Reading Time: 9 minutes
Introduction
As high school students embark on the journey of career exploration, the intersection of art and wildlife offers a unique and exciting avenue. Contrary to popular belief, a passion for art doesn’t have to confine you to a studio; it can seamlessly blend with a love for wildlife, creating a fulfilling and impactful career. This article aims to shed light on how you can harness your artistic skills while working with wildlife, showcasing diverse career options and the skills required to excel in these fields.
1. Scientific Illustrator
One of the most direct ways to merge art and wildlife is through wildlife illustration. Artists in this field are responsible for creating detailed and accurate depictions of various species, aiding scientists, educators, and conservationists in their work. Imagine producing vibrant illustrations of exotic birds, intricate ecosystems, or Endangered species. To thrive in this career, aspiring artists need a deep understanding of animal anatomy, behaviour, and ecosystems, combined with a keen eye for detail.
How to become a Scientific Illustrator
Minimum Requirements:
The minimum requirement to enter a career as a scientific illustrator is a college diploma, with a few excellent short courses.
Focus:
Major –
A diploma with a focus in fine arts, animal behaviour, zoology, animal physiology, or a closely related area is preferred.
Short Courses:
In drawing techniques and using software packages.
Career Name – Scientific Illustrator
Category: Art & Design / Business
Skills Required: Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic Subjects: Biology, Art, Business Studies
Minimum Required Education: College Diploma
Species Worked With: Pets, Critters, Farm Animals, Wildlife
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Direct
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
2. Fashion Designer
For those with a passion for both art and fashion, a career in eco-fashion and sustainable design can be both fulfilling and environmentally conscious. Artists in this field use their creative skills to design clothing and accessories inspired by wildlife and nature, while also prioritising sustainable and ethical practises. Knowledge of fashion design and textiles and an understanding of environmental issues in the fashion industry are crucial for success.
How to become a Fashion Designer
Minimum Requirements:
The minimum requirement to enter this career is a high school certificate, but most fashion designers have a college diploma or a bachelor’s degree in fashion design or fashion technology. Even if you don’t want to study further, short courses that teach both design and technical skills are critical to helping with the practical knowledge needed to work in this highly competitive industry.
Focus:
Major –
A diploma or degree that combines technical coursework with artistic and conceptual instruction
Short Courses:
Courses may include fashion drawing, 3-D design, colour theory, textiles, computer-aided design, fashion business, merchandising, and portfolio presentation.
Career Name – Fashion Designer
Category: Art & Design / Business
Skills Required: Life skills 45% – Career skills 55%
Basic Subjects: Art, Language, Business Studies
Minimum Required Education: College Diploma
Species Worked With: Pets, Critters, Farm Animals, Wildlife
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Indirect
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
3. AR Artist (Augmented Reality)
In the realm of cutting-edge technology, augmented reality (AR) artists are at the forefront of merging the digital and natural worlds. AR artists can create immersive experiences that overlay digital elements onto the real Environment, offering unique perspectives on wildlife. Imagine designing AR applications that allow users to interact with virtual animals in their own surroundings. To excel in this field, artists need proficiency in AR software, a solid understanding of wildlife biology, and a knack for creating captivating digital experiences.
How to become an AR Artist
Minimum Requirements:
The minimum requirement for an AR designer job is a good college diploma in design and animation. Earning a bachelor’s degree in graphic design may make it easier to land your first job, but a degree isn’t required if you’re a talented artist.
Focus:
Major –
Your tertiary studies should focus on graphic design and computer animation courses.
Short Courses:
There are a lot of good short courses that would add skills. A good background in drawing is essential, so be sure to perfect your doodling and sketching skills. Focus on skills that strengthen language, communications, and computer software.
Career Name – AR Artist
Category: Art & Design / Business
Skills Required: Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic Subjects: Art, Information Technology, Business Studies
Minimum Required Education: College Diploma
Species Worked With: Pets, Critters, Farm Animals, Wildlife
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Indirect
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
4. VR Artist (Virtual Reality)
Similar to AR, virtual reality (VR) artists immerse users in entirely digital environments. In the context of wildlife, VR artists can transport users to remote ecosystems, providing an up-close and personal encounter with animals in their natural habitats. Mastery of VR software, a deep appreciation for wildlife, and the ability to craft immersive digital landscapes are essential for success in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field.
How to become a VR Artist
Minimum Requirements:
To become a VR animator requires at least a College Diploma or even a Bachelor’s Degree.
Focus:
A good background in drawing is essential, so be sure to perfect your doodling and sketching skills. Short courses in the software packages used are essential, especially when you do make use of computer software to draw and render your drawings.
Career Name – VR Animator
Category – Art & Design
Skills Required – Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic Subjects – Art, Business Studies, Biology
Minimum Required Education – High School
Species Worked With – Pets, Critters, Farm Animals, Wildlife
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Indirect
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
5. Zoo Designer
Zoo design is an art form that involves creating environments that Mimic the natural habitats of animals while ensuring their well-being and the safety of visitors. Zoo designers work with architects, landscape architects, and animal behaviour experts to develop spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also enriching for the animals. This career path requires a deep understanding of animal behaviour, knowledge of landscape design, and the ability to integrate educational and conservation elements into the overall design of zoo exhibits.
How to become a Zoo Designer
Minimum Requirements:
The minimum requirement for both kinds of designers (artistic or architect) is a college diploma. Those interested in a more solid career can alternatively further their studies through a bachelor’s degree.
Focus:
Major –
As a pure artist, it would be advised to study a degree in visual arts, but also with short courses in animal science (zoology). For those looking at becoming architects, it would be best to focus on an architect degree at the university, along with additional classes or short courses in subjects such as landscape architecture and zoology.
Short Courses:
You can’t design a functional zoo without knowledge of the entertainment side of zoos. Short courses in marketing, media relations, and public relations would be handy.
A good background in drawing is essential, so be sure to perfect your doodling and sketching skills.
Career Name – Zoo Designer
Category: Art & Design / Business
Skills Required: Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic Subjects: Art, Business Studies, Biology
Minimum Required Education: College Diploma
Species Worked With: Wildlife
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Indirect
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
6. Fine Artist
Fine artists working in the realm of wildlife create expressive and evocative pieces that capture the beauty and essence of the natural world. These artists may produce paintings, sculptures, or other traditional artworks that showcase wildlife in a way that goes beyond scientific representation. Fine artists often convey emotions, perspectives, and narratives related to the interconnectedness of nature. This career path requires a deep appreciation for the aesthetic aspects of wildlife, proficiency in various artistic mediums, and the ability to evoke emotions through visual storytelling.
How to become a Fine Artist
Minimum Requirements:
To become a Fine Artist doesn’t require formal training, but many do go on to study a Bachelor’s or even Masters Degree in Fine Arts. Short courses are essential to learning different techniques.
Focus:
A good background in art is essential, so be sure to perfect your skills by practising daily.
Career Name – Fine Artist
Category: Art & Design / Business
Skills Required: Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic Subjects: Art, Language, Business Studies
Minimum Required Education: College Diploma
Species Worked With: Pets, Critters, Farm Animals, Wildlife
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Indirect
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
7. Cartoonist
The world of wildlife can be brought to life in a fun and engaging way through the art of cartooning. Cartoonists specialising in wildlife may create comic strips, editorial cartoons, or animations that entertain while conveying important messages about conservation and environmental issues. This career path combines artistic talent with a sense of humour and storytelling. Cartoonists need to be adept at simplifying complex concepts into visually appealing and accessible formats, making wildlife-related content enjoyable and educational for diverse audiences.
How to become a Cartoonist
Minimum Requirements:
To become an Animal Cartoonist doesn’t require formal training, but many do go on to study a College Diploma or even a Bachelor’s Degree in visual arts, English, or communications to perfect their skills. Short courses are essential, especially when you do make use of computer software to draw and render your drawings.
Focus:
A good background in drawing is essential, so be sure to perfect your doodling and sketching skills. The drawing and colouring aspects of cartoons can be done by hand or with specific software.
Career Name – Animal Cartoonist
Category – Art & Design / Business
Skills Required – Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic Subjects – Art, Business Studies, Biology
Minimum Required Education – High School Certificate
Species Worked With – Cats, Dogs, Critters, Farm Animals, Wildlife
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Indirect
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
These careers are all discussed on the One Zoo Tree career guidance platform, along with 25 other main career profiles in the Art and Design category. Many of these main profiles can lead to dozens of related or specialised careers. For example, a scientific illustrator might want to specialise in insects, or an exhibit designer might want to specialise in designing and building exhibits for natural science museums.
As high school students contemplate their future careers, the fusion of art and wildlife opens up a myriad of exciting possibilities. From illustrating the beauty of Biodiversity to using animation for scientific communication, and from capturing wildlife through the lens to promoting sustainable fashion, the intersection of art and wildlife is a space where creativity meets conservation.
Regardless of the specific path chosen, a strong foundation in both art and relevant scientific disciplines is crucial. High school students aspiring to pursue these careers should focus on developing a diverse skill set that includes artistic proficiency, knowledge of biology and ecology, and effective communication skills. By embracing the synergy of art and wildlife, these future professionals have the opportunity to contribute to the conservation of our planet’s diverse ecosystems while following their artistic passions. The canvas of the wild awaits, ready to be painted with strokes of creativity and commitment.
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This article is meant to educate and inspire those who want to work with animals. Therefore the info and images in this article are CC0. This enables visitors to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format, with no conditions.
