{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6311fe9bae5d13001250521f/64a7a6b5dbdee70011a93eb0?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"STEM career reimagined - Combining a PhD in marine biology and art to create a new job as a Visual Storyteller: How Dr. Sue Pillans Designed a Portfolio Career That Mirrors Her Values ( from the beach) - Full STEAM ahead","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/6311fe9bae5d13001250521f/1662797583337-de375df37af1ab61973773cd834d3f5f.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>🎙️ After a decade in marine science, Dr. Sue Pillans swapped research papers for sketchbooks—founding a visual storytelling business that helps scientists, educators, and policymakers communicate complex ideas through art, all while living life by the sea.</p><p><br></p><p>🔍 <strong>What You’ll Learn:</strong></p><ul><li>How to combine your talents and passion with yout science degree and turn it into something unique ( in this case marine biology, art, facilitation, and science communication)</li><li>how to leverage your creative skills—like drawing and storytelling—as powerful assets in science</li><li>How to launch a visual communication business with no formal art or business training. and how long it can take it to make it sustainable</li><li>Why “what’s the worst  (and what's the best) that can happen?” is sometimes the only question you need to leap</li><li>What it means to build a career portfolio that reflects your values—and your environment</li></ul><p><br></p><p>🧠 <strong>About the Guest:</strong></p><p> Dr. Sue Pillans (also known as Dr. Suzie Starfish) is a marine scientist, artist, and founder of <em>Picture Your Ideas</em>, a visual storytelling business helping organizations simplify complex concepts through hand-drawn illustrations. From live graphic recording at conferences to environmental-themed children’s books, Sue’s career bridges science, creativity, and education. She’s also a published author and illustrator, and a passionate advocate for ocean conservation and visual thinking in STEMM.</p><p><br></p><p>📌 <strong>Episode Highlights:</strong></p><p>00:00 A leap of faith sparked by loss—and a magazine article</p><p> 03:00 Growing up in nature and falling in love with the ocean</p><p> 05:00 A career across government, universities, and CSIRO</p><p> 07:00 Rediscovering watercolor during a PhD and turning it into a second skillset</p><p> 11:00 What is graphic recording and how Sue works live at events</p><p> 15:00 Capturing complex stories visually—fast, accurate, inclusive</p><p> 22:00 Art as a universal language across cultures and languages</p><p> 25:00 Losing her sister and choosing courage over security</p><p> 29:00 How risk-aversion gave way to purpose-led reinvention</p><p> 34:00 Finding her first client before she even advertised</p><p> 37:00 Growing a business without ads—just visibility and word of mouth</p><p> 39:00 The financial side: slow build, privilege, and steady growth</p><p> 41:00 Pricing creative services with confidence and clarity</p><p> 43:00 Writing and illustrating children’s books for environmental literacy</p><p> 47:00 The publishing journey: self-funded vs. book deal</p><p> 52:00 Time, creative process, and the reality of picture book economics</p><p> 54:00 Burnout, boundaries, and the discipline of creative flow</p><p> 55:00 Hard work, privilege, and building a life that feels like you</p><p><br></p><p>🔗 <strong>Resources Mentioned:</strong></p><ul><li><a href=\"https://www.drsuepillans.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Picture Your Ideas – Sue’s Website</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sue-pillans-4b05b639/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Dr. Sue Pillans on LinkedIn</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX3lbJEMpJagTnj7HOWCFew\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX3lbJEMpJagTnj7HOWCFew</a></li><li>Her books: Cranky Frankie and the Oceans of Trash; The Great Barrier Thief</li><li><a href=\"https://www.franklinwomen.com.au/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Franklin Women</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>🤔 <strong>Reflection Time:</strong></p><ul><li>Have you buried a creative skill you once loved—could it have a role in your career?</li><li>If you could blend any two things you’re passionate about, what kind of job might you create?</li><li>What would change if you asked, “What’s the worst that could happen?” more often?</li></ul><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>","author_name":"Angelique Greco | Biotech & Health-Tech Expert | STEM Thought Leadership Coach"}