8 answers
Shanna
Student
5
Questions
Asked
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What experiences or skills do I need to get a job in an art/technology career cluster?
I am a freshman in high school with good grades and an interest in many art/technology based careers.
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8 answers
Destiny Hankerson
Athlete, Artist, and Writer
20
Answers
East Orange, New Jersey
Updated
Destiny’s Answer
Hi Shanna,
There are so many incredible options for you if you want to combine technology and art. I can already think of a few future careers - if you enjoy designing websites, you can venture into web design. If you love creating digital art, you can experiment with open source software like Krita (Krita is for digital artists who want to draw on a canvas-like document). Dr. H gave you some great answers about other platforms you can try, such as Scratch. It's also a great idea to build your portfolio, where you can showcase how you combine your technological and artistic skills.
One suggestion I have for you is to experiment with different ways of combining technology and art. If you like computer science and have skills in coding, you could create your own artistic apps, websites, or projects. You could write essays about the intersection between technology and art. There are so many different avenues you could try! Use your skills in multiple ways, and don't hesitate to try something new .
I think other options for careers that involve technology and art include graphic design, multimedia art, photography, film and video editing, and many more. This article has some great insights about skills for these kinds of careers: https://www.mastersindatascience.org/resources/careers-computer-science-art/
Keep up the great work in school, and I hope these tips were helpful!
There are so many incredible options for you if you want to combine technology and art. I can already think of a few future careers - if you enjoy designing websites, you can venture into web design. If you love creating digital art, you can experiment with open source software like Krita (Krita is for digital artists who want to draw on a canvas-like document). Dr. H gave you some great answers about other platforms you can try, such as Scratch. It's also a great idea to build your portfolio, where you can showcase how you combine your technological and artistic skills.
One suggestion I have for you is to experiment with different ways of combining technology and art. If you like computer science and have skills in coding, you could create your own artistic apps, websites, or projects. You could write essays about the intersection between technology and art. There are so many different avenues you could try! Use your skills in multiple ways, and don't hesitate to try something new .
I think other options for careers that involve technology and art include graphic design, multimedia art, photography, film and video editing, and many more. This article has some great insights about skills for these kinds of careers: https://www.mastersindatascience.org/resources/careers-computer-science-art/
Keep up the great work in school, and I hope these tips were helpful!
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Shanna
You're welcome, Shanna! I think you'll do great with this advice, and you have plenty of opportunities to combine technology and art!
Destiny Hankerson
Justin O'Connor
Consultant
2
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Well, I can't say I know the art side of things very well considering I can barely draw a stickperson, but I at least know a thing or two about the technology side of things!
If you want to go strictly towards art OR technology, that's an interesting question in its own right because they are such different fields. Both can be rewarding in different ways but I assume you are more interested in mixing the two together. You're in luck! There is a lot of crossover between the two and the best thing I can say about a career in technology is how amorphous it is, so artistic folks fit right in. Other commenters have suggest UI/UX as a path and I find that to be a phenomenal response if you are especially interested in understanding and advising on how people best work with technology. Ever think about things like button placement or visual queues for buttons? Or maybe what it feels like to be a colorblind individual using a website that doesn't properly cater to their needs? These are things we as people in technology need to be thinking about, and UI/UX is a great way to mix an artistic mind with technology.
If you want to go strictly towards art OR technology, that's an interesting question in its own right because they are such different fields. Both can be rewarding in different ways but I assume you are more interested in mixing the two together. You're in luck! There is a lot of crossover between the two and the best thing I can say about a career in technology is how amorphous it is, so artistic folks fit right in. Other commenters have suggest UI/UX as a path and I find that to be a phenomenal response if you are especially interested in understanding and advising on how people best work with technology. Ever think about things like button placement or visual queues for buttons? Or maybe what it feels like to be a colorblind individual using a website that doesn't properly cater to their needs? These are things we as people in technology need to be thinking about, and UI/UX is a great way to mix an artistic mind with technology.
Thank you for giving me advice.
Shanna
Elainie Nguyen
UX Research
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Elainie’s Answer
Hi Shanna,
I ran into the same question in high school. It took a lot of searching and getting to know variety of professions, but I found UX/UI to be the sweet spot between creativity and strategy. Even within this field, there are so much to dive deeper. You could be a UX designer or UX researcher or others depending on your interests!
It's awesome you're thinking about the skills needed. I hope you're not overwhelmed as you can always start small! What I did was reading job descriptions on Linkedin and knowing what skills are in demand. Afterwards, may be you could start looking for learning opportunities online, there are many free courses now.
Once you have the basics, look for ways to apply in your everyday life! I did many personal projects to familiarize myself with what I learned.
I ran into the same question in high school. It took a lot of searching and getting to know variety of professions, but I found UX/UI to be the sweet spot between creativity and strategy. Even within this field, there are so much to dive deeper. You could be a UX designer or UX researcher or others depending on your interests!
It's awesome you're thinking about the skills needed. I hope you're not overwhelmed as you can always start small! What I did was reading job descriptions on Linkedin and knowing what skills are in demand. Afterwards, may be you could start looking for learning opportunities online, there are many free courses now.
Once you have the basics, look for ways to apply in your everyday life! I did many personal projects to familiarize myself with what I learned.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Shanna
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1463
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
That’s such a great question, Shanna, and it’s awesome that you’re already thinking about this so early in high school. Art and technology come together in powerful ways in careers like graphic design, animation, game development, UX/UI design, and digital media. To prepare, start by exploring creative tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, or Blender, and get comfortable with tech basics like coding (even something simple like HTML/CSS). Try out online platforms like Canva or Scratch, and join school clubs related to art, robotics, or tech. Don’t forget that building a portfolio of your creative work, even if its just small personal projects, can really help you stand out later. Keep learning, keep experimenting, and most importantly, have fun with it. Good luck and feel free to keep asking.
Erika Trageser
Research Operations Program Manager
3
Answers
Livermore, California
Updated
Erika’s Answer
Throughout high school I was exposed to roles within consulting and administrative tasks that I still use today, also just planning social events there are a lot of learning lessons that you grow with time management and organization that's used within project management and program management that can be used for certifications that Google and other platforms offer these are life skills that can be applied to everything within your academic and professional career
Morries Merchant
Sr. Systems Engineer
6
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Morries’s Answer
Hi Shanna,
There are so many exciting ways to combine art and technology! One great option is using AI-powered tools to help create amazing elements for your digital art. These tools can also be super helpful if you're interested in animation or designing layouts for ad agencies. There are countless possibilities to explore with AI technology to reach your goals. I encourage you to focus on what you truly love within the art and tech world. When you merge your passions, it becomes easier and more fulfilling to work on projects that excite you, rather than just chasing what might make the most money.
There are so many exciting ways to combine art and technology! One great option is using AI-powered tools to help create amazing elements for your digital art. These tools can also be super helpful if you're interested in animation or designing layouts for ad agencies. There are countless possibilities to explore with AI technology to reach your goals. I encourage you to focus on what you truly love within the art and tech world. When you merge your passions, it becomes easier and more fulfilling to work on projects that excite you, rather than just chasing what might make the most money.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Shanna
Priscilla Rall
Teacher
15
Answers
Rocky Ridge, MD
Updated
Priscilla’s Answer
Interesting question. This field is rapidly changing. Others have mentioned platforms that could help you. I wonder if this summer you could intern at a job similar to what you are looking for. My expertise is in graphics, sculpture, art education and cabinetmaking. Keep in mind people now change jobs several times in their careers. Don't leave out teaching. It is a great job when and if you have children...off in the summer and other school holidays. Now art classes especially in HS have more cutting edge programs, so that is another idea. I also did Botanical Illustration at the Smithsonian which is very old school but still needed. Sorry I can't help you more. Just work on your portfolio and enter as many art exhibits and shows that you can. Will look good on resume.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Shanna
Andrea Wykel
Sales Specialist
3
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Andrea’s Answer
I love the advice you've already received about using digital apps and AI to create art. It's a great start! Also, consider looking for a job or internship at a local design studio. Many programs like Adobe Photoshop can be expensive, but if a studio or print service has them, you can learn on-the-job without spending money. Right now, it's a good idea to explore different fields until you find the one that truly excites you. There's so much to discover in both art and technology. You will need to narrow your focus eventually, but first, try out many experiences. This will help guide you towards further learning.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Shanna