Creative careers after 12th are great. Students love these careers. You don’t need engineering now. Follow your passion instead. You will earn good money. India’s creative field makes ₹2.5 lakh crore. So creative jobs pay well today.
Furthermore, creative people earn good pay. For instance, new workers get ₹3-15 lakhs per year. Besides that, you work on fun projects daily. Additionally, you get creative freedom.
Do you love art, design, media, or stories? Then this guide is for you. Firstly, we will look at 15 career options. Secondly, we will cover entrance exams. Finally, you will learn about pay.
Many parents worry about job safety. However, this worry is old now. In fact, the digital age needs creative people. Consequently, companies want more creative workers. Therefore, let’s explore these paths together.
Why Choose Creative Careers After 12th?
Growing Demand in Creative Fields
Creative careers after 12th are booming in India now. Netflix needs content makers every day. Amazon Prime does too. Every company wants good designers. They also need writers. Social media has opened many doors. Instagram and YouTube create new jobs daily.
The ad field employs 4 lakh people. That’s a huge number today. The animation field is growing fast. It will hit ₹18,000 crore by 2026. Creative work offers both passion and pay. New jobs start every single month. More chances come up each week.
Better Work-Life Balance
Creative work offers freedom. It’s not like old jobs. Graphic designers work from home. They pick their own hours. Photographers do the same. They set their schedule. You get freedom with income. You can travel while working. You can work from anywhere. The beach, a cafe, or home.
Creative people work on fun projects. They love what they do. Work feels less hard. It feels more like play. You can start your own firm. Be your own boss. Make your own rules. Set your own goals. Creative careers give you full control. Choose the right path. And go for creative careers after 12th.
Skills Matter More Than Marks
Creative jobs reward talent. They don’t care about marks. A 60% student can also win. Just show good work. High marks don’t help here. Your art is what matters. You can learn new skills. You can grow each day. Practice makes you better.
Moreover, entrance tests check your creative skills. Hence, board exam marks matter less. As a result, everyone gets a fair shot. Therefore, don’t let low marks stop you. Because creative careers after 12th really work!
Top 15 Creative Careers After 12th in India
1. Graphic Design & Visual Talk
Graphic designers make visual content for brands. For instance, they make logos, posters, and sites. Additionally, they use tools like Photoshop. Therefore, this job mixes art with tech.
Course Options:
- Bachelor of Design (B.Des) in Graphic Design
- Diploma in Graphic Design (1-2 years)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Top Colleges:
- National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad
- Srishti Institute, Bangalore
- Pearl Academy, Delhi
- MIT Institute of Design, Pune
Entrance Exams: NID DAT, UCEED, NIFT exam
Starting Salary: ₹2.5-5 lakhs per year
Career Growth: Senior designers earn ₹8-15 lakhs per year. Moreover, freelancers charge ₹500-5000 per job. Therefore, income grows fast with time.
2. Fashion Design & Styling
Fashion designers make clothes and shoes. Additionally, stylists work with stars and brands. Furthermore, this field is fun and cool. Therefore, many students love this job.
Course Options:
- B.Des in Fashion Design
- Bachelor of Fashion Tech (B.FTech)
- Diploma in Fashion Design
Top Colleges:
- National Institute of Fashion Tech (NIFT)
- Pearl Academy
- Symbiosis Institute of Design
- JD Institute
Starting Salary: ₹2-4 lakhs per year
Career Options: Fashion designer, stylist, buyer, blogger. Additionally, you can work with fashion shows. Therefore, options are many.
3. Interior & Space Design
Interior designers make spaces look good and work well. For example, they work on homes, offices, and hotels. Additionally, they pick colors, furniture, and lights. Therefore, this job needs art and planning.
Course Options:
- B.Des in Interior Design
- Bachelor of Interior Design (BID)
- Diploma in Interior Design
Top Colleges:
- CEPT University, Ahmedabad
- JJ School of Applied Arts, Mumbai
- Rachana Sansad, Mumbai
Starting Salary: ₹2.5-4.5 lakhs per year
Growth: Skilled designers earn ₹10-20 lakhs per year. Furthermore, many start their own firms. Therefore, the future is bright.
4. Animation & VFX
Animators make characters for films, games, and ads. Additionally, they make special effects for movies. Furthermore, India’s animation field grows 15% each year. Therefore, demand is very high.
Course Options:
- Bachelor of Animation
- B.Sc in Animation and VFX
- Diploma in 3D Animation
Top Colleges:
- Arena Animation
- ZICA (Zee Institute)
- Maya Academy (MAAC)
- Whistling Woods
Starting Salary: ₹2.5-5 lakhs per year
Career Path: 2D artist, 3D artist, VFX artist. Moreover, you can work on Bollywood films. Therefore, this field is fun.
5. Digital Marketing & Content Making
Digital marketers promote brands online. Additionally, they make content and run ads. Furthermore, this field mixes art with data. Therefore, it’s great for tech-savvy creative people.
Course Options:
- BBA in Digital Marketing
- Bachelor of Mass Talk
- Pro courses (6 months-1 year)
Skills Needed: Content writing, SEO, social media. Additionally, learn Google tools.
Starting Salary: ₹2-4 lakhs per year
Growth: Managers earn ₹8-15 lakhs per year. Besides that, freelancers make ₹20,000-1 lakh per month. Therefore, income can be high.
6. Photography & Video Making
Photographers capture weddings, events, and products. Meanwhile, video makers create films and videos. Furthermore, social media has raised demand a lot. Therefore, good photographers earn well.
Course Options:
- Diploma in Photography
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography
- Pro photo courses (3-6 months)
Top Schools:
- Light & Life Academy, Ooty
- JJ Institute, Mumbai
- Delhi College of Photography
Starting Income: ₹1.5-3 lakhs per year (job)
Freelance Pay: Wedding photographers earn ₹25,000-2 lakhs per event. Meanwhile, product photographers charge ₹2,000-10,000 per shoot. Therefore, freelancing pays more.
7. Journalism & Mass Talk
Journalists report news and make films. Additionally, they work in print, digital, and TV. Furthermore, this job lets you meet cool people. Therefore, it’s great for curious minds.
Course Options:
- Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Talk (BJMC)
- BA in Journalism
- BA in Mass Talk
Top Colleges:
- Indian Institute of Mass Talk (IIMC), Delhi
- Xavier Institute (XIC), Mumbai
- Symbiosis Institute of Media
- Asian College of Journalism, Chennai
Entrance Exams: IIMC exam, XAT
Starting Salary: ₹2.5-4.5 lakhs per year
Types: Print, broadcast, digital journalism. Additionally, you can make films. Therefore, options are many.
8. Film Making & Direction
Filmmakers make movies, web shows, and films. Additionally, India’s OTT sites need content daily. Furthermore, this is a dream job for story lovers. Therefore, chances are growing fast.
Course Options:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Making
- Diploma in Direction
- Diploma in Camera Work
Top Colleges:
- Film and Television Institute (FTII), Pune
- Satyajit Ray Film Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata
- Whistling Woods, Mumbai
- Asian Academy (AAFT), Noida
Entrance Exams: FTII JET, SRFTI exam
Starting Jobs: ₹50,000-2 lakhs for short films
Growth: Top directors earn ₹5-50 lakhs per job. Therefore, success brings big rewards.
9. Game Design & Making
Game designers make video games and mobile games. Additionally, they design gameplay and stories. Furthermore, India’s gaming field is worth ₹15,000 crore. Therefore, this field is booming.
Course Options:
- B.Sc in Game Design
- Bachelor of Game Making
- Diploma in Game Design
Skills Needed: Coding, 3D work, stories. Additionally, learn game tools like Unity.
Starting Salary: ₹3-6 lakhs per year
Career Options: Game designer, level designer, coder. Moreover, you can join big gaming firms. Therefore, the future is bright.
10. UI/UX Design
UI/UX designers make sites and apps easy to use. Additionally, every digital product needs these people. Furthermore, demand is growing very fast. Therefore, companies hire many designers.
Course Options:
- B.Des in Interaction Design
- Pro UX Design courses
- Online courses
Top Sites: Coursera, Udemy, IDF
Starting Salary: ₹3-6 lakhs per year
Growth: Senior designers earn ₹12-25 lakhs per year. Moreover, freelancers charge ₹1,500-5,000 per hour. Therefore, pay is great.
11. Music Making & Sound Design
Music makers create songs and background scores. Additionally, sound designers work on films and games. Furthermore, the music field needs fresh talent. Therefore, music lovers can win.
Course Options:
- Bachelor of Music Making
- Diploma in Sound Work
- Certificate in Music Making
Top Schools:
- SAE Institute
- True School of Music
- KM Music School
Starting Income: ₹2-4 lakhs per year
Growth: Top makers earn ₹50,000-5 lakhs per job. Therefore, success brings great rewards.
12. Creative Writing & Copy Writing
Writers make content for books, sites, and ads. Additionally, copy writers write marketing content. Furthermore, good writers are always needed. Therefore, this job is stable.
Course Options:
- BA in English with Creative Writing
- Pro copy writing courses
- Content writing courses
Starting Salary: ₹2-3.5 lakhs per year
Freelance Rates: ₹0.50-5 per word. Additionally, skilled writers earn more. Therefore, skills raise income.
Career Paths: Content writer, copy writer, script writer. Moreover, you can write novels too. Therefore, options are many.
13. Building Design
Building designers design homes and buildings. Additionally, this field mixes art with tech skills. Furthermore, good building designers are always needed. Therefore, job safety is high.
Course:
- Bachelor of Building Design (B.Arch) – 5 years
Top Colleges:
- Indian Institute of Tech (IIT) Kharagpur
- School of Planning (SPA), Delhi
- CEPT University, Ahmedabad
Entrance Exam: NATA, JEE Main Paper 2
Starting Salary: ₹3-5 lakhs per year
Growth: Building designers earn ₹8-20 lakhs with time. Furthermore, top ones start their own firms. Therefore, the scope is huge.
14. Event Planning
Event planners plan weddings, concerts, and work events. Additionally, they handle all event details. Furthermore, India’s event field is worth ₹10,000 crore. Therefore, chances are many.
Course Options:
- Bachelor of Event Planning
- BBA in Event Planning
- Diploma in Event Planning
Starting Salary: ₹2-3.5 lakhs per year
Growth: Planners earn ₹6-12 lakhs with time. Besides that, solo planners charge ₹50,000-5 lakhs per event. Therefore, earnings grow fast.
15. Acting & Theatre
Actors perform in films, TV, and theatre. Additionally, theatre artists work in stage shows. Furthermore, OTT sites need many actors now. Therefore, chances have grown.
Course Options:
- Bachelor of Performing Arts
- Diploma in Acting
- Theatre workshops
Top Colleges:
- National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi
- Film and Television Institute (FTII), Pune
- Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares
Starting Income: ₹50,000-5 lakhs per job (varies)
Career Path: Film actor, TV actor, voice artist. Additionally, you can do dubbing work. Therefore, many income sources exist.
Who Can Join Creative Careers After 12th
General Rules
Most creative courses take students from all streams. Science students can join. Commerce stream works too. Arts students can apply as well. Some courses like Arts more. But all streams have a fair chance. Your work matters most here. Marks are less important now. A good portfolio beats high marks. Want to know more about creative careers after 12th? Speak to experienced career Mentors.
Minimum Marks: Usually 50-60% in 12th (varies by college)
Entrance Exams: Many colleges run skill tests. Additionally, they check your work and do talks. Therefore, prep well for these.
Chances by Stream
For Arts Students:
You can join all creative jobs easily. Moreover, you have an edge in fine arts. Therefore, your options are vast.
For Commerce Students:
You excel in ads and marketing. Additionally, event planning suits you well. Therefore, many paths are open.
For Science Students:
You fit well in building design and animation. Moreover, game design suits your tech skills. Therefore, don’t worry about options.
How to Prep for Creative Entrance Exams
Build Your Work Now
So, are you planning for creative careers after12th? Then, start crafting your work right now. For example, designers should make logos. Similarly, photographers need a profile online. Furthermore, writers should start blogs. Therefore, begin today.
Additionally, collect your best work in one place. Moreover, update it often. Therefore, your work grows with you.
Practice Drawing Daily
Many entrance exams test drawing skills. Practice sketching for 30 minutes daily. Additionally, watch video lessons online. Furthermore, join online drawing classes. Your skills will grow with practice.
Moreover, practice many subjects. For instance, draw things, people, and buildings. Therefore, become skilled.
Stay Updated on News
Mass talk exams test general knowledge. Read newspapers every day. Additionally, follow news channels. Furthermore, discuss current events with friends. This keeps you aware of what’s happening.
Moreover, make notes of key events. Therefore, review becomes easy.
Learn Digital Tools
Learn software like Photoshop and Canva. Additionally, watch lesson videos online. Furthermore, practice on real jobs. Therefore, you gain real skills.
Moreover, these skills help in entrance exams. Additionally, they boost your career later. Therefore, learning tools is key.
Money Planning for Creative Courses
Course Fees in India
Government Colleges: ₹50,000-2 lakhs total
Private Colleges: ₹2-8 lakhs per year
Diploma Courses: ₹50,000-3 lakhs total
Therefore, plan your budget well. Additionally, think of all costs.
Scholarships You Can Get
Many scholarships exist for creative students. For instance, AICTE offers design aid. Additionally, state governments give grants. Furthermore, colleges give merit aid. Therefore, research all options.
Moreover, minority students get special aid. Check if you fit this group. Additionally, apply to many scholarships. This will raise your chances of getting aid. Your chances for pursuing creative careers after 12th get improved.
Career Growth & Future Scope
Freelancing Chances
Creative people can freelance easily. For example, use sites like Upwork and Fiverr. Additionally, connect with global clients. Furthermore, you can earn in dollars. Therefore, freelancing pays well.
Moreover, you work from anywhere. Additionally, you pick your jobs. Therefore, freedom is great.
Start Your Own Firm
Many creative people start studios and firms. For instance, designers launch design firms. Similarly, photographers open studios. Therefore, starting a firm is possible.
Additionally, you become your own boss. Moreover, profits are all yours. Therefore, owning a firm is rewarding.
Work Around the World
Creative skills work everywhere. Therefore, you can work for foreign firms. Additionally, remote work is common now. Furthermore, pay is higher abroad. Therefore, world chances exist.
Moreover, you can even move abroad. Therefore, creative jobs are global.
Common Parent Worries Answered
“Creative fields don’t pay well”
Reality: This is an old myth. In fact, creative pay matches engineering pay. Moreover, skilled people earn much more. For example, digital marketers earn ₹15-30 lakhs per year. Therefore, pay is great.
Additionally, freelancing adds extra income. Therefore, total earnings are high.
“Job safety is low”
Reality: Every company needs creative people. Therefore, demand is steady. Additionally, you can have many income sources. For instance, freelancing plus full-time job. Therefore, safety is actually better.
Moreover, creative skills never get old. Therefore, you always stay useful.
“Only talented people win”
Reality: Skills can be learned. Therefore, anyone can win with practice. Additionally, hard work matters more than talent. Furthermore, pro training helps a lot. Therefore, don’t worry about talent.
Moreover, many top people started from zero. Therefore, hard work beats talent.
Tips for Students Picking Creative Careers after 12th
Follow Your True Passion
Planning creative careers after 12th? Pick what truly interests you. Consequently, you stay driven always. Moreover, passion drives success. Therefore, success follows passion.
Additionally, passion makes work fun. Therefore, you never feel bored.
Start Learning Today
Don’t wait for college to start. Instead, start learning online now. For example, use YouTube and Coursera. Additionally, make your own projects. Therefore, you build skills early.
Moreover, early start gives you an edge. Therefore, begin right now. Go for creative careers after 12th.
Network with Pros
Connect with people on LinkedIn. Additionally, attend workshops and online talks. Furthermore, join online groups. Therefore, you learn from experts.
Moreover, networking opens job doors. Therefore, build connections actively.
Practice Every Day
Creative success needs daily practice. Give time to it every day. For instance, practice for 30 minutes at least. Additionally, track your growth. This helps you improve daily.
Moreover, daily practice builds habits. Therefore, success becomes natural.
Learn Business Basics
Know about marketing and pricing. Additionally, learn client handling. Furthermore, know about deals. Therefore, you protect yourself.
Moreover, business skills help in freelancing. Therefore, you earn more.
Conclusion
Creative careers after 12th offer great chances. These fields mix passion with pay. We covered 15 options for you. Each one has good scope. Everyone can find something right. Your passion can become your job. Your hobby can earn you money. Start exploring these paths today.
Additionally, creative jobs have low barriers. Furthermore, growth scope is huge. Therefore, think about these options seriously.
The key is to start early. Additionally, build skills daily. Moreover, stay true to your path. Therefore, success will follow.
Furthermore, ignore old myths about creative fields. Instead, focus on the booming creative economy. Additionally, India needs more creative people. Therefore, your timing is perfect. So, explore your options for creative careers after 12th, with a senior mentor.
Finally, take the first step today. For instance, find your interests. Additionally, research courses well. Moreover, start building your work. Therefore, your journey begins now, for creative careers after 12th.
About the Author:
Rajib Bhattacharjee is a Career Mentoring Architect and Lead at Dheya Mentor University || Dheya Mentor University is credited with certifying 6,500+ mentors across India, in evidence-based career guidance & mentoring | Rajib specialises in guiding and mentoring students to find their dream careers and realise their unique aspirational identity. He has also guided senior professionals, 10X their impact through structured mentoring frameworks, that transform career confusion into clarity & confidence, for thousands of students.
Disclaimer:
The salary figures, course details, and career information provided in this article are for general reference only and may vary based on location, company, experience, and market conditions. Readers are advised to independently verify all information from official and authentic sources before making any career or educational decisions. GlobalCareerLabs.com does not guarantee the accuracy or authenticity of this data and shall not be held responsible for any decisions made based on this information.
