Traditionally, kids are encouraged to aim for high-paying careers in engineering, finance, law or medicine rather than following their passion. But can a creative career lead to big bucks, too? We share tips for maximising your talent
What if Trevor Noah had gone into accounting instead of comedy, or Charlize Theron into engineering instead of acting? Growing up in South Africa, finding stardom in Hollywood must have seemed so unlikely that a well-meaning teacher or parent might have steered them towards a STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) career – for job security and more promising earning potential.
But let’s face it – while things worked out beautifully for Trevor and Charlize, most young South Africans won’t become rich and famous through their creative skills. Even so, this doesn’t mean you should avoid creative career paths. If you have the talent, passion and grit, you could go for it and work your way up to earn a decent income in a creative profession.
You could possibly even earn big bucks, if you make it to a position in senior management, such as an account director in an ad agency, a film producer or an executive chef.
“Be aware that entry-level salaries are low,” says local industrial psychologist Annie Oehley, who is also a career guidance counsellor. “The cream at the top is hard to get, but it’s not impossible.”
WHAT EXACTLY IS A CREATIVE CAREER?
‘Creative’ covers all areas that use the creative mind, such as visual art, music, language, culinary, digital art, design (fashion, interior or products), architecture, advertising, media, brand management, film careers and marketing, according to Annie. “The possibilities are vast and young learners need to research carefully.”
WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED IN A CREATIVE CAREER
- Creative skills.
- Team collaboration.
- Public speaking skills (if presentations are needed).
- Ability to take criticism (feedback to grow) and display ‘grit’. This may not come easy to creative individuals, who research has found to be sensitive and emotional by nature. Note that you’ll be creating art, food, fashion etc for other people, which might clash with your personal choice or style, but you’d still have to do the work.
HOW TO GO ABOUT IT
To turn your creativity into a successful career, she advises: “Practise, practise, practise – from early on.” If, for instance, you want to go into art or design, you’ll need to build a portfolio to enrol in further studies and for job applications.
Annie suggests experimenting with different forms of media and brainstorming ideas, and entering competitions such as school eisteddfods. “Research the changing world of digital art and website design,” she says. “Find a good mentor to crit your work. Offer your creativity as a volunteer – for example, by painting murals at a children’s home.
Extend yourself in other areas to make yourself more marketable by joining groups and societies at school or NGO programmes.”
STUDY FURTHER
Getting a post-matric qualification is crucial, because the job market is extremely competitive, says Annie. “Do extensive research about what you might study.” Try to visit a college or university to understand the courses offered and the job. Also do some job-shadowing in your chosen area of interest.”
South Africa offers many degrees and diplomas for creative job fields – the type depends on where you want to be. For example, if you want to get into film production in the Western Cape, you could study for a BA Film and Media at the University of Cape Town, BA Film at AFDA Film School or a diploma at CPUT.
Once qualified, expect a long, hard slog until you build up a reputation for your work and are able to earn well. Also stay abreast of changes in creative industries, where AI is shaping the future of many jobs.
WHAT CREATIVES EARN IN SA
FASHION DESIGNER
Average annual salary: R180 000
Entry-level: from R159 000 (1-4 years of experience)
Experienced: up to R270 000
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Average annual salary: R210 000
Entry-level: R150 000
Experienced: R390 000
AD ACCOUNT MANAGER
Average annual salary: R360 000
Entry-level: R240 000
Experienced: R730 000
CREATIVE/ART DIRECTOR
Average annual salary: R485 865
Entry-level: R363 092
Experienced: R901 000
by Silke Colquhoun
Photos: Gallo/Getty Images
But let’s face it – while things worked out beautifully for Trevor and Charlize, most young South Africans won’t become rich and famous through their creative skills. Even so, this doesn’t mean you should avoid creative career paths. If you have the talent, passion and grit, you could go for it and work your way up to earn a decent income in a creative profession.
You could possibly even earn big bucks, if you make it to a position in senior management, such as an account director in an ad agency, a film producer or an executive chef.
“Be aware that entry-level salaries are low,” says local industrial psychologist Annie Oehley, who is also a career guidance counsellor. “The cream at the top is hard to get, but it’s not impossible.”
WHAT EXACTLY IS A CREATIVE CAREER?
‘Creative’ covers all areas that use the creative mind, such as visual art, music, language, culinary, digital art, design (fashion, interior or products), architecture, advertising, media, brand management, film careers and marketing, according to Annie. “The possibilities are vast and young learners need to research carefully.”
IF, FOR INSTANCE, YOU WANT TO GO INTO ART OR DESIGN, YOU’LL NEED TO BUILD A PORTFOLIO TO ENROL IN FURTHER STUDIES AND FOR JOB APPLICATIONS
WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED IN A CREATIVE CAREER
- Creative skills.
- Team collaboration.
- Public speaking skills (if presentations are needed).
- Ability to take criticism (feedback to grow) and display ‘grit’. This may not come easy to creative individuals, who research has found to be sensitive and emotional by nature. Note that you’ll be creating art, food, fashion etc for other people, which might clash with your personal choice or style, but you’d still have to do the work.
HOW TO GO ABOUT IT
To turn your creativity into a successful career, she advises: “Practise, practise, practise – from early on.” If, for instance, you want to go into art or design, you’ll need to build a portfolio to enrol in further studies and for job applications.
Annie suggests experimenting with different forms of media and brainstorming ideas, and entering competitions such as school eisteddfods. “Research the changing world of digital art and website design,” she says. “Find a good mentor to crit your work. Offer your creativity as a volunteer – for example, by painting murals at a children’s home.
Extend yourself in other areas to make yourself more marketable by joining groups and societies at school or NGO programmes.”
STUDY FURTHER
Getting a post-matric qualification is crucial, because the job market is extremely competitive, says Annie. “Do extensive research about what you might study.” Try to visit a college or university to understand the courses offered and the job. Also do some job-shadowing in your chosen area of interest.”
South Africa offers many degrees and diplomas for creative job fields – the type depends on where you want to be. For example, if you want to get into film production in the Western Cape, you could study for a BA Film and Media at the University of Cape Town, BA Film at AFDA Film School or a diploma at CPUT.
Once qualified, expect a long, hard slog until you build up a reputation for your work and are able to earn well. Also stay abreast of changes in creative industries, where AI is shaping the future of many jobs.
WHAT CREATIVES EARN IN SA
FASHION DESIGNER
Average annual salary: R180 000
Entry-level: from R159 000 (1-4 years of experience)
Experienced: up to R270 000
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Average annual salary: R210 000
Entry-level: R150 000
Experienced: R390 000
AD ACCOUNT MANAGER
Average annual salary: R360 000
Entry-level: R240 000
Experienced: R730 000
CREATIVE/ART DIRECTOR
Average annual salary: R485 865
Entry-level: R363 092
Experienced: R901 000
by Silke Colquhoun
Photos: Gallo/Getty Images
WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED IN A CREATIVE CAREER
Reviewed by Amaarah
on
February 05, 2025
Rating:
Reviewed by Amaarah
on
February 05, 2025
Rating:
