Creative and digital skills: The right mix for the future

Some experts point out that both skillsets are increasingly intersecting, to the point that they “should no longer be considered separate on an educational level, as creative jobs are ever more imbued with digital know-how2”. What exactly do these “createch” skills encompass and what roles or workforce profiles are we talking about? Here are the main takeaways of a 2019 study led by the PEC, which draws upon more than 3 million jobs adverts published between 2011 and 2018.

Who?

Before we dive into the technicalities and skills themselves, let’s have a look at the 10 most important roles 3 that require some sort and some level of “createch skills”. If graphic designers are the first to flash through your mind, you got it right. They are topping the list established by the PEC, immediately followed by photographers, audiovisual and broadcasting equipment operators. Artists – illustrators, animators, 3D artists or VFX specialists -, and art officers, directors or producers are also among the most cited profiles, along with product, clothing and related designers. Coming next are Web designers and developers (think front end development). Among those in charge of direct verbal communication, we will obviously find actors, presenters and entertainers, journalists and editors, authors, writers and translators. And because no message or content can hit home if not properly positioned and amplified, marketing associate professionals also make the list. They combine analytics and a solid knowledge of media with a knack for sharing stories and spreading the word. At Adjust, we know what it means (and what it takes) :-).

What?

But what exactly are those “createch skills” that so strongly associate digital skills with creativity? At a greater level of granularity, PEC’s research looks into the whole range of tangible “tools” like Adobe Creative Suite (as you may have guessed): i.e Indesign, Illustrator, Dreamwaver, Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere and assimilated (Final Cut). Also cited are Google Analytics, HTML5, Linkedin, Macromedia Fireworks, Mailchimp, Mastercam, Omnigraph, Prezi, Quarkxpress, Social Media Platforms and Visual Design.

When?

Now and for the years to come. The good news is that it seems that the stronger the “createch” component of a job, the “greater is that occupation’s probability of future growth”. So if you find yourself reflected in the list, congratulations!