Creative Careers Unlocked invites readers to rethink how we define and approach creative success.
A new career development book is set to transform how students, parents, and educators understand routes into the UK’s creative industries — a sector worth billions to the UK economy and employing around 2.4 million people. Creative Careers Unlocked is an authoritative, ground‑breaking guide written by creative industries specialist Emily Maguire. Published by Trotman, it will be released in November 2026.
The first book to meaningfully bridge the gap between education and the creative industries is aimed at students, parents, teachers, and careers advisers, the book provides practical tools, industry insights, and strategies to embed creative pathways into the curriculum. Drawing on real-world case studies, it showcases the depth and breadth of roles across the UK’s creative economy, with practical, accessible guidance on pathways and skills for a range of roles in the creative industries.
The workforce and economic landscape are changing at an unprecedented pace. To support the development of sustainable communities of the future, we must invest in creative career education and guidance. As highlighted in Skills England’s report, there are growing skill shortages across the creative industries.
“As the saying goes, ‘You cannot be what you cannot see’. Coming from a working‑class background, I stumbled into the arts by chance. While some do break through, barriers remain for many young people. I recently received ministerial support for the book, which reinforces the need for a book like this, to improve opportunities for every young person, no matter their background or connections.” said author Emily Maguire.
Key topics include:
- Exploring creative roles across all sectors
- AI, automation, and the Fifth Industrial Revolution
- Practical solutions for inclusion and widening participation
- Guidance for implementing the Gatsby Benchmarks
Book details
Title: Creative Careers Unlocked
Author: Emily Maguire
Publisher: Trotman
Publication date: November 2026
Format: Paperback
Availability: Major booksellers and online retailers
