University of Wisconsin–Madison

Creative Arts

The creative arts are vital to culture, community, and communication. This area covers a wide range of careers, from performing and storytelling to the business and tech side of the creative world. Whether you want to perform on stage, design spaces and apparel, report the news, or manage the operations behind a major arts organization, your creativity is a strength.

Across the creative arts spectrum, you’ll find careers in:

  • Performance & production: theatre, dance, music, film, television, radio, and podcasting.
  • Design & visual arts: interior architecture, fashion design, medical illustration, and digital art.
  • Media & strategic storytelling: journalism, writing, publishing, public relations, and strategic communication.
  • Arts management & innovation: arts administration, web development, and human-centered design.

If you are a storyteller, a visual thinker, or a performer, check out the links below to explore your options.

*Indicates a career-based guide. Other guides are organized around majors or fields of study.

Not finding information for an L&S major? Check out What Can You Do With Your Major? from L&S SuccessWorks.

Next Steps

Thinking about what to do next? Start here – based on what you need right now. 

Want to talk through your career ideas and figure out what to try next? CEC career advisors can help you explore options, make a plan to get relevant experience, and keep your momentum going.

Still figuring out your academic path? CCAS advisors can help you explore majors and certificates, think through options, and plan courses that keep your choices open.

Curious about law or legal careers? Whether you’re just exploring or starting to plan ahead, CPLA offers resources and advising to help you understand the path to law school and related careers.

Interested in health professions? CPHA advisors can help you explore different paths, understand requirements, and prepare for graduate-level health programs.

Ready to take a step toward experience? Connect with your school or college career center to find internships, jobs, research opportunities, and tools for resumes, interviews, and more.