Considerations

• One of the first questions that should be answered is whether the creative career choice will generate sufficient income to meet current and future financial demands. Some creative career choices may require working weekends and may be in conflict with personal criteria.
  
  

Planning Is Essential

• There is no substitute for thoughtful planning and research on specific industry opportunities. Every career choice requires goal-setting, conducting current research on the available career choices or opportunities and extensive planning that is well documented in writing.
  
  

Learn About the Industry in Advance

• Aptitude testing can be a useful tool in the decision-making process. Creative career choices should be based on the degree of satisfaction derived from first studying and then working in the industry---especially hands-on experience in the job. Internships in conjunction with aptitude testing provide added exposure to the prospective creative career choice. In every career there are elements or components that are more enjoyable to perform and necessary tasks that are least appreciated.
  
  

Plan for Success

• Success in a creative career means being able to earn enough income to make the career choice realistic. Working in the career without financial reward cannot be considered feasible or realistic unless the work is an internship.
  A resume without work experience will not generally open the doors to jobs with pay. A career portfolio that documents the talents of an interior designer, makeup artist or graphic design professional can be instrumental in acquiring the work with pay experience that is needed to grow professionally.
  
  

Portfolios and Websites

• Portfolios should be presented to prospective employers or clients online and in a hard copy like a bound book. A portfolio for a creative career should include before and after photos when appropriate, a CD-ROM that demonstrates performing art skills or a portfolio of visual art. Website portfolios should offer additional documentation and not merely mimic the hard-copy portfolio.
  
  

Speak to Successful Professionals

• Consider a mentor. Mentors can help make choosing a creative career easier when you know what to expect. Always investigate the pros and cons carefully with someone who is successful in the career you have chosen.