This article will cover the top 5 skills to explore in 2021 as a creative. Check out what will be in demand?
While 2020 arguably brought more hindrance than help to creative freelancers, the necessity to work from home has definitely helped to bring a gradual end to the close-minded view that freelancing isn’t a “real job”. With the prospects of a better work-life balance, much higher pay, and more job satisfaction, the number of self-employed experts is only going to increase.
Whether you’re looking to develop a new skill, start a side hustle or begin your freelance journey here is a list of creative freelance skills that will be in high demand for at least the next 12 months (in no particular order):
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Video Editing
In 2020, 93% of businesses saw an increase in customers after posting a video ad on social media. Understandably, this has led to an increase in demand for video editors. 2020 also demonstrated an increase in the global love for TikToks and Reels which present innovative and interesting forms of editing. The same applies to YouTube, IGTV and other video platforms and creative video editors will deliver this quality content and thus be more in demand. -
Graphic Design
Since we live in a world that becomes more and more visually focused each day, the ability to design professional logos and illustrations grows more and more in demand. Graphic design is a crucial element of modern marketing – it aids the spread of information (one of social media’s priority purposes) and demonstrates a brand’s USP. -
Photography
While video ads perform well, when it comes to brands’ social media content, studies have shown that promotions that include photos rather than videos or links get 352% more engagement. So you can expect to see an increase in the demand for freelance photographers in 2021. If you’re looking for a side hustle and photography is a serious hobby of yours, self-employed photographers can sell their images on e-commerce sites like Etsy, or as stock photos. Generate that revenue! -
Illustration
Experts predict that illustration and animation will reach $270 billion in industry worth by the end of 2020. Think that sounds good? The real beauty of being an illustrator is the diversity of the job. Illustrators can get hired for projects from children’s book publications to character design for video games and film and can also branch into the graphic design field. -
Website Design
Web designers are responsible for researching design trends and creating exciting drafts. With the increasing importance of online presence and the need for companies to provide interactive digital services, investing in developing your web design skills.
