Making your option choices in school? Get inspired and pick the future you want

Creative

There’s a career for you in Scotland’s thriving creative industry – whatever your interests are. There are exciting jobs in online video content, advertising, architecture and more!

What impact could you make?

Use your skills to spark life into creative projects – on your own or with others. You can bring new ideas, products and services to the public!
Are you an independent person who enjoys flexible working or would like to be self-employed? Turn your hand to a creative role and make these dreams a reality.
Travel and work all around the world. While doing so, you'll promote Scottish creative culture across the planet.
The part of the job I enjoy most is properly understanding users and what their needs are. I love going out and talking to people then coming up with solutions that perhaps never existed before.GaryUX Designer

The creative industry at a glance

Many people in the creative industry are either self-employed and manage their own hours. Others work on a contractual basis. So, a creative career is a great choice if you’re an entrepreneur, value flexibility, love networking and enjoy promoting your abilities.

Employment

In 2024, there were around 114,500 people employed across Scotland's creative industry.

Job availability

Between 2023 and 2027, it's expected there will be an additional 7,400 people needed to fill job openings in Scotland.

Job diversity

There are so many creative roles you could work in, from science and tech to media and culture.

Things you may not know about the creative industry

Edinburgh and Dundee are within the UK's top 10 cities for video game development, according to a new research report.

Source: The Scottish Games Network

Scotland is home to Europe's largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe! In 2024, there were almost 4,000 shows. These ranged from comedy and theatre, to live podcasts and exhibitions.

Source: Edinburgh Festival Fringe

UK music exports have increased by 320%, according to the Music Export Growth Scheme.

Source: GOV.UK

Leaders in creative

Discover some of the organisations within the creative industry and how they’re making an impact in the industry.