Where to Find Paid Creative Gigs in Nigeria (and How to Apply)

Finding paid creative work in Nigeria can feel random. One week you’re busy, the next you’re refreshing your email and Instagram hoping something comes through. The truth is that paid gigs exist, but they rarely come from waiting. They come from being visible in the right places and responding properly when opportunities show up.

This is a practical guide to where those opportunities live and how to approach them without overcomplicating the process.

Start With Open Calls and Public Opportunities

Many paid gigs begin as open calls. Brands, festivals, galleries, and organisations often put out requests for photographers, designers, writers, filmmakers, stylists, and artists.

You’ll usually find these on Instagram, websites, or mailing lists. Follow creative platforms, cultural institutions, galleries, and festivals closely. Turn on notifications for accounts that regularly post opportunities. Check their websites once in a while, not just their social feeds. When you see an open call, read it properly. Most people rush. Pay attention to what they’re asking for, the format they want, and the deadline. If your work fits, apply. If it doesn’t, skip it and move on.

Use Instagram Intentionally

Instagram is still one of the most active places for creative work in Nigeria, but scrolling is not the same as positioning yourself. Make sure your page shows what you actually do. If someone lands on your profile, they should understand your work within a few seconds. You don’t need everything you’ve ever made on your feed. You need clarity.

Follow brands, agencies, creative directors, event organisers, and spaces you’d like to work with. Engage normally. Comment when you genuinely have something to say. Share work you admire. Over time, familiarity builds. Some gigs come from DMs. Others come from someone recognising your name when they need help on a project.

Look Beyond Lagos-Only Thinking

A lot of creatives focus only on Lagos-based opportunities, but paid work exists across Nigeria. Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Enugu, and Uyo all have growing creative scenes, cultural events, and organisations that need creative support.

Festivals, NGOs, startups, hotels, and cultural institutions in these cities often hire photographers, designers, writers, and content creators. They may not shout as loudly online, but they pay and they value consistency. If you can work remotely, even better. Many roles do not require physical presence.

Work With Creative Agencies and Studios

Agencies and studios are regular sources of paid gigs. They may not hire full-time, but they constantly need freelancers for projects.Research agencies that align with your skill set. Send short emails or messages introducing yourself and linking to your portfolio. Keep it simple. No long speeches. Just who you are, what you do, and how to reach you.

You might not hear back immediately. That’s normal. Sometimes the response comes months later when they need someone urgently.

Attend Events Even When You’re Not Invited to Speak

Creative events are not only for panels and speakers. They are for conversations before and after the main program. Go to exhibitions, screenings, pop-ups, and festivals. Introduce yourself when it feels natural. Ask people what they’re working on. Listen more than you talk. Many paid gigs start as casual conversations that turn into “send me your work” moments.

How to Apply Without Stressing Yourself

Applications don’t need drama.

Have these ready:

• A simple portfolio or folder of your best work

• A short bio or introduction

• Clear contact details

Tailor your application slightly to each opportunity. Don’t copy and paste blindly. Address what they asked for. Keep your language clear and direct.

If you don’t hear back, don’t take it personally. Follow up once if appropriate, then move on. Silence is common. Rejection is part of the process.

Be Easy to Work With

Skill matters, but reliability matters more than people admit. Show up on time. Communicate clearly. Meet deadlines. Be honest about what you can and cannot do. Word travels fast in creative circles, both good and bad. Many creatives get repeat gigs not because they are the most talented, but because they are consistent and professional.

Where to Find Paid Creative Gigs in Nigeria

Festivals & Events

• Selfie Week Nigeria – event production, event support, photography, content creation

• Lagos Fashion Week – styling, photography, production roles

• Street Souk – urban culture, design, event support

• Our Homecoming Festival – content creation, music and fashion collaborations

Agencies & Studios

• Livespot360 – event production, experiential marketing

• Entertainment Week Africa – media, content, event support

• Creative Africa – design, content, storytelling projects

Government & Institutions

• National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) – arts and cultural programs

• Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACCE) – creative initiatives and events

Online Platforms & Networks

• CreativeNaija – sell or showcase art, photography, or design

• Facebook/WhatsApp groups – “Creative Jobs Nigeria” and “Silicon Africa: Gigs & Opportunities”

Quick Tips

• Follow accounts and turn on notifications

• Keep a simple portfolio ready

• Attend events and introduce yourself

• Apply or pitch clearly and directly

One Thing to Do This Month

Pick one of these and act on it:

• Apply to one open call

• Reach out to one agency or creative space

• Attend one event and introduce yourself to someone new

Paid creative work in Nigeria is not about luck. It’s about showing up where opportunities already exist and responding with clarity when they appear.