YOUR GUIDE TO WORKING GLOBALLY AS A CREATIVE
High-speed internet has made possible entirely new ways of working. In the creative industries, this is particularly noticeable. You can share your work as an artist, designer, composer or camera operator, and have it be appreciated by people from around the world. This can open up many new professional opportunities.
But what’s the best way of working globally as a creative person? Let’s examine some of the problems, and opportunities, you might encounter.
UNDERSTANDING GLOBAL MARKETS AND OPPORTUNITIES
According to a recent report from the Policy and Evidence Centre at Newcastle University’s Business School, the UK’s creative industries are among its best export success stories. Creative services were exported overseas at a steadily rising rate throughout the 2010s, and managed to weather disruption caused by both Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.
When you’re deciding who to market to, it’s worth thinking about where the growth industries may lie overseas, and how your particular talents might allow you to cater to the needs of foreign clients.
BUILDING AN INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO AND NETWORK
Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to demonstrate the quality of your work to those who might be thinking about hiring you. Instagram, Artstation, and other platforms can help you to generate a following, and exposure, which might bring your work to the attention of key decision-makers. However, it’s worth also attending in-person events, especially when they are accessible and relevant to your interests.
Navigating Legal and Immigration Requirements
In many cases, creatives will be able to submit their work remotely, without having to think about crossing borders. In many other cases, however, this will not be possible. Depending on where you intend to travel to, and how long you intend to stay for, you may face legal difficulty in the form of immigration law.
Consulting with the right immigration lawyer can help you to find a solution that’s tailored to your particular situation. This way, you can be sure that you’re on the right side of any relevant regulations, both domestically and overseas.
ADAPTING TO CULTURAL DIFFERENCES AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES
To effectively serve the needs of international clients, and to build relationships with them, it’s often a good idea to learn about local customs and practices. This might help you gain a better understanding of how a workplace functions in a different country, and come up with creative works that take these things into account. But it can also help you to win friends, and ultimately find more business opportunities.
