What impact could you make?
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 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
As of October 2025, there are around 110,800 people employed across Scotland's creative industry.
Future demand
Between 2025 and 2028, it's expected there will be 9,500 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.
Career insights from industry professionals
Be part of a colourful future
We’ve pulled out some of the most popular creative job profiles for you to explore.
User experience designer
Market research data analyst
Graphic designer
Public relations officer
Sound designer
Lighting technician
Product designer
Animator
ROV pilot technician
Things you may not know about the creative industry
Scotland is a global leader in video gaming innovation. Some of the best-selling video games of all time come from Scotland, such as Grand Theft Auto (GTA), Crackdown, Lemmings and Angry Birds Stella POP.
Scotland is home to Europe's largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe! In 2025, there were almost 4,000 shows. These ranged from comedy and theatre, to live podcasts and exhibitions.
Source: Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Scotland's film and TV industry aims to add £1 billion to the economy by 2030. The country is well on its way to becoming a centre for global production.
Source: Screen Scotland
What subjects you could take in school
We've pulled together some examples of subjects and Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) that could be useful for getting into a creative career.
English
Creative and Digital Media FA
Art
Art and Design
Computing
Graphic Communications
Digital Media
Design and Manufacture
Leaders in creative
Discover some of the organisations within the creative industry and how they’re making an impact in the industry.
Creative Scotland
Creative Scotland is a public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across the country.
Visit Creative Scotland
UK Fashion & Textile Association Scotland
UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) Scotland offers support and information to Scottish fashion and textile companies. They help Scottish brands export worldwide.
Visit UKFT Scotland