Arts OR Science? I have always asked myself that question growing up. If you are here, you have probably asked yourself the same question. It seemed like there was only one path to choose, right? Fortunately, that is not true. Let’s continue reading to learn what we can do in this false dilemma.
The real struggle of choosing between art and science surfaces when deciding on a career. Growing up, you have the freedom to explore your interests without consequence. But the moment you step into higher education or college, expectations from family and peers start to weigh in. By then, you are already expected to have narrowed down your choices into a career path you will most likely do for the rest of your life.
Unfortunately, higher education conventionally separates art and science fields. This separation is evident in how degree courses are categorized. You either pursue a curriculum that will reward you with a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts (BA) or Science (BS/BSc). Even when institutions offer a variety of subjects to promote holistic growth, once you graduate, you may feel stuck in your field.
What you can do:
Despite the conventional separation between art and science, the world has changed so much. Career choices are more flexible. And with access to the internet, more options have opened up to people like us who want to pursue an unconventional path. Here are some options you can follow.
1. Pursue a career path that require both artistic and scientific skills
If you are still in the process of choosing a career and have already discovered your equal love for art and science, this first option might be for you.
Despite the prevalence of the conventional separation between BA and BSc degrees, there are degree courses that will require both artistic and scientific skills. These career paths often involve design and aesthetics while also incorporating logic and an understanding of natural phenomena.
A prime example of this is Architecture. Architects put a lot of consideration into a building’s design and function. Buildings tell a lot about the people around them – their history, culture, and aesthetic sensibility. They must also withstand the test of nature, so structural stability, layout, and composition are also taken into account. Architecture is as much about people as it is about construction.
There are also many other options out there for you to choose from. These include archeology, archival art, culinary, scientific illustration, design-oriented programming, etc. We are no longer bound to conventional career paths that separate art and science.
A little warning: this approach can lead to what some people would refer to as falling out of love. Burnout is real and can happen in your career. What once your passion may turn into a chore. That’s why some people opt to keep their passions and work separately.
2. Have one as a career, the other as a hobby
Another path you can follow if you love art and science is to pursue one as your main career and the other as a separate hobby. Just because you have decided to choose one of the two as your career, it doesn’t mean you have to stop doing the other.
Many professionals I know in the field of science have gone through their life achieving great things only to come back and work on their artistic passions. Researchers, directors, and distinguished professors spend their free time creating paintings, composing songs, etc.
Furthermore, having your other passion as a separate hobby may prevent burnout. You can enjoy your hobby simply for what it is. You don’t have a deadline you have to chase, and it allows you to recharge from all the work you’ve done in your career. It serves as an outlet for you to not get tired of art and science.
This option is viable for those who have already invested so much in a single career path. You may reserve your free time to do your other passions, or you can come back later on to reignite them.
3. Incorporate your artistic and scientific skills into your main career
This last method is for those inclined to pursue one path as their main career but doesn’t necessarily want the other as a separate hobby. You can do this by incorporating both skills into your main career, whether it is in the field of art or science. Chances are we are already doing this, but being aware and deliberately doing it can reap more benefits.
Even though I was a bit late to the party, I followed this approach, and I’m happy to stick with it for the rest of my career. I have always been inclined toward science, but also had a passion for drawing. My affinity for science was reflected more in my grades, which made me pursue a career in science.
I got into a prestigious science high school and pursued a science degree in one of my country’s premier universities. In my final year, I picked up my brush after so long since I primarily focused on my science track.
There I realized that I could have used my artistic skills in my class outputs and during presentations. I’m still staying in the field of science but aligning my future endeavors with scientific illustration and communication.
You can do it too! As an artist, you can delve deeper and understand your medium to create beautiful and fascinating works. As a scientist, you can use your artistic skills to improve your connection with the people who need your knowledge.
Conclusion: The best you can do
I made the mistake of giving one up for the other. I stopped making art to continue chasing a science career. It was only later that I realized that I should have synergized my skills in art and science to follow a fulfilling life. Don’t make the same mistake I did.
The best thing you can do right now when you love both art and science is to not give up on one for the other. Even if you are inclined to pursue one over the other, being well-versed in both will surely benefit you.
Your love for arts will help you understand yourself and others to form meaningful connections. Meanwhile, your love for science will help you have a profound understanding of the world around you.
I truly believe that art and science complement each other because we live in this natural world, and we are also surrounded by other complex people. I hope this helps!
