Career Development for Creative New Yorkers

It’s a new year! And while you’re pondering your 2018 resolutions, January is a great time to think about where you’d like to take your career in the next twelve months. For the creative souls amongst us, finding work and developing a career can often be a challenge. Many artists, designers, and writers are freelancers or are self-employed, must audition and market themselves regularly, and are responsible for their own growth and portfolio development. For all actors and artists, writers and designers in NYC, NYXT is here to help with a roundup of organizations you can count on to help you develop your craft and get employed. Let’s get creative about career development!

Designers

The American Institute for Graphic Arts (AIGA) is the largest United States organization devoted to design. They share inspiring projects and portfolios and build communities of amateur and professional designers. The AIGA provides many resources for professional development, including webinars, conferences, and even a mentorship program. Check out their Career Guide for graphic and communications design, and apply for jobs. 

Artists

Painters, sculptors, and other visual artists should consider applying to the Harlem Arts Festival, which showcases the work of new and emerging artists in NYC. Artists who are selected for the festival have opportunities for funding, studio space, and media exposure. Get to know HAF in advance of the 2018 festival and be ready to sign up for classes and workshops to meet and network with other artists. And if you’re still developing your aesthetic, consider exploring the National Academy of Design for classes, art and design news, and to be inspired by the collection. 

Actors

So you want to be a better performer in 2018? Hone your improv instincts and comedic timing with classes at the Magnet Theater, a performance space and training ground in Chelsea. Take a course to get quicker on your feet and jumpstart your comedy career. You can find Magnet Theater performers on 30 Rock, Broad City, and The Colbert Report! But don’t let that intimidate you - if you’re just dipping a toe into the improv world, you can sign up for a free introductory class or attend the Saturday Drop-in to get your feet wet. For other theater opportunities in NYC, head to the New York Neo-Futurists, who hold regular workshops where participants act, write, direct, and collaborate in a creative environment. 

Dancers

Alvin Ailey has been a leading dance company in New York since 1958, showcasing African-American culture and modern dance on an international stage. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t join in! Head to the Ailey Extension School to receive top-notch instruction in dance and fitness, with classes in everything from classical ballet to capoeira. And be sure to pick up your ticket to a performance by this visionary company in 2018. 

 

The new year is a time we invest in ourselves. Whether you’re drawing, or dancing, or the stage calls your name, NYXT.nyc hopes you’ll find inspiration and new opportunities for creative growth here in 2018! 

And for events like these and more at our partner organizations, check out our Community Events Calendar

 

SEE ALSO:
- How to Bring Out Your Inner Talent in 5 Ways
- Job Hunting Done Right
- How to Get Involved with NYC Politics and Advocacy Organizations

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