Career Planning
What is a career plan? How do I make one? How do I adjust when I change my mind?
What Can You Do With Your Creative Degree?
You may not realize all of the options you have with your Art, Dance, Fashion, Music, or Theatre degree. Start with this short video (“Uncle Henry Was Wrong”) and then explore the resources below:
Craft and Fine Artists Fashion Designers Merchandising Makeup Artists
Dancers and Choreographers Actors Musicians and Singers
Music Directors and Composers Producers and Directors
High School Teachers Sound Engineering Technicians Set Designers
Research Your Career!
There are a number of techniques for researching a career. Internet research, personal interviews and faculty are great resources. Know that your “degree” may lead to several different “careers” and your “career path” may take several twists and turns along the way. Here is some very basic information and information on related careers you can explore.
- Careers in Dance
- Careers in Theatre
- Careers for Fashion Merchandisers
- Careers for Fashion Designers
- Careers in Music
- Careers in Fine Arts
- The Art Career Project
Independent Artist Support
Check out SEA: Self Employment in the Arts
The mission of SEA is to provide educational resources to help aspiring artists gain the entrepreneurial knowledge and skills needed to establish and maintain a career as an independent artist. SEA’s primary focus is on the undergraduate college student and programs are geared towards helping emerging visual, performing, literary, and media artists gain the resources and connections they need to be successful self-employed artists. Programming includes conferences, workshops, panel discussions, webinars, competitions and more. Within these events there are a variety of activities including keynote presentations, artist-led sessions, one-on-one mentoring, round table discussions, networking events, as well as creative releases such as a gallery reception, create room, and improv. Also check out a list of books recommended to SEA by past presenters. The list includes titles on financial success, marketing, entrepreneurship, grants and career building.
- Creative Industries—Information from the Americans for the Arts
- Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship Blog
- The Musician’s Way Blog
- FahionMingle.net—A network for Fashion Entrepreneurs
Video Resources
Here is a sampling of video resources. While YouTube is full of career tips, make sure you are consulting professional resources.
Guides to Careers in the Theatre - New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center and American Theatre Wing
In the Wings – Learn about the many careers behind the scenes, American Theatre Wing
Working in the Theatre – American Theatre Wing
Stepping Out and Growing an Art Business – Jennifer Gough
Have questions or need more information? Contact LuAnn Coldwell, Career Adviser for the Visual & Performing Arts (KSU Advising, click on Career Exploration and Development).