1.2 Research on the creative and media employment roles and requirements in a chosen region

Architect:

Architects are people that work in the construction industry and they are also involved with designing new buildings, alterations and extensions to existing buildings. They also advise in things such as restorations and conservation of old properties. They are also capable of working on individual buildings and also on large redevelopment schemes. Architects are also able to be responsible for the designs of the surrounding landscape.

Responsibilities:

• Discussing the objectives, requirements and budget of a project



• Consulting with other professionals about the design of an environment



• Preparing and presenting feasibility reports and design proposals to the client



• Advising the client on the practicality of their project



• Using IT in design and project management, specifically using software packages such as Computer Aided Design (CAD)



• Keeping within financial budgets and deadlines



• Producing detailed workings, drawings and specifications



• Specifying the nature and quality of materials required



• Preparing tender applications and presentations



• Negotiating with contractors and other professionals



• Preparing applications for planning and building control departments



• Preparing tender documents for contracts



• Project managing and co-coordinating the work of contractors



• Controlling a project from start to finish



• Regular site visits to check on progress, ensuring that the project is running on time and to budget



• Resolving problems and issues that arise during construction



• Ensuring that the environmental impact of the project is limited.

Entry Requirements:

You will usually need GCSE mathematics and English at grade C or above and a few schools of architecture ask for maths or a science at A-level, so do check the entry requirements of individual schools.

Schools of architecture will express their offer in terms of the UCAS tariffs, but typically you will need at least two subjects at A level or one A and two AS levels, which should be drawn from academic fields of study.

Many Schools of Architecture also recognise other further education qualifications such as BTEC National Diplomas. If you are a mature student, it is worth remembering that even if you don't possess the usual admissions requirements, many schools will consider assessing you on other grounds, especially your portfolio. Some universities and higher education colleges run foundation courses and access courses to enable you to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills.

Graphic Designer

Graphic designers produce design solutions to communicate client messages with high visual impact. Graphic design solutions are required for a huge variety of products and activities, such as websites, advertising, books, magazines, posters, computer games, product packaging, exhibitions and displays, corporate communications and corporate identity (e.g. giving organisations a visual 'brand').

A graphic designer works to a brief agreed with the client or account manager. They develop creative ideas and concepts choosing the appropriate media and style to meet the client's objectives.

The work demands creative flair, up-to-date knowledge of industry software and a professional approach to time, costs and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Meeting clients or account managers to discuss the business objectives and requirements of the job



• Interpreting the client's business needs and developing a concept to suit their purpose



• Estimating the time required to complete the work and providing quotes for clients



• Developing design briefs by gathering information and data through research



• Thinking creatively to produce new ideas and concepts



• Using innovation to redefine a design brief within the constraints of cost and time



• Presenting finalised ideas and concepts to clients or account managers



• Working with a wide range of media, including photography and computer-aided design (CAD)



• Proofreading to produce accurate and high-quality work



• Contributing ideas and design artwork to the overall brief



• Demonstrating illustrative skills with rough sketches



• Keeping abreast of emerging technologies in new media (particularly design programs such as Quark Xpress, FreeHand, Illustrator, Photoshop, 3D Studio, Acrobat, Director, Dreamweaver and Flash) as most graphic design work is now completed on a computer



• Working as part of a team with printers, copywriters, photographers, other designers, account executives, web developers and marketing specialists.

Dancer

Dancers use movement, gesture and body language to portray a character, situation or abstract concept to an audience, usually to the accompaniment of music. This normally involves interpreting the work of a choreographer, although it may sometimes require improvisation.

Dancers work in a variety of genres ranging from classical ballet and West End musicals to contemporary dance. A dancer's role may involve education or therapy, as well as performance.

Dancing is a competitive and physically demanding career, which often involves periods of unemployment and underemployment. Many dancers will need to combine part-time jobs in areas such as performing, administration and teaching.

Responsibilities

• Preparing for and attending auditions and casting sessions



• Preparing for performances, by rehearsing and exercising



• Performing to live audiences and for television, film and music video productions



• Studying and creating choreography



• Discussing and interpreting choreography



• Learning and using other skills such as singing and acting - many roles, for example in musical theatre, require a combination of performance skills; • looking after costumes and equipment



• Taking care of the health and safety of others, which requires knowledge and observation of physiology and anatomy, as well as safe use of premises and equipment



• Teaching dance, either privately or in the public sector



• Working in dance development and promotion, encouraging and enabling people, especially children, to become involved in dance and to understand and appreciate it



• Running workshops in the community, e.g. with disabled groups



• Undertaking administrative, promotional or stage management work, particularly in a small company or if setting up your own company



• Liaising with arts and dance organisations, theatres and other venues regarding funding and contracts.
  

Session Musicians:

Session musicians are instrumental and vocal performers, they are also available to work with others during live performances and also recording sessions. Since session musicians are not permanent members of a music ensemble, the don't achieve any fame. This term is not only applied to people working in contemporary musical styles such as jazz, classical, pop or rock music. Versatility is one of the most important skills that are required of session musicians. Session musicians are usually expected to learn parts rapidly.Session musicians can be used by recording studios in order to provide backing tracks for the musicians that they are working with.

Responsibilities

Session musicians, first and foremost, must be able to play one or more instruments to a professional standard. They must be able to read music. They must be flexible and adaptable. They will be working alongside a range of artists and on a number of different musical projects, which means they have to be prepared to embrace different music types and genres. Session musicians have to be quick learners, and able to play different musical parts quickly. They have to be content without celebrity or fame, and willing to be overshadowed by the members of a band or a main artist. They have to be patient, especially since a recording session can be a long and tiresome process.