Art

Artists are invaluable to the scientific fields. Artists can help scientists envision new processes, design new experiments, and solve problems. Within the everchanging fields of STEM, scientists have to be innovative and think outside the box. Art education can help them broaden creative skills and readily conceptualize solutions to problems. Artistic expression provides a very effective way of working out and communicating complicated scientific ideas. In addition, if you didn't already know, studies show students who take classes in the fine arts actually perform better on standardized tests.¹ So if you think you're interested in a STEM career, be sure to add in a few art classes in high school!

You don’t have to choose between your love of the sciences and the arts. There are many careers to pick from that combine and integrate science with art such as architect, wildlife biologist, and structural engineer. Art conservationists must have artistic abilities and a sound knowledge of chemistry and physics. A prime field that is a mix of both art and science is industrial design which combines art and engineering in one invaluable package. Industrial designers help create products that combine form with function. They bring together their creative, artistic and technical skills to make a variety of consumer or commercial products, such as vacuum cleaners, furniture or toys aesthetically appealing, functional and user friendly. Not just limited to physical products, some industrial designers help come up with solutions in different sectors of the economy, such as helping to improve services in the healthcare industry. They can also design community- and experience-based projects and events. If you’re into visual design, you might consider becoming a scientific illustrator. Scientific illustrators simplify and convey abstract concepts and are employed from the medical to the film industry. Graphic designers can specialize in communicating complex STEM concepts through eye-catching posters and infographics. Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya, a prominent STEAM advocate, has used her artistic skills to paint murals, animate microbes, and even create busts of women in STEM to raise awareness about female contributions to science. Using a different approach, Dr. Elizabeth Paley incorporates math and physics concepts into one-of-a-kind pottery that goes beyond decoration: it teaches people about math and explores fascinating principles that mathematicians are still studying. You might also consider combining your love for technology and art by becoming a website developer or videogame designer incorporating knowledge of the inner workings of computers to make fresh, inspiring, and visually appealing designs. Art is an essential part of any type of learning. You don't have to give up your love of music or theater; it can actually enhance your overall education--especially your STEM skills!

Jessica Xu, an engineer and artist (interview below), has combined art and STEM throughout her rising career, and she views artistic perspective as another asset to her engineering skills. She shares that she does not see art and STEM as separate. Instead, she believes, "Art is often about pulling from diverse experiences and functions to synthesize something new, and innovation should be just as interdisciplinary." So how exactly do you get started combining your interests in art and STEM? And what does art and STEM look like in action? Check it out!

Want to find out about even more careers that can combine your love of STEM and art? Check out some of these great resources:

The Artistic Side of Science

STEAM Jobs List: 10 Careers that Combine Art and Math

Want to use your creativity to write programs that will change the world for the better? Check out the Technology page!