What is the best career choice based on my talents?

Question

I graduated with a computer science degree in 2007. I originally majored in graphic design and keep yearning to go back or wanting to find a career that will utilize my artistic ability as well.

I'm trying to find a area where I can use my creative and problem solving abilities. I fill like if I just do graphic design I won't be using my problem solving abilities and if I do straight software development I won't be using my artistic abilities.

I need help figuring out what technologies or careers I need to focus on so I'm using all my talents. I'm thinking User Interface Designer might be a good start. Other suggestions would be appreciated.

Also, are there other people reading this that have been down this road before trying to decide on a career where they can utilize their talents specifically creativity and problems solving skills.

Answer 1

I'll keep it short and simple

"Also, are there other people reading this that have been down this road before trying to decide on a career where they can utilize their talents specifically creativity and problems solving skills."

I think that's everyone's goal.

This question is entirely up to you. What do you feel like doing?

UI though, sounds good in your case. You get to design the interface, and apply common sense and problem solving skills. (which widget to use, is it best for every user, what about colorblind users, etc)

So not only will you be designing the interface, but thinking of problems the current interface could bring, and then think of solutions.(and try doing these in advance :p )

Answer 2

I've worked with a lot of 3D videogame artists. They do a pretty good job of problem solving and art & design work.

Answer 3

How about 3D graphics: you could leverage your programming skills in automating, scripting, rigging, that sort of thing. Your artistic and technical skills could combine very effectively there.

Graphics work for game design could be appealing, and you have the whole gamut from the purely artistic (e.g. sketching ideas for characters and scenery) to the purely technical.

Alternatively, what about developing software for creative applications: drawing or painting software, typographic design, page design, etc. might keep your artistic side happy too. Design a killer app, develop, market, rule the world. :)

Answer 4

I understand your dilemma. I love the programming and problem solving side of things, but I do have an artistic/design streak in me that wants to get out. My plan is to professionally stick with the code and do art stuff on the side for the fun of it. However, you sound like you've invested a bit more in design (with your degree) than I have. Designing GUIs can be fun and I think that programmers tend to not be very good at this, so that definitely sounds like something worth looking at. Also consider web design. There's also the games industry, although I personally wouldn't want to work there.

I think you'll find it very difficult to find a job that uses both your artistic abilities and problem solving abilities as much as you'd like. Maybe look at smaller companies where you aren't so boxed in as a 'UI developer' or 'senior software engineer' and can work on both at different times. Good luck!

Answer 5

UI development sounds like a great fit for you. I work with some programmers who, while very smart, couldn't design a UI for the life of them. They have a very mechanical mindset where if they slap something anywhere on the UI, it will be successful, and if users don't find it it's because they're stupid. It takes a more instinctive, creative, but practical mindset to create a truly great user experience, which it sounds like you leverage very well.

Answer 6

If you are located in New Jersey or Eastern PA, put your profile on http://jobs.stackoverflow.com/ and let me know when it is there (just add a comment here) and I'll take a look. I need someone who is artistically creative but who can also develop software.

Answer 7

Web developer / designer could potentially utilize both although you didnt specifically mention any experience in this area.

Maybe you could pursue one path as a hobby.

Answer 8

My personal opinion is that you aren't seeing how these combine in either main path:

1) Where is the problem solving in designing graphics? Well, generally there are concerns about branding and messaging as well as how complex can the graphics be while still having whatever eye candy was requested. My point here is that in designing a graphic for Widget Co. there is a problem that they want solved that you may not be seeing there.

2) Where is the artistic ability used in solving problems? Well, where does the idea of an algorithm originate? Creating and explaining a solution and looking at what patterns or other qualities exist within it can have its own side as code can be written in hundreds of ways and sometimes seeing those few lines of code that can do so much because of the structure can be something to see.