Creative Career Pathways: A Craft and Design Journey

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Creative Career Pathways: A Craft and Design Journey

Home Creative Career Pathways: A Craft and Design Journey

This career stage guide illuminates the evolutionary path of contemporary craft and design practitioners. Beginning as emerging artists, makers build initial networks and experience while often balancing outside income sources. The developing stage sees practitioners establishing basic business systems, growing their client base, and gaining recognition through grants and awards. Mid-career artists achieve field recognition with a substantial portfolio and stable income, often complemented by teaching roles. Established practitioners enjoy national and international acclaim, with significant exhibitions, diverse income streams, and leadership positions.

Use this framework to accurately situate yourself within the craft ecosystem, strengthen grant applications by demonstrating awareness of your developmental stage, and strategically map your creative career trajectory with intention and purpose.

Adapted from the NAVA definitions.
National Association for the Visual Arts. (2024, July 1). "Creative Career Stages": Code of Practice for Visual Arts, Craft and Design. NAVA. https://code.visualarts.net.au/payment-rates/how-to-use-payment-standards/creative-career-stages

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Creative Career Pathways: A Craft and Design Journey