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

🎙️ 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.🔍 What You’ll Learn: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)how to leverage your creative skills—like drawing and storytelling—as powerful assets in scienceHow to launch a visual communication business with no formal art or business training. and how long it can take it to make it sustainableWhy “what’s the worst (and what's the best) that can happen?” is sometimes the only question you need to leapWhat it means to build a career portfolio that reflects your values—and your environment🧠 About the Guest: Dr. Sue Pillans (also known as Dr. Suzie Starfish) is a marine scientist, artist, and founder of Picture Your Ideas, 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.📌 Episode Highlights:00:00 A leap of faith sparked by loss—and a magazine article 03:00 Growing up in nature and falling in love with the ocean 05:00 A career across government, universities, and CSIRO 07:00 Rediscovering watercolor during a PhD and turning it into a second skillset 11:00 What is graphic recording and how Sue works live at events 15:00 Capturing complex stories visually—fast, accurate, inclusive 22:00 Art as a universal language across cultures and languages 25:00 Losing her sister and choosing courage over security 29:00 How risk-aversion gave way to purpose-led reinvention 34:00 Finding her first client before she even advertised 37:00 Growing a business without ads—just visibility and word of mouth 39:00 The financial side: slow build, privilege, and steady growth 41:00 Pricing creative services with confidence and clarity 43:00 Writing and illustrating children’s books for environmental literacy 47:00 The publishing journey: self-funded vs. book deal 52:00 Time, creative process, and the reality of picture book economics 54:00 Burnout, boundaries, and the discipline of creative flow 55:00 Hard work, privilege, and building a life that feels like you🔗 Resources Mentioned:Picture Your Ideas – Sue’s WebsiteDr. Sue Pillans on LinkedInhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX3lbJEMpJagTnj7HOWCFewHer books: Cranky Frankie and the Oceans of Trash; The Great Barrier ThiefFranklin Women🤔 Reflection Time:Have you buried a creative skill you once loved—could it have a role in your career?If you could blend any two things you’re passionate about, what kind of job might you create?What would change if you asked, “What’s the worst that could happen?” more often?  Want to craft a career story that opens doors?I help STEMM professionals speak with clarity, confidence, and purpose and show up as thought leaders —so the right opportunities find you.📬 Let’s connect: angeliquegreco.com.au | LinkedIn  ⭐️ Help More People Reinvent Their CareersIf you enjoyed this episode, please:✅ Leave a quick ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 🙏♻️ Share it with a friend who's questioning their path in STEM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.