Creative and Up-and-coming Jobs

By: V. Goerck

Dog walker - $31,367 annually 
​If you are a person that loves the outdoors, and especially animals, then dog walking is the job for you. With hundreds of apps centered around this career, making a living whilst having the time of your life is an easy task. There are also many variations to what you can do; the time of the walk, how many per day, and the number of dogs is all considered when deciding the cost.  ​

Cat sitting - $33,550 annually 
Nowadays, people are caring more and more for their pets; therefore, when travelling, a sitter is required to ensure their kittens are taken care of. Regarding requirements, being responsible and professional is essential, and a first-aid course is recommended. With this growing market, many companies provide a client base and a steady salary, which might be preferable. However, to people who are looking for a side income, not having a fixed schedule can be the better option.  

Food stylist: $140,635 annually 
If, as a child, you loved making elaborate dishes, be them with real food or not, then being a food stylist might be a good idea. A food stylist's job is to make and arrange the food to be visually appealing, primarily for commercial purposes. For example, you could be responsible for that amazingly appetizing billboard in the middle of your car trip. This career requires attention to detail, creativity, and imagination and a degree in food styling or culinary arts. 

Food critic – $80,000 annually 
As the saying goes, "In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and themselves to our judgement. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and read." A food critic visits restaurants, receives samples of dishes and later writes commentary on their whole dining experience. A higher level of education in a field such as creative writing, journalism, or communications, is recommended to achieve relevant reports in high-status restaurants. Some helpful advice: food critics are often anonymous, as they can either increase a restaurant's popularity or have the opposite effect.  

Wardrobe stylist – $38,307 annually 
People who work with wardrobe styling help their clients choose a personal style that fits their personality as well as other aspects such as budget. This usually means finding options of well-tailored and stylish clothing that speaks to current fashion trends, including shoes and accessories. There are many options for this career, whether for a store, an agency, freelancing, and maybe only for special occasions, or day to day, or even celebrities and public figures. A bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising, design or visual communications is preferable for finding an initial clientele.  

Personal shopper – $26,350 annually 
A personal shopper is someone that brings a variety of brands and clothing options in accordance with their client's personal style, physical shape, and budget. Their responsibility is not to go shopping but rather to research so their client can buy clothes easily and efficiently. Whilst there are advantages to the job, such as a flexible schedule and setting their own hours, it has setbacks, such as lacking job security and benefits.  

Stunt performer – $35,360 annually 
Stunt performers are responsible for performing stunts in television, film, and other productions. They might be performing in dangerous filming situations or scenes that require specialized skills, such as fighting or doing martial arts. Working conditions can vary a lot, including extreme heat or cold, wet areas, places with explosives, or high altitudes with no safety harness. Although no technical degree is needed to act, stunt performers usually start out as stunt performers' assistants. 

Movie extra – $100 per day of work
People who are movie extras, also known as "background talents" and "atmosphere", are actors that have no lines, usually placed by the director anywhere they are needed. They help give a sense of realism to scenes such as civilians in a busy restaurant. Although they do not play such an important role, they must follow a series of demands, for instance, appearing on set on time, bringing their own approved costumes, working for at least 8 hours, and carrying their vouchers. The payment received depends on a series of factors, such as budget, work hours, if the actor is a union or non-union worker, and the types of scenes they take part in.  

Lego Master Builder - $37,500 annually 
A Lego Master Builder's job seems like something straight out of a movie, but it might not be as simple as it seems. People with this job work closely with leadership, marketing, and event teams to decide what is needed and what they will be building. Their models might range from enormous structures to several minifigures. However, there is more than just building in this career. Lego Builders also work with cleaning, repairing, and maintaining already existing Lego structures. Unlike our childhoods, where we created as our hearts pleased, these builders must follow a series of demands in their models: things such as studs have to be extremely specific, and a lot of technique is required to efficiently achieve such results. To do this job, only a high school diploma is required.