Succeeding in the creative industry outside of London.

As a student studying Journalism in Leeds, I have quickly realised that perhaps to get opportunities in this exciting yet competitive industry, you may have to search a little harder than you would have to in the capital.

Just upon me typing work experience into google, I sifted through many London based jobs in comparison to the ones up North but gradually and indefinitely that is going to change. The accessibility of contacts, events and jobs that London has to offer could suggest that the road to success is much smoother when you live in the capital, however arguably the growing population and many people fighting over the same jobs, suggests that you may just end up a little fish in a very big pond.

The rise of young influencers, artists and creatives who have an embellished CV, priceless contacts and not to mention an extreme net worth by the age of 18, puts copious amounts of pressure on those trying to break into the creative industry. This pressure often leaves young people wondering why they haven't 'made it' by age 25 and perhaps questioning where it all went wrong... Well, I'd only imagine this pressure is magnified living in London because of the nature of it's fast pace environment driving people to want to do more and be more.

For as long as I can remember the creative hub for jobs in Media, Journalism, PR have all been very London central and for obvious reasons - London is of course an extremely diverse and contemporary place, but I think it’s about time the other cities across the UK were provided with the same opportunities and a platform to excel. There are so many students and young creatives struggling with money in London and being there merely just to boost their career and in the hope of seizing opportunities. I for one chose not to study in London due to the high cost of living which is not always financially viable for young people.

Thankfully, the North is gradually becoming a place which encourages the growth of thriving and creative individuals. MediaCity in Manchester is continuing to expand creating exciting job opportunities and Channel 4’s move up to Leeds shows that companies realise that it’s about time the rest of the UK had a chance to prosper in this business. I don’t believe it is fair that so many exciting job openings have to belong just in London. It is job of us creatives outside of London to create the supply and demand for a booming creative industry like London, across the other cities that have so much to offer as well.

To shine and stand out when you’re not in the capital full of opportunities, my advice to anyone would be to put yourself out there and to make use of anything your city has. Don’t sell yourself or your location short because I am sure where you are has loads more to offer than you might expect. As a way of embellishing myself, I regularly check Facebook and Eventbrite to find out about any relevant events, talks or workshops I can attend that can enhance my degree or even to use as networking opportunities. We are also very lucky that in our digital age we can take advantage of the beauty of freelancing and working as an online writer - allowing you to not always tied down to one

place.

As many big brands, labels and companies will usually be based mainly in London, it is important to remember that you may be working with a small name but that doesn’t make your work any less important. The road to creative success will not always be the most glamorous at times but it is imperative to learn to walk before you can run. I would also suggest that when wanting to break into the creative industry in any form, it is important to familiarize yourself with who and what is thriving in your area and ask yourself why.

Not living in London doesn’t have to be the end of the world when it comes to kick starting your career and in fact can sometimes play as a huge advantage as usually there is a lot less competition for jobs in the creative industry in areas outside of London. Many international people will travel over to London convinced that being in such a renowned and prestigious place will be enough to secure jobs but it important to remember that living in London is not a substitute for a great personality or a strong work ethic and if your drive is there and creative flow is present you will succeed in your chosen field WHEREVER you might be!

Xxx