You often hear people say “do what you love and the money will follow,” but in the real world of high gas prices and credit and debt crises, that’s easier said than done. Of course, some professionals are doing just that, by creatively turning their passions into their life’s work.
“Finding a career that will fulfill you personally and professionally requires exploration and a great deal of trial and error,” says Alexandra Levit, author of “Hey, How’d You Score That Gig?” (Ballantine Books, 2008). Get inspired by these pros who are working their dream jobs and are getting paid to play.
Making a living with makeup
Tamar Kamen, product development manager at Estée Lauder, knows a thing or two about cosmetics. By working on the 18-month life cycle of several skin-care products in various stages, she collaborates with department colleagues in marketing, research and development, engineering and science.
“It’s rewarding to see something you worked on on a shelf,” Kamen explains. “Plus, it’s global. I could go to Asia and see my products in stores.”
Dream big: Work at a cosmetic counter to interact with customers and work with the product. A bachelor’s degree with the ability to manage projects is a requirement. “It’s very detail-oriented and you have to follow up on absolutely everything.”
The colorful world of comic book artistry
Daniel Crosier, comic book illustrator whose work includes “Bartholomew of the Scissors” (Blue Water Productions), says comic book illustrations are a natural extension of his artistic ability.
“This is another outlet for my art and storytelling,” Crosier says. He also creates contemporary wood sculptures, paintings, builds props for local films and directs his own short films. “Having a background in illustration translates well into comic books.”
Comic book illustrators typically work closely with the in-house editorial department. As stories evolve, so do the illustrations. Illustrators need to adhere to strict deadlines to ensure their role is on track with the publisher’s schedule. And an ability to collaborate is essential.
“Work at your craft and learn how to take criticism,” says Crosier.
Dream big: “Network, network, network!” he advises. “If an opportunity doesn’t present itself, make an opportunity. Things will rarely happen to you.” A degree in fine arts is not necessary, but it is a plus.
Playing video games for a paycheck
“I get to play my hobby at work,” boasts Daemon Hatfield.Hatfield is a reviews and news writer, game tester and associate editor for the Nintendo team at IGN, an Internet and media services provider focusing on video games and entertainment.
Traveling is part of his job, too, since industry events have taken him to Japan, Germany and Las Vegas. It’s not all fun and video games, he assures.
“Imagine having to sit through a really bad movie and watch all of it. Occasionally we get bad games and I have to play through them.”
Plus, time is of essence. “Since we work online in a fast-paced environment, it’s challenging; you have to get everything done quickly while keeping the quality intact.”
Dream big: Go to college and focus on English or journalism, says Daemon, then get a good internship or seek out freelance opportunities.
From concept to toy-store shelf
As national sales manager and producer at Endless Games, a maker of board and card games, Brian Turtle works with store buyers, participates in trade shows and helps develop games. He was responsible for creating a card game for home play based on the television game show “Wheel of Fortune.”
“It’s fun and exciting but it’s a full tilt sprint from January through December,” Turtle says. “It’s a juggling act.” He tests games to get in the mindset of consumers and also works with inventors and their ideas.
“It’s great watching a game take shape from the original idea to the shrink-wrapped product.”
Dream big: Organizational skills, the ability to multitask and a bachelors degree are musts. And it helps if you like games.
source msn