Firstly, let me define what professionalism is before we explore its concept and its place in the creative industry. As defined by the Cambridge dictionary, professionalism: the combination of all the qualities that are connected with trained and skilled people.
Professionals are people that have a level of expertise above that of the average person. They have more knowledge of how their work is conducted and are subject to a governing body which regulates their role. They are held to a higher standard than the average individual as they can harm others if they act dishonestly, carelessly or incompetently.
I want to also mention the pillars of professionalism according to Kizza (2013, pp. 57-60) which states that professionalism is supported by four pillars: Commitment, Integrity, Responsibility and Accountability.
Commitment is following through on what you say you will do. Making a commitment and staying true to your word and completing the commitment in the time allocated. Don’t commit to more than you can realistically accomplish and complete assignments and projects thoroughly and on time.
Integrity is about doing the right thing no matter what. In the workplace, it is about not cutting corners just to get things done faster and not sacrificing quality for speed when you don’t have to. If you make a mistake, be upfront and honest and if you see something unethical or illegal it is important to say something. Integrity is all about doing the right thing and standing up for others who may not have a voice.
Responsibility is being aware of what your job or duty is to a task that you are required or expected to do. In the creative industry, professionals have responsibilities to their customers, to the user of their product or service and sometimes to the public as well. It is important to maintain your responsibilities to a high standard.
Accountability involves the obligation to answer for the execution of one’s responsibilities. It means being able to take both praise and criticism equally and being able to be held accountable for your actions. It also means being transparent with your colleagues and managers and owning up to your mistakes. It’s important to hold not only yourself but the company to the same moral and legal standards.
Why does professionalism matter in the creative industry?
To put it bluntly, professionalism encourages effective communication, respect and teamwork, which are all essential factors in any successful creative project. Without effective communication, the creative ideas of everyone involved can be lost in translation and will hinder the progress of the project. Respect and teamwork are vital to foster strong bonds between teammates and colleagues to work together to complete a successful project. Sharing goals with your team unites those involved toward a common goal and including and appreciating diversity can foster innovation and creativity. I found this great blog post online that highlights not just professionalism in the creative industry, but also about cultivating a strong work ethic.
In Conclusion
Reputation matters for each and every individual in any industry you want to work in. If you have a poor reputation and aren’t adhering to the pillars of professionalism mentioned above, people will not want to work with you. People in the creative industry are always connecting and communicating with each other, so it is vitally important that you maintain a good relationship with as many people as possible. It is important that you always show respect to your employer, peers and clients.
It is important that you commit to the tasks that you have undertaken. Make a commitment and stick to it by completing the task in the allotted time. Always maintain integrity in everything thing that you do. This could also apply to your life and not just your workplace. Always keep in mind your responsibilities to the company and to the clients. It is important to always maintain your responsibilities to a competent standard. Always be able to take praise and criticism and be able to be held accountable for your actions.
Employers are more likely to work with someone who is true to themselves and their identity whilst remaining professional in the work force.
Fraser Bonner 
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