

This creative profession centres around designing products.  This expertise can be applied to both physical products like electronics, toys, and furniture, and digital products like software. This job is similar to that of a UX designer but differs in terms of the perspectives of the respective jobs.  Product designers aim to take a conceptualization and implement it into an actual product, whilst UX designers attempt to improve a product’s usability.

Pros

• Many work hours may be spent working alone.  If you like hours of solace as you work, then this is a job for you.
• Lots of room for growth and expansion because of all the various areas that product designers can work including art, furniture design, desktop publishing, and design research.
• Your design can contribute to the progress of humanity’s innovation and be part of your legacy.
• If you have mixed skills sets like finance, design, and engineering, these very different skills, synthesized together, can help you do a great job at product design.

Cons

• It is a highly collaborative job that requires interaction between various other professionals across an organization including engineers, marketers, and sales personnel.
• The work can be stressful for both you and the client.
• If working in isolation is not for you, then this job may be a bad fit for you.
• You may need a tough skin to weather the criticisms that may come your way for some of the designs you create.

Architect ($80,750)

Architects design and erect buildings whilst focusing on the aesthetics of the structure.  Though this is a very technical job, it still requires a great deal of creativity and solid mathematics abilities.  Architects are required to have at least a degree in architecture.

Pros

• Architects can contribute tangibly to society and influence the lives and lifestyles of those that live or work in, or visit the location. Just think of iconic structures like the Eiffel Tower or Statue of Liberty and consider the impacts these designs have had on the symbol they represent, even nationally.
• If you like a challenge, this job can offer that to you as you try to create architectural designs that you are proud of.
• If you like variety, this job can allow you to work for many different clients.
• The job prospects of good clients are good.
• You can choose to start your own architectural firm.
• If you like to travel, a job in architecture may afford you that opportunity.

Cons

• Architect degrees may take 5 years to complete and a number of years interning.  It is ideal for someone willing to be patient and persistent.
• Can be stressful: Projects may affect your work-life balance as you attempt to complete them Collaborating with contractors and clients may also cause some frustrations from time to time.
• This job can be highly competitive.
• Mistakes you make in your architectural designs can cost you, your employer, or your business significantly.

Creative Director ($89,116)

In organizations that have creative departments, the creative director leads the department objectives of ensuring an effective creative process up to completion. The creative director heads the direction of marketing and advertisement campaigns that the corporate agenda for visual communication standards are

Pros

• Does not require a degree.  A background in copy-writing or design is preferable.4
• Sick leave
• Paid vacation
• Insurance
• It can be a really fun and artistic job.

Cons

• Highly collaborative: creative directors would need to meet with various stakeholders especially IT, upper management, and clients.
• Requires 5 to 8 years of experience and the ability to create concise marketing objectives.
• Criticism may come with the job.
• Compromising with other relevant parties will often be necessary.

Senior Copywriter ($75,697)

If you are great with words, have experience delivering good copy, and love to write, this role could be a good fit for you.  Senior copywriters often research topics, identify gaps in content, and ensure the brand’s voice is consistent across all channels.  They also supervise teams of other copywriters.  This job involves writing, editing, and publishing, whether it is advertisement copy, website copy, or Instagram posts, depending on the company or client.

Pros

• Fully remote work is possible in this role.
• There is a real demand for good copywriters at present.
• Straight forward to enter into the field.

Cons

• A portfolio of published work is necessary.
• Proven work experience as a senior copywriter.
• A degree in marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field is ideal.
• Good time management skills are important in this role.
• If you don’t like managing people, then having junior copywriters report to you may feel challenging for you.

Creative Operations Director ($121,806)

This is a role in which the director manages all aspects of the business that relate to creative design.  These aspects often include product design, marketing, and branding.  In big enterprises, the Creative Operations Director is high up in the company hierarchy and works as a bridge between the marketing and creative teams. This job often calls for a degree in marketing, business, or advertising.

Pros

• An analytical mind is put to very good use in this role.
• This role allows you to have a measurable impact through the work that you and the department you lead do.
• An avid learner would enjoy this role as it requires taking on new responsibilities that sometimes may require new knowledge and insights.
• There is a high demand for creative assets and their management and if you like keeping busy, this job may offer you a fast-past environment.

Cons

• Excellent communication skills are ideal for the role.
• A solid understanding of various business concepts including sales funnels and technology, marketing automation, CRMs, and social media platforms.
• Requires a high-energy personality that is very persuasive.
• Stepping into this role requires a proven track record of successful campaigns.

Art Director ($92,780)

Art Directors are tasked with managing teams of design staff in an organization as they formulate concepts and presentation approaches utilizing visual communications media.  This role requires good project management skills and solid technical expertise in a relevant area. Desirable qualifications are varied and depend on the organization.  Quite a number of Arts Directors majored in some sort of design qualification like Graphic Design, Intermedia/Multimedia, Photography, Architecture or Digital Arts.

Pros

• If you love to work indoors, this role is a good fit.
• Those with a passion for design would be in their element in this role.
• Ideal for individuals who like independence and some autonomy.
• One of the top 25% of highest-paid careers.
• An excellent vehicle to express expertise, intuition, and creative flair.

Cons

• You will need to work your way up the hierarchy from art department assistant to Art Director: this would probably take several years.
• If your technical skills are lacking, you may struggle to be successful in this role.
• Project management skills are crucial for Art Directors.
• You may need a minimum of a master’s degree.
• This job often has long working hours.

Author & Writer ($62,170)

These creatives spend their time crafting literary works.  Depending on what the author or writer chooses to focus on, these literary works could be books, blogs, manuals, magazines, plays, movie scripts, or even television scripts. A degree is not required but in some cases, employers prefer an applicant with a degree in English, journalism, or communication. Several successful writers have managed to carve a space for themselves by starting with self-publishing or interning.

Pros

• Projected for an 8% growth by 2026.
• If your work becomes popular, you can enjoy fame and all its perks.
• Your schedule is your own and you get to enjoy the flexibility there.
• No barrier to entry.
• No previous experience is or even degree is required.
• There are no age limits.
• Ideal for non-conformists.

Cons

• The lack of job benefits may be a challenge.
• Your work will attract criticism, not all of it constructive.
• Income may be sporadic causing a lot of financial, emotional, and mental strain.
• The industry has a lot of competition in all most genres.
• You would need to be adept at selling yourself and your work.
• Rejection is a part of a successful career in writing.

Technical Writer ($71,850)

These are a type of writer that crafts technical documents.  These documents can be varied such as instruction manuals, journal articles, how-to guides.  Experience in a technical field in STEM and great communication skills can make you a great fit for this job but often employers prefer someone with a degree in Journalism, communication, or English.  Technical writing is said to pay more than any other type of writing, making this a very desirable role.

Pros

• Though a degree is desirable to most employers, it is not often required.
• You can work completely from home/ remotely.
• The job often offers flexibility in terms of the workday.
• You get to keep learning new things as you write technical documents on various topics. This adds to your knowledge and overall value as a technical writer.

Cons

• Life can get quite monotonous which could affect your sense of life satisfaction.
• The work may feel tedious at times because of the repetitious steps you may have to make with each project.
• If you work as a freelancer, income may fluctuate from time to time.  This in turn can cause a lot of stress and anxiety.
• The competition for technical writing jobs is significant.  This may make it challenging for new graduates to find this kind of job.
• You will need to know how to market and sell yourself, especially if you choose to freelance.
• Again, if you are going into business for yourself, you will need to handle your insurance, taxes, business license, and other administrative matters connected to offering your services professionally.

Editor ($61,750 – $81,086)

An Editor’s job consists of planning and creating written work.  They are also responsible for editing copy and improving on it, as well as directing writers on best practices for the work that they submit to them.    An Editor should have at least two years of experience writing and a degree in Journalism, Communication, or English.

Pros

• Working as an editor is relatively stress-free
• You can usually enjoy a good work-life balance.
• If paying attention to details is your strength, this job could be a great fit for you.
• You can work remotely, especially if you are a content editor.

Cons

• This job may be outsourced, especially to low-income countries.
• The job prospects of editors may be diminishing.
• Your income may fluctuate if you happen to be a freelance editor due to work flowing in sporadically at times.
• Rungs of promotions are few for editors and therefore your earning potential may be limited in the long term than if you were in a role with more positions above it.
• The work may get boring in the long term.
• Starting an editing side business is relatively easy.
• You can work indoors full-time.

Industrial designer ($66,590)

This profession involves combining business, art, and engineering to create concepts and designs for various products that consumers use on a day-to-day basis.  Industrial designers have to invest a lot of time contemplating a proposed or new product’s functions, production costs, look and feel. Entry into the field often requires a bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, or industrial design.

Pros

• This job is often fun.
• This job offers some job security and financial stability.
• Paid holidays and vacations.
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• The industrial design field is expected to grow, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• There is an opportunity to move up an organization’s hierarchy into different levels of leadership over time.

Cons

• An electronic portfolio is important and the lack of one can be a challenge for new industrial designers trying to break into the field.
• This job may require some travelling.  If travelling is not much fun for you, you may want to reconsider this job as a viable option for you because this role may require some travel to manufacturing and testing facilities in different locations.
• Continuous learning and adding knowledge helps you do a good job. If keeping up with technology, trends, and innovation is hard for you, this may not be a good fit for you.

Landscape Architect ($68,230)

Landscape architects create designs plans for the outdoors.  Spaces that landscape architects design include public spaces, college campuses, playgrounds, gardens, and residential areas. Their job also involves planning where buildings, roads, walkways, ornamental foliage, and other outdoor elements will be designated.

Pros

• This work can be very mentally stimulating.
• Most employers provide health plans.
• Paid vacation and holidays are also likely with most employers.
• There is relative job security in this field, though the field is not growing much, many landscape architects will likely retire or exit the field over the decade.

Cons

• The work can be quite demanding and tiring at times.
• All states require landscape architects to operate with licenses.  Requirements for licensing vary from state to state.
• You must pass the Landscape Architect Registration Examination.
• You will sometimes be required to visit the site you are designing.
• Experience using software like Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is often required.

Producer ($71,680)

This job requires a person with great project management skills to organize and mobilize resources for the successful development of production.  The producer is responsible for identifying projects and getting them started.  They also need to hire the right talent for all aspects of the production including writers, directors, and the production crew.  The producer’s job is to oversee the whole process from pre-production to the release of the production.

Pros

• This job can be very fun.
• Job growth for this field is expected to be 12% through 2026.
• You may have time and influence to work on your very own productions.
• You make key decisions like who to hire or fire, and what projects to work on next or shelve.
• If your productions are successful, you can earn fame and critical acclaim.
• The earning potential for a good producer is extensive.
• This job offers an impactful outlet for creative expression.

Cons

• This job requires strong people management skills.
• You are responsible for the end product.  Poor production is a blight on a producer’s career and reputation.
• Highly competitive field.  This competitiveness in the field may lead to periods of unemployment.
• You may need a bachelor’s degree in cinema, film, writing, or acting, at the very least.
• You may experience financial instability if you work for yourself and projects are not coming in in a steady stream.

Multimedia Artist and Animator ($72,520)

Multimedia artists and animators make animations and other visual efforts for video games, movies, television, and other types of media.  This job often requires you to have a degree in art, computer graphics, or another related field.

Pros

• This job is entirely indoors.
• The job is expected to grow by 16% from 2020 to 2030. This growth rate is above the growth of the average profession.
• Excellent for people who like design.
• Ideal for creatives that like a sense of independence and autonomy.

Cons

• A portfolio of work is often required.
• This job requires long work hours.
• A significant investment in time learning the craft of animation and manipulating visual elements in your chosen software applications is required.  It may take several years to master just one software and various multimedia and animation design techniques.
• If you like helping people, this job lacks that aspect and may not be a good fit for you.

Film Director ($71,646)

A director leads in the development of television shows, commercials, films, theatre, and other performing arts productions. They are tasked with choosing scripts or topics, casting actors, selecting crew members, overseeing the design process and the production design.

Pros

• This job can be very fun.
• Job growth for this field is expected to be 12% through 2026.
• You may have time and influence to work on your very own productions.
• If your productions are successful, you can earn fame and critical acclaim.
• The earning potential for a good director or producer is extensive.
• This job offers an impactful outlet for creative expression.

Cons

• No steady paycheck
• You are responsible for the failure of a project.  Failed projects can become a source of eternal embarrassment.
• This job is highly competitive.
• The potential to feel isolated is very high in this job.
• Marketing and business skills are important to successfully executing this job.

Private/Executive Chef ($62,023)

The Private chef or executive chef is a professional in the culinary world that is responsible for managing the kitchen to ensure food is prepared as desired.  They are also in charge of designing food and beverage options on the menu.  In addition, the executive chef also has to manage other staff in the kitchen.

Pros

• If you are a foodie, this job could be a passionate pursuit for you.
• If you like to please people with your cooking, this job could be a great fit for you.
• Becoming a chef would improve your cooking knowledge.
• Your culinary skills can help you make a great impression in your private life.
• Chefs are given room to be creative with their culinary creations.
• You can learn about various other cultures and foods.
• You have the opportunity to create lasting positive experiences for others with your skills.
• Your skills can serve many people.

Cons

• Industry experience is desired by most employers.
• Relevant qualifications from a reputable culinary school are recommended.
• You may have to work on holidays and weekends.
• Working long hours is part of the job.
• This job can be quite stressful.
• Your success is dependent on good teamwork.
• Working in the kitchen can get very hot and uncomfortable.
• You may smell when you need to go back home.

Social Media Director ( $75,817)

A Social Media Director handles an enterprise’s advertisements and branded accounts.  They work on social media, brand deals, and collaboration with other stakeholders.  At times, a social media director needs to be very hands-on, this may mean making advertisements or graphic designs themselves.  Having a degree in media, marketing, advertising or graphic design is ideal for this job.

Pros

• If you are an avid social media user, then this job will be a dream for you as you will be required to spend an average of 8 hours a day online working on social media.
• You get to interact with fans of your brand and others who are interested in what your brand stands for or has to say.
• Online communities give you immediate feedback on the quality of your online content through their actual comments, reactions, or lack of reactions thereof. This helps you tweak what you have to offer and attempt to get better results.
• The content you can share is varied and so you can keep your work interesting for yourself and those consuming your brand’s content.
• Your efforts can help the company you work for earn more or make a bigger impact in the world.
• Offers opportunities to learn more.

Cons

• Can be time-consuming.
• You may have to put out a lot of fires from time to time. Handling people’s complaints may be quite delicate at times.
• You present your company: this is a “con” in the event you do or say something scandalous in your capacity.  This faux pau can cause a ripple effect that you may not have anticipated in advance.
• You may need to deal with a lot of negativity: this can end up weighing on you in the long run.
• This job is not easy as some people think: it involves far more than surfing social media websites and staying on top of trends. This job requires ideation, creation, execution, monitoring, and evaluation of social media campaigns and other related efforts.

Make-up artist ($59,300)

The job of the makeup artist is to ensure that performers look their very best on-screen or in person.  Movie Make-up artists make the most in this field with an average annual income of $92,200.  An education in cosmetology or even a bachelor’s degree in theatre are often prerequisites for this job.  Numerous colleges and universities that offer theatre programs also offer stage makeup courses.

Pros

• A background in theatre can be a bonus that helps you get this job.
• An excellent way to express your creativity if you prefer people’s faces and bodies as your creative canvas.
• You get to contribute to and bring to life a larger vision.
• You can avoid office work.
• This job is usually not physically or mentally demanding.
• You get to interact with stars and other influencers.
• This job is not that stressful.
• You can start side-businesses to supplement your income.

Cons

• Job security can be poor since you are easily replaceable.
• Does not offer a good work-life balance since you may have to work over weekends and nighttime.
• Only the best make-up artists are assured of some job prospects, with the best earning the most, as with most professions.
• Teleworking is not possible.
• Challenging to change careers if you decide to switch.
• Some clients may cause you some stress if they are demanding.
• Mainly movie makeup artists are highly paid, most makeup artists often have to work an extra job to make ends meet.

Photo-shoot Stylist ($53,246)

Photoshoot Stylists are responsible for coordinating fashion photoshoots.  They have to handle the whole process from selecting outfits to staging the actual shoots. These professionals also have to spend time collaborating with photographers and fashion designers.  They have to make decisions on locations for shoots and assemble stylish ensembles for shoots.

Pros

• Your creativity and stylishness will be central to your success.
• This is an excellent job for someone passionate about fashion and style.
• You get to build vendor relationships and grow your network.
• This job offers opportunities to travel.
• You get to spend lots of time outside of an office environment.

Cons

• You need to be flexible to travel as the job may require.
• A degree in fashion, photography or other related field is usually necessary.
• You need to stay on top of fashion trends, brands, designers, style, and pop culture.
• Work experience is required as a fashion stylist or photoshoot stylist or in a similar role.
• Long-hour workdays for shoots are not uncommon.
• A will need a portfolio of previous styles you have created.

Interior Designer ($57,500)

The job of an interior designer revolves around them making the inside of buildings functional, beautiful, and safe. They select, position, and organize decorative items, color schemes, and materials based on the requirements of the client and the design of the space. The job requires a degree in drafting and design technology, fashion design, interior architecture, studio art, or a related field.

Pros

• Interior design work is in growing demand.
• This job offers extensive room to showcase your creativity and ingenuity.
• There is job satisfaction from seeing your ideas and designs come to life in a client’s space. This is very rewarding.
• This job offers great flexibility in this sector as you can opt to niche to do interior design for only corporate spaces or residencies, especially if you choose to work for yourself.
• This is a trendy job that some find cool.

Cons

• A tough field to get into.
• It can take time to earn a high salary.
• You will sometimes have to deal with challenging clientele.
• This job can be very stressful at times.
• Strict budget constraints often limit the potential creativity you can express into a client’s space.
• Your work will attract criticism from clients and other team members.  So, you will need to be good at handling all that feedback.
• The client has the final say: other creative works leave room for the creative to dictate the end product but this particular job needs the client’s requirements to be more important than the creative’s take, even if it is better.

Market Research Analyst ($65,810)

It is the job of the market research analyst to assess the conditions in the market and study potential sales of products or services on the market. This job requires a bachelor’s degree and in some cases a master’s degree in a field that includes data analysis such as statistics or mathematics, business, marketing or marketing, and analytics.

Pros

• Employment for market research analysts is set to grow by 22% from 2020 to 2030.
• This job is very dynamic.
• If you have an analytical mind, this job will put it to good use as analysis is the essence of it.
• Though the job is somewhat technical, creativity is required to find consumer insights in all the data.
• A great career for those who like to analyze data.

Cons

• This job may be stressful due to tight deadlines and schedules.
• You will be required to work regular hours, in most cases.
• You would need at least 5 years of experience in marketing or a similar field.
• This job requires solid skills in statistical software usage such as SPSS, databases, and MS Office suite.
• You will also have to possess knowledge in search engine optimization, web analytics, and business research tools.

Game Designer ($58,300)

Game designers have the job of crafting conceptualizations and worlds for video games.  They are responsible for creating the environments, characters, gameplay system, genres, objectives, and user experience for the video game. For that reason, game designers are pivotal to the creative development of video games.

Pros

• This job is highly creative as it is technical.
• If you are passionate about gaming, this job can be the perfect fit for you.
• You have tangible results from the work you put out.
• You can enter the video game designing field through various ways as earning a degree in a related field is not the only way to get started.  Some people teach themselves to code and pivot to video game design one of the other ways to break into the field.
• You can work independently.

Cons

• Experience using the following software for creative teams: Unity, Unreal 4, Substance Painter, Adobe Creative Suite, Maya.
• Experience programming in C or C++ and using Unreal 4 for technical teams is often required.
• Leadership skills are necessary to manage the production process and coordinate others involved in the game development process.
• You will need to stay on top of the latest trends, game work, and the gaming industry.
• Expect to work long hours.
• The job is very competitive.

Concept Artist ($60,463)

A concept artist is tasked with making visual creations of ideas that will be used for movies, video games, comics, or even animations before they are incorporated into the end product. The concept artist’s job involves painting or drawing graphics, characters, weapons, environments, vehicles, or any other visual element that the project requires. The style can vary in terms of the amount of detail and refinement based on the intention the concept artist has.

Pros

• You are likely to enjoy some job satisfaction as you see your concepts adopted by your clients or employer.
• This job requires someone great at solving problems creatively.  If that’s you, then this job may be a good choice for you.
• A college degree is not necessary: many of the best concept designers are self-taught.
• You get to be imaginative and creative every day for a living.
• If you enjoy drawing, you may love the fact that you will get paid to do that for a living.
• If you are an outstanding concept artist, you may end up working with very interesting or popular people like movie stars and top directors.

Cons

• Can be demanding and stressful in busy work environments.
• You may have to work long hours to come up with the right concepts.
• Middle-men may frustrate your process and cause you revisions and back-and-forths that were altogether unnecessary.
• It is labour-intensive and repetitive.

Illustrators ( $52,000)

Illustrators are visual artists that create original images from print or digital media. They often work with clients to capture their requirements and expectations.  Illustrators try to turn what they gather from their clients, marketers, or other professionals into the visual images that their client wants.

Pros

• Ideal job for someone that is highly artistic.
• If you are passionate about drawing, this job puts that passion to good use.
• The barrier to entry into this field is very low.
• There is an opportunity for you to start a side business.
• You can learn on your own.

Cons

• The job can be demanding
• Long work hours: you would often be required to work 50 hour work weeks.
• Limited employment opportunities.
• If you are self-employed, cashflow problems may be a reality as new projects may not always come consistently.
• Good drawing skills are a must.
• If you want to be a digital illustrator, knowledge of some of the following software is essential: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Photo for iPad, ArtRage 5, Autodesk SketchBook 8.4, Corel DRAW, and Inkscape 0.92.

Set Designer ($57,000)

A set designer, also known as a scenic designer or stage designer is responsible for designing the artificial environment (set) that a production such as a play, television show, or movie is to be performed in. They have to have a good creative eye and be able to convince audiences of the “realness” of the environment they design.  The set designer is part of the core design team of production.

Pros

• This job requires a lot of travel.  If you enjoy travelling then, it’s likely a good fit for you.
• Experience (10 years or more) makes set designers invaluable as they can bring to life the environments that directors have in mind, sometimes even before they articulate it.
• Your creativity can come in handy when things go wrong and you need to find an innovative solution to adapt to the change so that the show goes on.

Cons

• During production, the job can be quite stressful as things may not always go as you had expected or planned for.
• Set designers often have to study at specialized design institutes or academies of the arts but it is possible to acquire expertise on the job. Without college, set designers may end up having to take on lower-paid job openings in their field.

Fine Arts painter ($65,020 )

The fine arts painter is responsible for painting portraits, landscapes, and other subjects in various styles.  These styles can be realistic or even abstract.  Fine arts painters may use oil paint, watercolour, or even acrylic paint to create their paintings.

Pros

• Flexible work hours and work schedules.
• Most fine art appreciates in monetary value over the years.
• You get to work on your own and usually at your own pace.

Cons

• Entering into this field is often through competitions or exhibitions. If you can’t get your work exhibited or win competitions, then your career will be negatively affected.
• Working independently for days, weeks and months can get lonely.

Jewellery Artist ($67,798)

Jewellery artists are responsible for crafting jewellery from various types of materials including metal, stone, and beads. Jewellery can include earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and various other types of objects for personal adornment.

Pros

• For talented jewellery artists, this job pays well.
• You have a lot of room to express yourself creatively through your work.
• Designing for top brands can be part of your job.
• You can later pivot to starting your job after you’ve joined experience.

Cons

• You will need a bachelor’s degree in a creative subject like Art and Design and sometimes even a master’s in certain areas.
• Highly competitive.
• Demand for jewellery is inconsistent and affected by economic ups and downs.
• Your creativity is at the mercy of your client’s demands and preferences.

Fine arts sculptor ( $65,020)

A fine art sculptor is an artist that makes visual art of 2 dimensions or 3 dimensions.  Their mediums may include wood, stone, clay, or even paperclips.  Contemporary fine arts sculptors have pushed the envelope a bit more using other mediums such as 3D printing and even concrete.

Pros

• The job can be fun.
• If you are happy with your sculptors, you get to enjoy some job satisfaction.
• This job is ideal for creatives that like to be hands-on.

Cons

• Getting criticism is part of the job.
• The job can be frustrating if you are unhappy with the quality of your work and other factors.
• The physical efforts can feel tedious, mundane or arduous at times.