Every field requires creative genius for its growth. Why not start taking it up instead of a regular degree? If you’re creative and have recently passed your 12th board exams, an exciting future awaits you. This blog will help you discover creative jobs that pay well and how you can start building a career in fields like animation, multimedia, graphic design, and more right after school.
They say creativity has no limits, yet they think it cannot be taken seriously as a career. Many students who have the inborn gift of creativity give up their dreams to pursue a degree, which is ideally suited to get a “real job.” However, with the rise of the digital world and media industry, the demand for skill-based creative jobs has already begun to circulate in the market.
Such creative jobs that pay well are not only standing as an option but are becoming a choice for most people instead of opting for a regular degree, creating a space for the play of ideas and talents. If you have passed your 12th and are thinking about your future, then this blog is definitely for you.
Why Choose a Creative Career After 12th?
Due to the rapid growth of social media, there has been a wave of changing career trends among Gen Z. The youngsters are choosing a creative career after 12th, like social media influencers, content creators, freelancing, startups, and more, which is also standing out in the pay scale compared to regular jobs.
This booming creator economy has become a powerhouse for most businesses because it has blurred the line between content and business. Practical skills and creativity are in high demand, which also adds to the increasingly prominent ability to collaborate remotely, giving leverage to work from anywhere.
Top 10 Creative Jobs That Pay Well Without a Degree
1. Graphic Designer:-
Graphic designers are the artists who convert a written or spoken idea into an art, design, colour, or shape to communicate the idea more effectively to its audience. They design logos, brochures, posters, and more, mostly using software tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Canva. The entry-level salary for a graphic designer would range from ₹3–5 LPA, and with more experience and exposure, a senior-level salary can range up to ₹17+ Lakhs per annum.
If you’re passionate about creativity and visual storytelling, exploring careers in Graphic Design course can open up exciting opportunities—even without a traditional degree.
2. Animator / Motion Graphics Artist
An Animator or a Motion Graphic Artist is someone who brings art to life. Their job role is to create animated visuals, movies, advertising, digital media, and OTT platforms. Some of the tools are in used by such professionals are After Effects, Blender, Maya, and more. Their entry-level salary would range from ₹3.5-8 LPA, and with experience and expertise, one could earn 10+ LPA.
3. UI/UX Designer
UI/UX designers are individuals who design website/app user interfaces and make the experience of using the internet aesthetic by enhancing the visual appearance and interactivity of a product online. These professionals are in high demand in IT & product films. Their entry-level salary would be ₹3-5 LPA, and with experience, senior level would range in ₹18+ LPA..
4. Video Editor / Content Creator
They are responsible for creating content calendars, reels, strategies, graphics, managing social media content and channels to create brand awareness and engagement. They work with startups, creators, influencers, and other businesses. The salary for this position ranges from ₹4–6 LPA to senior level, going up to ₹20 LPA.
5. Social Media Manager / Visual Creator
They are responsible for creating content calendars, reels, strategies, graphics, managing social media content and channels to create brand awareness and engagement. They work with startups, creators, influencers, and other businesses. The salary for this position ranges from ₹4–6 LPA to senior level, going up to ₹20 LPA.
Explore our BBA in Digital Marketing – the future of online careers
6. Digital Illustrator / Comic Artist
Digital illustrators and comic artists work independently or with creative teams to develop visual content for comics, advertisements, and books. They employ software such as Procreate, Krita, and Wacom tablets. Their salary is mostly determined by artistic ability, portfolio strength, and professional exposure. However, their salary ranges from ₹1.2 to ₹ 4 LPA, and experienced candidates would get up to ₹10 LPA.
7. Game Artist / 3D Modeler
Game artists and 3D modellers create visual assets for video games, augmented reality, and virtual reality experiences. They use tools like Blender and ZBrush to design characters, environments, and props. With the gaming and immersive technology industries developing, the demand for competent individuals in India is rapidly increasing. Their salary ranges from ₹2.4- ₹5 LPA and it can go upto ₹14 LPA.
8. Fashion Designer
Fashion designers develop unique clothing lines and accessories, frequently working with brands, e-commerce platforms, and startups. They play an important role in trendsetting and brand branding. Online fashion designers can expect to earn between ₹4-6 LPA and experience in the field can increase the salary to ₹15 LPA and more due to increased demand.
Pursue a B.Sc. in Fashion Design & Management after 12th
9. VFX Artist
Visual Effects Artists (VFX) use software such as Houdini and Nuke to produce realistic visual effects for films, advertisements, and post-production. Their responsibilities include combining digital components with live-action film to enhance storytelling. Skilled professionals often make between ₹4-6 LPA which can go upto ₹ 20 LPA with experience and expertise.
Explore our B.Sc in Media Science for creative and media-driven roles
10. YouTuber / Influencer / Reels Creator
YouTubers, Influencers, and Reels Creators are digital professionals who earn by building a personal brand through engaging content. Income ranges from ₹5,000 to ₹1 lakh+ per post, depending on followers and reach, with additional earnings from ads, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and merchandise.
11. Brand Identity Designer
Brand Identity Designers work on logos, packaging, brand items, and strategising ways to create elements that help illustrate your brand uniquely. They are in high demand for startups. Salary for such professionals ranges from ₹3 to ₹9 LPA which can increase up to ₹16 LPA and more with experience.
Do These Jobs Not Require a Degree?
In many creative industries, talent and experience are significantly more important than academic qualifications. Many successful professionals have developed their careers without a traditional education, depending instead on their certifications, portfolios, and practical experience.
Real-world examples show that creative skill, as demonstrated by a significant body of work, is frequently more valuable than a credential. As the market prioritises creativity and performance, your portfolio can speak louder than a degree.
How to Get Started: Learn – Build – Get Hired
To kickstart your creative career, begin by joining a practical course in animation, design, or a related field to build strong foundational skills. Next, focus on creating real-world projects to develop a standout portfolio that reflects your style and abilities. With your skills and portfolio in place, start applying for internships, freelance opportunities, or positions at creative agencies to gain experience and break into the industry.
Why Inspiria Is the Best Choice for Creative Careers
Inspiria provides industry-focused creative programmes that combine practical training with experienced coaching, flexibility, and allow students to develop real-world skills from the start. Students gain practical experience in animation, design, media, and other fields thanks to cutting-edge labs, competent teachers, and strong industry ties. Inspiria also emphasises portfolio development and internships to ensure graduates are job-ready and confident in entering competitive creative industries.
Conclusion:-
If you’re passionate about creativity, don’t let the presence of a traditional degree hold you back. What truly matters is your dedication, skills, and the effort you put into honing your craft. With the right training, a strong portfolio, and a drive to succeed, you can turn your creative passion into a fulfilling and successful career.
