A Creative Contribution - And not just to the bank?

[Designer M]

First Post!

Simply put, I'm a graphically creative person. Not the best, not super special -but it's what I love doing. Is there a career / job out there that I can pursue that will help the greater good and still pay my bills?

I'm currently employed in a partially creative role that doesn't fulfill me, there's no drive or enthusiasm to go to work in the morning - and I'm beginning to suspect that it's because the work does little more than line the pockets of shareholders.

I've looked around for creative jobs with charities but there seems to be very little - does anybody have other suggestions? Or even something creative and contributary that may not require me to pay bills?

[Ellesse]

How about this? Setting up a website offering your creative services and contributing a portion of your income to a charity?

[lifeinoleg]

You may want to try Craigslist for your city. There are several places on the website where you can respond to, and post your own queries regarding graphical design work.

Good luck.

[indestructible]

I find that most non-profits need major help with flyers and websites. Maybe you can start with doing it for free, and build up to paying work? I am a marketer and have done quite a bit of free work (around fundraising, events and strategy). I know they would never be able to pay me what I get in the corporate world, but it makes me feel much more fulfilled than my day-job. Good luck!

[Designer M]

Thank for the feedback guys, after further investigation it really does seem like that kind of work is thin on the ground. If it even exists at all. I'd really like to find something that engages me through the day you know? Just helping out by contributing money or odd extra jobs on top of my normal work might work better for my karma but I'm not sure it's a long term strategy. I want to work for 8 hours a day and know I'm making a positive difference with all of that time, thereby not being afraid of overtime, getting up in the morning etc. because I know it's all for a greater cause.

Ever get the feeling that nobody really needs the skills you've been given in life?

[brendannz]

I'm a creative person myself, if you tell me what kind of creativity you are into then I should be able to help. If you PM me samples of your artwork or whatever. But Gumtree/ Craigslist and those types of sites are a good place to start.

[Deergirl]

I don't know in which field you are active, but if you are into web design you can most definitely find organizations, churches even, who are willing to pay some money in exchange for a good website with an easy to maintain content management system.

The easiest way is to start by asking around in your own community.

Good luck with your search!

[SimonaRich]

You should start something yourself rather than working for someone else. I am not sure what you are creative in so cannot suggest anything in particular

[dirtyhive]

Why not have an unrelated day job? You can always use your creative skills in your free time to make your 'contribution'. Use your day job to fund your weekend missions and your purpose. Maximise the money during the day = do more good work at night.

You could make and distribute posters that raise awareness for something, or start and promote a new webcomic that is great fun and entertaining and also champions an important positive message, approach local small-time charity organisations and offer them free graphic design work, help friends and family get their business ideas and ventures started with graphic marketing and free logos etc, publish an indie magazine and distribute it at local schools/colleges... you know... ANYTHING. Use some imagination, dude.