Top 5 Creative Careers for Introverts

It is a common misconception that all people who are introverts lack people skills. In fact, introverts can have excellent interpersonal skills; however, they generally prefer to work on solo endeavors that require quiet reflection.

Luckily, there are plenty of options for creative careers for introverts. If you are an introvert who is looking into career choices, consider a job that emphasizes solo projects rather than team projects.

Many introverts may prefer to do work they find meaningful and personally fulfilling. This is because they derive value from the work itself, rather than from interactions with colleagues. The following career choices can fit both of these criteria while also appealing to the creative side of many introverts.

In This Article: 

• Strengths That Introverts Bring to Their Career
• What To Look for in Creative Jobs for Introverts
• Examples of Creative Careers for Introverts
• Tips for Introverts Who Are Job Hunting
• Earn a Creative Degree at GCU and Work Towards a Career Path for Introverts

Strengths That Introverts Bring to Their Career

Everyone is unique, of course, but in general, introverts can bring many strengths to their career, enhancing the value of their work. Here’s a look at the oft-hidden talents of introverts:¹

• Excel at independent work 
• Observant; great attention to detail 
• Analytical thinkers 
• Strong self-awareness 
• Empathy for others 
• Solid listening skills 
• Non-authoritative leadership skills

When you’re on the lookout for careers for creative introverts, consider adding some of the above skills to your resume.

What To Look for in Creative Jobs for Introverts

Just like extroverts, introverts have their unique strengths, interests and talents. Before looking for the best jobs for creative introverts, it’s a good idea to write a list of your particular strengths, as well as what you’re looking for in a job.

Some examples of attributes introverts may be looking for in a job include:

• Hybrid or 100% remote work arrangements 
• Limited meetings 
• No requirement to present your work at meetings 
• Zero micromanagement 
• Predominantly solo work 
• Opportunities to flex your creativity while still meeting project requirements 
• Limited or no in-person and phone interaction with company clients

Although some companies may be more rigid, you’re likely to find that many offer careers for creative introverts that meet some or even all these requirements.

Examples of Creative Careers for Introverts

Once you have a better idea of your strengths and what you’re looking for in a job, you can start sorting through some of the best jobs for creative introverts. Consider the career opportunities below.

1. Grant Writer

Grant writing may be an ideal career for an introvert who desires meaningful work. Grant writers often work for nonprofit organizations. They are responsible for researching databases to identify relevant funding opportunities. These professionals then put together a formal grant proposal that requests funding to support the organization’s mission.

Here is a fictitious example:

Elena is a grant writer working with a nonprofit that strives to connect children to enriching after-school activities. She types up a grant proposal that requests $25,000 from XYZ foundation. In her proposal, Elena outlines the mission of the nonprofit, the specific programs it offers and exactly how the funds would be spent to further that mission while emphasizing the positive impact on the community.

Grant writers help charities continue their important missions, so they may find their responsibilities to be very meaningful work. In addition, grant writing is typically a solitary endeavor, with communication often taking place via email.

Many grant writers work full-time for nonprofits, while others work on a freelance or contractual basis for several different nonprofits. Often, this can be a work-from-home position.

2. Copywriter

The marketing and advertising field offers various creative jobs for introverts, including copywriting. Copywriters typically work for marketing agencies or advertising departments within larger companies. They may also work on a freelance basis, often from the comfort of their own homes.

Copywriters are responsible for producing sales copy that promotes a company’s products or services. This copy might be anything from a blog post to a billboard or magazine ad.

This job often requires some collaborative group work. For example, a copywriter might attend a brainstorming session or speak directly with clients. However, the bulk of a copywriter’s job is typically solo work. In addition, this job often enables workers to exercise their creativity. 

3. Graphic Designer

Graphic design can be a popular career path for creative introverts. This career involves developing visual imagery for the purpose of conveying a message.

For example, many graphic designers work in the advertising and sales industry. In this capacity, they may design company logos, advertisements, web pages, brochures and signs. Some graphic designers work in publishing. They may design book covers for publishing houses and self-published authors, or they might design magazine covers and illustrations.

Graphic design is, for the most part, a solitary pursuit. However, designers may be called upon to meet with clients, either in person or virtually, and they may need to collaborate in small groups. Graphic designers might also need to interact with copywriters to develop a company’s preferred look for its visual images.

4. Screenwriter

Screenwriters write the scripts for movies. Often, screenwriters will develop their own creative ideas and write their own scripts. In other cases, a screenwriter might be hired to write a script for a movie idea that someone else developed, or they might be hired to adapt a novel into a movie.

This can be an ideal career for creative introverts, as most of the work is completed on a solo basis. However, screenwriters do need to get comfortable with pitching movie ideas to executives.

Note, however, that most screenwriters have agents. These agents act as points of liaison between screenwriters and movie executives. A good agent can help a screenwriter become more comfortable with pitch meetings and finding opportunities for meaningful work.

5. Video Game Designer

If you have a knack for computers, a passion for gaming and a desire to learn programming, consider pursuing a career as a video game designer. Video games are more complex than ever before. They often have complicated storylines and realistic-looking backgrounds, characters and animations. As a video game designer, you would be responsible for developing the overall concept of the game, including the plot(s), storylines and imaginary world. You’ll also work on the coding for the game and you’ll create the user interface.

Much of the work of a video game designer can be solitary. However, you will likely need to collaborate in small teams as you work to make the new game ready for market.

Tips for Introverts Who Are Job Hunting

Job hunting — especially the prospect of sitting down to various interviews — can be a bit nerve-wracking for introverts. Here are a few tips to help you put your best foot forward:

• Be selective: Introverts may not want to apply to every single job they can qualify for. Instead, be sure the company culture appeals to you, and check whether hybrid or remote work arrangements are common for that company. 
• Excel on paper: If you’re worried about the interview, it’s even more important to become a highly compelling candidate on paper. Take the time to polish your resume and cover letter, ensuring that both are tailored for the specific job you’re applying to. 
• Do your research: It can be a little easier to walk into an interview knowing that you’ve crossed your T’s and dotted your I’s. Research the company carefully. Read not only the company website but also recent press about the company and its executive team. Know its mission, core values and objectives, and have a clear elevator pitch ready to go of how you can contribute to those objectives. 
• Practice, practice and then practice some more: Since interviews can be the most stressful part of job hunting, introverts are best served by practicing their interviewing skills ad nauseam. Visit your college’s career center to set up practice interviews and enlist the help of your friends and family to serve as pretend HR managers interviewing you.

Earn a Creative Degree at GCU and Work Toward a Career Path for Introverts

Creative individuals will find a number of exciting degree options to choose from at Grand Canyon University. Consider applying to the Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film with an Emphasis in Screenwriting program or the Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Graphic Design degree. You can explore more creative learning options by completing the form on this page.