Turn passion into profit with Printify
A creative career can inspire you, give you purpose, and the income to support it. Today’s jobs for creative people span design, content creation, video editing, interior design, and more. These creative roles are more accessible than ever thanks to remote work, new platforms, and the growing demand for creative skills.
Whether you’re an art teacher, writer, designer, or web developer, your unique skills open doors to exciting projects, collaborations, and steady income. Embrace your creativity and build a rewarding career.
Below, you’ll find 12 of the best careers for creative people – including salary data, daily responsibilities, and how each role helps you communicate ideas, create campaigns, or build your own business. Each path includes clear, actionable ways to monetize your creative vision.
What are the pros of a career in the creative field?
Creativity can pay well. Today, artists in the US earn between $42,000 and $100,000 annually, reflecting strong demand across the creative field.
The rise of remote work, new digital platforms, and industries that rely on creative people with strong technical skills has expanded career opportunities for newcomers and experienced professionals.
Many creative professionals also build job security by combining full-time roles, freelancing, and digital products. A graphic designer, for example, might work full time, take global clients, and run a POD shop – creating a flexible earning model with long-term growth potential.
These creative careers are also rewarding. They let you bring creative ideas to life, collaborate with creative teams, and make work that feels meaningful.
Why are creative jobs appealing in 2026?
- Income flexibility: Mix day jobs with profitable side hustle ideas.
- Low entry barriers: Many creative careers focus on talent and a strong portfolio rather than formal degrees, making it easier to start.
- Remote work: Most jobs for creative people offer work-from-home options.
- Growing demand: Companies pay premium rates for creative talent in AI, social media, and digital design.
- Global market: Sell your designs, art, or services worldwide.
- Job security: Diverse career paths and expanding industries give creative people more long-term stability.
What are good jobs for creative people? 12 Top creative jobs
These top creative jobs combine high earning potential with a strong market demand.
1. Graphic designer
Average yearly salary: $61,300
Average hourly wage: $29.47
A graphic designer communicates creative ideas through visual design. In this role, you might create everything from brand assets and website interfaces to social posts and marketing materials. It’s one of the most common creative jobs for people who want to blend creativity with practical, marketable technical skills.
Graphic design remains one of the most accessible career paths in the creative field because a strong portfolio often matters more than a bachelor’s degree. If you’re new, focus on mastering essential technical skills in Adobe Creative Suite, building a clean portfolio, and learning how to communicate ideas visually.
How to monetize
- Corporate jobs: Work at tech companies or agencies. Great for learning industry standards and networking.
- Freelancing: If you prefer flexibility, freelancing on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr lets you work directly with clients.
- Digital products: Sell templates, UI kits, and other graphic design assets on Creative Market or Gumroad.
- Brand packages: Offer complete brand systems – logos, guidelines, and marketing materials.
- Niche specialization: Focus on high-paying areas like UX design, packaging, or eCommerce visuals.
- Print on Demand (POD): Turn designs into products and sell them with POD – no inventory required.
Easily create your first product design with Printify for free. Once you make a sale, Printify takes care of everything – from inventory management to shipping.
2. Content creator and social media influencer
Average yearly wage: $61,988
Average hourly wage: $30
Content creation is one of the most dynamic jobs for creative people today, combining hands-on production with storytelling across video, photography, writing, and social media. With 75% of consumers using social platforms to guide purchasing decisions, creators play a major role in how brands communicate ideas and create campaigns.
Most creators work independently to build their personal brand or partner with agencies or companies. A typical day involves planning, creating content on mobile apps, community engagement, and analyzing performance metrics.
If you enjoy jobs that require creativity and organization, getting started is easy – pick one social media platform, post consistently, talk to your audience, and use built‑in analytics to see what works.
How to monetize
- Brand partnerships: Work with brands and earn based on campaign performance. Macro-influencers can earn from $10,000 to over $1 million per post, while micro-influencers (10,000-50,000 followers) typically earn $100-$500.
- Platform features: Monetize your content with the TikTok Creator Fund, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
- Merchandise: Design and sell custom products to loyal followers.
- Consulting and coaching: Teach skills tied to your niche through workshops, sessions, or digital courses.
Meet Jay – a former banker turned social media creator. Now, he runs a YouTube channel, leads a 17,000-strong Facebook community, and has hit $2.5 million in sales using Printify.
His online income comes from content creation and POD merchandise. Combining both helped him escape the corporate grind and embrace self-employment. Read more about his inspiring journey.
3. Animator
Average yearly wage: $99,800
Average hourly wage: $47.98
The global animation market is worth $371.21 billion and is projected to reach $580.82 billion by 2032. Animators work at studios, gaming companies, and production houses, while many build careers as independent creative professionals or take full-time positions in marketing or video game design teams.
As an animator, you’ll handle projects ranging from short commercials to character development for films and games. The role blends creative ideas with technical problem-solving and often requires close collaboration with art directors, game designers, and other creatives.
While some employers prefer a bachelor’s degree, a strong demo reel carries more weight. Your daily work includes communicating with clients, meeting deadlines, refining visual elements, and producing animation that matches the project’s style.
If you’re new, start with one animation tool, build a short reel that shows movement and emotion, and share it with studios and indie teams. Strong work that reflects your creative mind and technical skills is the fastest way to get noticed.
How to monetize
- Join animation studios: Work for production or gaming companies.
- Create commercial content: Produce explainer videos and ads.
- Develop indie games: Develop animations for mobile or console games.
- Launch YouTube channels: Monetize original animated content.
- Teach animation: Offer courses on Udemy or Skillshare.
- Freelance on projects: Take on contract work through platforms like ArtStation or Behance.
For accurate pricing, track the time each phase takes – storyboarding, rigging, animation, and revisions. New animators often undercharge because they don’t account for every step, leading to scope creep.
4. Copywriter and content writer
Average yearly wage: $87,590
Average hourly wage: $42.11
Turn your knack for words into a steady paycheck.
You’ll write everything from website copy and blog posts to sales emails and social media captions to convert readers into customers.
Writers work for marketing agencies, companies, or as independent contractors. Your day involves research, creative writing, proofreading, and collaborating with teams on marketing strategies.
Creatives enjoy this job for its independence and ability to use words to inspire action. Strong writing, research, and SEO knowledge are essential skills, and top performers can command impressive salaries as their skills grow.
First, build a portfolio with a few strong samples (blogs, landing pages, sales emails) that show you communicate ideas clearly, write for search, and move readers to act – real results beat credentials in jobs.
How to monetize
- Direct client work: Outreach clients via LinkedIn or cold email.
- Content platforms: Write on Substack or Medium through their Partner Program.
- Retainer contracts: Secure monthly clients for 4-8 pieces on average.
- Software as a service (SaaS) companies: Specialize in software documentation or technical writing.
- Ghostwriting: Create books, articles, or thought-leadership content for founders.
- Course creation: Package writing skills and knowledge into online courses.
5. Interior designer
Average yearly wage: $63,490
Average hourly wage: $30.52
Homeowners spent $463 billion on renovations in early 2024, highlighting the growing demand for skilled interior designers. These professionals transform spaces into functional, visually appealing environments for homes and businesses.
Interior designers work closely with homeowners, real-estate developers, and commercial clients. Daily tasks include space planning, material selection, color and lighting design, and coordinating with contractors to ensure the final product matches the client’s vision.
If you’re new, start small. Redesign one room, create digital mood boards, and photograph your work to build a simple portfolio. Experience with computer programs like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Photoshop is a major plus, but creativity and spatial awareness matter just as much.
How to monetize
- Design firms: Build foundational experience at established companies.
- Independent practice: Launch your own studio and charge an hourly rate.
- eDesign services: Offer remote design packages per room.
- Specialty consultations: Host expert sessions on color schemes or space planning.
- Digital offerings: Sell downloadable mood boards, room templates, and design guides.
- Brand partnerships: Collaborate with home decor brands for sponsored content.
6. Creative director and brand manager
Average yearly wage: $125,920
Average hourly wage: $60.54
Creative directors lead the visual style and strategy behind magazines, product packaging, movies, music videos, and advertising campaigns.
Most creative and art directors work at production studios, gaming companies, or advertising agencies, directing motion graphics and guiding creative teams across digital platforms.
They’re not product designers or graphic designers – they own the overall creative vision and rely on strong communication skills, an in-depth understanding of design, and the ability to lead other creatives.
To work toward a creative director role, start by leading small projects. Build simple style guides, own a visual concept from start to finish, and document results that show you can succeed in higher-level creative roles.
How to monetize
- Creative production studios: Launch a creative agency specializing in video and motion graphics.
- NFT art direction: Guide digital artists in creating collections, curating the visual direction, and themes for NFTs.
- Film and TV art direction: Design sets and visual elements.
- Magazine and editorial direction: Shape the visual identity of magazines or other publications.
Launch your own brand using Printify. With average profit margins of 40-50%, create apparel, wall art, and branded products while keeping production and shipping fully automated.
7. Fashion designer
Average yearly wage: $97,030
Average hourly wage: $46.65
Being a fashion designer is one of the most exciting and imaginative job opportunities out there. But beyond being a fun job, it’s also lucrative, with some of the highest salaries in the creative industry.
From ready-to-wear collections to haute couture, creative individuals in the fashion industry create wearable art. Unlike merchandisers who select products, fashion designers craft original pieces from concept to production.
The typical routine of this creative job involves sketching designs, selecting fabrics, creating prototypes, and collaborating with pattern makers and manufacturers.
To get started in the field, begin with a focused mini collection, turn your designs into mockups, and launch a small POD run to see what customers actually buy.
How to monetize
- Freelance design: Work closely with boutiques and private clients.
- Create your own fashion line: Develop and launch your brand identity and sell through boutiques or direct-to-consumer channels.
- Online retail: Build an eCommerce presence through platforms like Shopify. Reach global customers and manage your own inventory and pricing.
- Social media presence: Design and sell custom clothing to your followers. Collaborate with brands and influence fashion trends.
- Custom design: Specialize in bridal, evening wear, or specialized clothing. Build a reputation for exclusive designs.
Want to make it big as a fashion designer? Watch our video on how to start a luxury fashion brand with Printify and Shopify.
8. Web designer
Average yearly wage: $95,380
Average hourly wage: $45.85
Web designers shape how users interact with brands online, from small business websites to complex eCommerce platforms. They plan layouts, refine navigation, and create visual systems that support usability and conversions. It’s one of the strongest career paths in the creative field for people who enjoy solving problems through design.
Don’t confuse a web designer with a web developer. While a web developer writes code, a web designer creates wireframes, tests layouts, and refines the interface until it aligns with the brand.
As a beginner web designer, you don’t need a bachelor’s degree – a simple portfolio site with real or practice projects, and some computer program knowledge is enough to stand out in careers for creative people.
The role offers competitive salaries, especially for those who specialize in UX/UI or eCommerce design.
How to monetize
- Client services: Build custom websites for businesses through platforms like Upwork or direct clients.
- Template design: Create and sell website templates on ThemeForest or Creative Market.
- Website maintenance: Offer ongoing design updates and optimization services.
- Training/workshops: Teach design skills to beginners.
- Design systems: Create comprehensive brand and UI guidelines for companies.
- Website flipping: Design, optimize, and resell existing websites for profit.
Want to design an online store? Learn the essentials of eCommerce design from industry experts. Our comprehensive guide covers brand messaging, user experience optimization, and A/B testing strategies.
9. Illustrator
Average yearly wage: $71,420
Average hourly wage: $34.34
Digital illustrators create original artwork for games, films, books, advertising, and brand campaigns. Unlike graphic designers who focus on layout, illustrators produce standalone visuals that communicate stories and characters through drawing and digital painting.
Most illustrators work as freelancers, though some join studios, publishing houses, or advertising agencies. Projects typically move from a client brief to rough sketches, refinement, and the final product.
To stand out in jobs for artistic people, build a portfolio focusing on your range – character art, environments, product illustrations, or editorial pieces. Clients value a clear, creative mind, strong execution, and consistent style over formal credentials.
How to monetize
- Client work: Create custom illustrations for businesses and publications.
- Stock content: Sell illustrations on platforms like Adobe Stock.
- Print on Demand: Offer artwork on products through Printify.
- Digital products: Sell downloadable art packs and resources.
- Art licensing: License illustrations for commercial use.
- Teaching: Create illustration courses and tutorials.
- NFT art: Sell digital art in specialized marketplaces.
Use Printify’s Product Creator to turn your illustrations into sellable products with high-quality mockups and customizable print areas.
10. Photographer or videographer
Average yearly wage: $42,520
Average hourly wage: $20.44
If you’re a creative person with a strong eye for visuals, photography or videography is a great fit. These creative roles blend shooting, editing, and the business skills needed to build a client pipeline.
Whether you work as a photographer, video editor, or both, success requires staying current with technology and trends. Daily tasks include client consultations, planning shoots, setting up lighting, capturing images or footage, and post-production editing.
Many start with portraits or events, then specialize in niches like real estate, wedding, product, or commercial photography – fields that offer higher salaries and a more stable client base.
How to monetize
- Event photography: Capture weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. Work closely with event planners for consistent bookings.
- Stock platforms: Create diverse image libraries on Shutterstock and Adobe Stock. Focus on in-demand categories like business, lifestyle, and nature.
- Print sales: Sell artwork and earn money through Etsy, local cafes, and art fairs. Partner with boutiques to display and sell your prints.
- Real estate: Photograph properties for listings. Partner with realtors for regular work. Add drone photography for higher rates.
- Media outlets: Cover local events for newspapers, pitch photo stories to magazines, and build relationships with editors.
- Photo editing: Provide retouching services for other photographers.
Discover how to take professional product photos for your online store in our complete guide.
11. Jewelery designer
Average yearly wage: $49,140
Average hourly wage: $23.63
Jewelery designers create wearable art by shaping metal, gemstones, and mixed materials into pieces with clear aesthetic and brand direction. Unlike bench jewelers who fabricate pieces, designers focus on concept development, materials, and the story behind each item.
Many designers work freelance, supply boutiques, or run their own business online. Others take roles with fashion labels or retailers, making this one of the most flexible career paths for creative people who enjoy hands-on design.
If you’re new, start with a small themed collection – rings, pendants, or charms. Photograph your pieces well and test demand online. A tight, cohesive collection conveys your creative vision more effectively than a haphazard mix of unrelated designs.
How to monetize
- Custom commissions: Engagement rings, heirloom redesigns, and milestone gifts.
- Limited drops: Small seasonal or themed collections to drive urgency.
- Made‑to‑order & POD accessories: Pair jewelery (engraved pieces, charms) with branded merch using Printify products and custom packaging inserts.
- eCommerce storefront: Promote products directly on Etsy, Shopify, or your own site; bundle sets for higher cart values.
- Wholesale and consignment: Place lines in boutiques or pop‑ups to reach new buyers.
12. Toy designer
Average yearly wage: $79,450 (US industrial designer; toy roles vary)
Average hourly wage: $38.20
Working as a toy designer is one of the best career paths for imaginative people. Toy designers turn imagination into play – sketching characters, building 3D prototypes, testing safety and function, and refining color, texture, and user interaction for different age groups.
The work balances innovative thinking, storytelling, and practical engineering.
Studios, licensing companies, and major toy brands hire full time. However, many creative professionals build their own lines, freelance for educational publishers, or collaborate with indie makers.
Recent collectible crazes (think Labubu‑style toys that go viral) show how strong character design, plus scarcity and community, can drive huge demand.
New to the field? Develop a small character set, mock up variations (colorways, accessories), and share prototypes with parent groups, collectors, or niche fan communities to see what resonates before scaling production.
How to monetize
- Licensing and collabs: License original characters to established toy or entertainment brands.
- Collectible drops: Limited runs, blind boxes, or seasonal variants to build buzz.
- Education sets: Design learning or STEM toys for schools, homeschool networks, or subscription boxes.
- Digital and physical bundles: Sell printable activity sheets, storybooks, or AR filters tied to the toy line.
- Direct‑to‑consumer store: Sell online via Etsy, Shopify, or your own site; bundle starter packs to lift average order value.
Explore Printify’s selection of custom stuffed animals for inspiration.
How to start your career in the creative arts?
✔ Understand your strengths
- Take a free assessment on LinkedIn to discover your technical skills and strengths.
- Challenge yourself to create something in your field without tutorials – this quickly reveals your true creative skills and gaps.
- Review past work to see where your creative mind is the most engaged.
✔ Explore online tools
- Download the free version of top industry software (Canva, DaVinci, Blender).
- Complete one focused tutorial each day to build momentum.
- Recreate a professional project you admire using only basic features to sharpen your creative vision.
✔ Put yourself out there
- Post one finished piece weekly on your chosen platform, even if it’s not perfect.
- Reach out to three creators whose creative jobs inspire you with specific questions.
- Leave thoughtful comments on others’ creative work, collaborate with other artists, and join weekly creative challenges.
Join fellow creators in our Printify POD Rockstars community – sellers who’ve been there, done that, and love sharing what works. Catch daily tips from more successful sellers on our TikTok and Instagram. Need advice? Have questions? Our community’s got your back.
Use your creativity to establish your brand
It’s time to turn your creative skills into a thriving brand. Printify’s POD platform helps you create your unique brand without worrying about production and shipping. Start with these simple steps.
- Sign up for Printify: Access over 1,300 quality products.
- Create your designs: Upload your artwork or use our Shutterstock integration for premium stock images.
- Test product quality: Order samples to verify quality firsthand.
- Set up your store: Choose between a quick-launch Pop-Up Store or connect to platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and eBay.
- Sell: We’ll handle the printing and shipping.
- Elevate your brand: Add professional touches like custom packaging inserts and private labels.
FAQ
The best careers for artistic people depend on your creative vision, income goals, and how you like to work. Many people start in graphic design, content creation, or illustration and later move into a creative director path as their skills grow.
You can pursue creative careers in design, creative writing, animation, content creation, photography, interior design, video game design, and more. Most of these jobs for creative people value a strong portfolio over a bachelor’s degree.
Digital design and content creation offer fast entry and global reach, while fashion, interior design, performing arts, and animation appeal if you like hands‑on creative work. If you enjoy blending creativity with problem‑solving, look into UX and related roles.
Artsy jobs sit in the creative arts – think illustrator, video editor, art teacher, graphic designer, animator, or a performing arts job. Additionally, there are newer digital paths that turn artwork into products or create campaigns. These creative jobs suit anyone who wants to make visual mediums central to their work.
Conclusion: The best careers for creative people
Whether you enjoy design, content, illustration, or hands-on creative work, today’s jobs for creative people offer more opportunities than ever. These creative careers give you room to grow, express your ideas, and build a path that fits your strengths.
As the creative field expands across digital design, content creation, animation, and eCommerce, you can turn your creative skills into a full-time income and long-term career growth.
Start your creative business today with Printify and join millions of creators who use POD to launch products, reach global customers, and build brands that stand out.
