Career Compass: Mapping Educational Routes to Creative Media

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14 Nov 2024

8 Min Read

Taylor's Team (Editor)

IN THIS ARTICLE

Lost what to study? Discover your direction with our Career Compass! Explore opportunities in the creative media industry to map your educational path.

The creative media industry is all around us, from the movies we watch to the games we play and the social media we scroll through. This field is all about creating, producing, and sharing engaging content that connects with audiences across platforms and formats. As technology evolves and digital experiences become a bigger part of our lives, this industry is more important than ever. With that, there’s never been a better time to join this fast-paced, dynamic field.

What is Creative Media?

But what exactly is creative media, and why should you consider a career in this industry as a high schooler or high school graduate? The answer lies in this field's powerful impact on how we experience stories, entertainment, and digital content.

 

From creating viral videos to designing immersive video games and crafting visual effects for movies, professionals in creative media are at the cutting edge of storytelling and innovation. This industry not only shapes the way we interact with digital content but also offers endless opportunities to express creativity and drive technological advancements.

What are the careers in Creative Media?

The creative media industry is thriving globally, offering a range of exciting career paths for those interested in blending art and technology. Whether you're passionate about designing visuals, crafting immersive experiences, or storytelling through media, there’s a niche for you. Let’s explore five dynamic careers in creative media and the educational routes to achieving them!

1. Data Visualisation Designer

A man looking at printed diagrams and charts on the wall
What does this career do?

 

A Data Visualisation Designer transforms complex data into clear, visually engaging graphics like infographics, dashboards, and charts for easy interpretation. These professionals work closely with data analysts, developers, and stakeholders to tell compelling stories or highlight key insights through data. 

 

Where can you work in this career?
  • Surge: Focuses on using data to empower businesses through automation, insights, and strategy. 
  • ISJ Technology: Delivers customised digital solutions in software development, information technology consulting, and automation, empowering businesses to optimise operations through innovation.
  • Ipsos: A global market research company that uses research and data-driven strategies to help brands understand and connect with their audiences more effectively.
 
Who is this career for? 

 

This career is ideal for those who enjoy creative problem-solving and have a strong visual mindset. If you have a passion for working with data, attention to detail, and proficiency in visualisation tools, this role is for you. It suits those who thrive in collaborative environments, working with both technical and non-technical teams to transform raw data into meaningful insights

 
What to study for this career?
  • High School: Focus on subjects like Mathematics, Information Technology, and Visual Arts. 
  • Pre-University: Consider a foundation or diploma in Design or Digital Design.
  • University: Pursue a bachelor's degree in Information Technology or Creative Media.
  • Beyond: Advanced degrees or certifications in big data & artificial intelligence, programming and information design can further enhance your expertise. 

2. Creative Technologist

Asian woman wearing XR headset while doing coding on her desktop
What does this career do?

 

A Creative Technologist bridges the gap between design, technology, and user experience. Using creative coding, interactive media, and emerging technologies such as AI (Artifical Intelligence), AR/VR, and IoT (Internet of Things), they create engaging digital experiences.

 

Their work spans building immersive installations for art galleries, museums, or live events, developing prototypes for new products or apps, and designing interactive platforms for brands, websites, or gaming experiences. 

 

Where can you work in this career?
  • CraveFX: A Singapore-based creative studio specialising in immersive animations, visual effects (VFX), and interactive media, helping brands tell compelling stories through innovative visuals.
  • Fabu Design: An architecture and design firm that specialises in creating sustainable, forward-thinking spaces.
  • Petronas Digital: Pioneer company in tech-driven healthcare solutions, leveraging AI, data analytics, and digital platforms to enhance patient care and streamline medical services.
 
Who is this career for? 

 

This career is ideal for those who are passionate about combining creativity and technology to innovate. If you enjoy both coding and design and are curious about experimenting with new ideas, this role is for you. It appeals to individuals who thrive in multidisciplinary teams and embrace new tools and trends in the ever-changing digital landscape.

 

What to study for this career?

3. 3D Modeller

Man designing 3D building model in his software
What does this career do?

 

A 3D (3-Dimensional) Modeller brings objects and characters to life by creating three-dimensional representations using specialised software. These models are essential in areas like video games, films, architecture, and product design. They focus on texture, shading, and lighting to ensure their creations meet the desired level of realism or stylistic design.

 

Where can you work in this career?
  • Lemon Sky Studios: A leading art and animation studio producing high-quality content for video games, TV shows, and films in collaboration with global brands.
  • Les' Copaque Production: An award-winning animation studio known for Upin & Ipin, delivering high-quality animation for both local and international audiences.
  • Veritas Architects: A multidisciplinary design firm specialising in architecture, urban planning, and interior design, providing innovative solutions across sectors. 
 
Who is this career for? 

 

This career is ideal for those who are passionate about bringing concepts to life through 3D design. If you have an interest in gaming, architecture, film, product design, or animation, this role is for you. It appeals to individuals who enjoy solving creative challenges, refining intricate details, and are eager to learn tools like Blender, Maya, or ZBrush to craft visually stunning 3D models.

 
What to study for this career?

4. Animator

Man working on animation movement on cartoon illustration
What does this career do?

 

An Animator brings characters, objects, and environments to life through movement. Working in 2D (2-dimensional) or 3D, they create animations for films, video games, advertisements, and educational content. They collaborate closely with modellers, riggers, and sound designers to develop smooth, engaging motion sequences.

 

Where can you work in this career?
  • Streamline Studios: Specialises in art outsourcing and game development, working on projects such as Final Fantasy XV and Street Fighter V.
  • Monsta Studios: Renowned for its animated series BoBoiBoy, delivering engaging content worldwide.
  • Fly Studio: A visual effects and animation studio offering high-quality VFX, 3D animation, and post-production services for films, commercials, and multimedia projects.
 
Who is this career for? 

 

This career suits individuals who enjoy visual storytelling and drawing. If you’re interested in creating for film, TV, or gaming projects and want to learn how to use the software in animation and 3D tools like Blender or Maya—which are well-known software for professionals in the field, this role is for you. It appeals to those who have the patience to perfect small details.

 

 
What to study for this career?
  • High School: Focus on subjects like Visual Arts, Mathematics, and Physics.
  • Pre-University: Consider a foundation or diploma in Design or Digital Design.
  • University: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Creative Media, with a specialisation in Digital Animation or Game Design.
  • Beyond: Advanced degrees or certifications in After Effects, 3D Studio Max, or other motion design software can be beneficial. 

5. Digital Illustrator

Woman drawing on a digital tablet
What does this career do?

 

A Digital Illustrator creates visual content using digital tools for advertising, publishing, fashion, and web design. Their work ranges from editorial illustrations for magazines to character designs for video games or animated films.

 

Where can you work in this career?
  • Dezpad Designs: A Subang Jaya-based company specialising in product design, graphic design, and video production. 
  • Demojo Communication: A creative marketing agency offering services such as advertising, event marketing, and content creation for mid-market and multinational clients.
  • Lemon Sky Studios: A creative studio known for 3D animation, concept art, and illustration, collaborating on high-profile projects with global brands and video game companies.
 
Who is this career for? 

 

This career is ideal for those who are passionate about creating art and expressing ideas visually. If you enjoy sketching, drawing, or designing and want to learn how to use digital art tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Procreate—which are popular software for creating professional illustrations and designs—this role is for you. It appeals to individuals who thrive on turning abstract concepts into eye-catching visuals for branding, advertising, or editorial projects.

 
What to study for this career?

Conclusion

The creative media is industry a fast-evolving field where art, business, and technology intersect. Whether your interest lies in animation, UX design, or digital illustration, there's a path for you in this field. By focusing on the right subjects in high school and pursuing relevant degrees and skills, you can turn your passion for creative media into a fulfilling career.

 

Remember, the future of creative media holds endless opportunities for innovation, storytelling, and impact across diverse industries. 

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