Creativity is one of those rare innate traits that can’t be taught, although it can be nurtured. However, there is more to creativity than what we generally associate with the term. Oftentimes, melding passion and profession is about finding our own medium of creativity, nurturing it, and if possible, polishing it into a veritable skill.
If a creative individual also happens to be a tech enthusiast, then now is the best time for them to be alive. Thanks to how far we have progressed with digital technology, the opportunities for creative professionals are at an all-time high. If the idea of giving shape to imaginations via the unlimited potential of technology is something that appeals to you, you may find your calling in the following three career options.
Architect
Some of us have an innate aptitude for designing structures and it’s those same individuals that have the highest potential to become successful architects. If you can relate to that statement and you are no stranger to tinkering with CAD tools (AutoCAD, FreeCAD, SolidWorks, etc.), consider getting a bachelor’s degree in Architecture. Irrespective of whether it’s an online or offline course, make sure it is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). If you want an education with more diverse career options, a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering can also be a good, albeit alternative path to becoming an architect.
Next, get yourself a laptop that was designed to handle CAD work, since working with professional grade computer aided designing applications does have its requirements. For example, the ThinkPad X1 series by Lenovo has enough computing power to run CAD software applications, it comes with a pressure sensitive touchscreen, and a precision pen in the box. It is difficult for any creative professional to work with CAD tools without a proper touchscreen, so that should be on top of your list of requirements for the new purchase.
Digital Illustrator
Note that if you are already proficient in traditional art, you will find your job as a digital illustrator to be easier than someone who is coming in without a background in art. The work you will be doing as a digital illustrator will be very similar to what most artists are already used to doing with pen and paper. What exactly that job might be will differ in accordance with who is employing you and for what. In general, expect to work on creating digital illustrations for books, eBooks, audiobook covers, comic books, ads, products, and media in general.
Graphic Artist
The job of a graphic artist is extremely varied, and it may encompass multiple fields of digital art. Nevertheless, if you are interested in any of the following work, you may have a career waiting for you in graphic art and design.
- Product design, logo design, web design, brand visualization, ad design, etc.
- Digital media production & postproduction.
- Game design, 3D modeling, animation.
Degrees in Fine Art and Graphic Design are preferred by employers, with bachelor’s degree being the minimum standard. However, it is your portfolio of past work that will hold the most importance in deciding your employability as a graphic artist.
