Ever wonder how you can combine a love of art and design with STEM into a successful and fun career? This week’s Wednesday’s Women in STEM series features Lisa Wackenhuth Svanström, a 3D artist with Star Stable Entertainment.
When/how did you first become interested in STEM?
I live in Stockholm, Sweden which is a very innovative city. Stockholm has brought you groundbreaking innovations from companies like Ericsson, Spotify and King (Developer and Publisher of Candy Crush). I think living in Stockholm naturally fuels your interest to create things that are technologically advanced.
In addition, I am a lifelong artist and digital creator, and went to university to study Game Design and Graphics. While there, I studied different types of software and digital tools that I could use to bring my artistic visions to life. I landed a job at Star Stable Entertainment, a video game company, right after graduation where I am fortunate to work with the best technology every day in my role as a 3D Artist.
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I went to Uppsala University – Campus Gotland, which has the best-preserved medieval city in all of Scandanavia, and is on the UNCESO World Heritage list. I actually studied Game Design and Graphics, so I am more on the ‘tech’ side of things vs. science and engineering. I even worked as a founder and designer for my own board game while I was there.
After completing my studies, it was clear that becoming a video game designer was a great way to fuel my passion for design, tech, and (big surprise) my love of horseback riding. (Keep reading to understand!)
What is your current career and how do you use your interests in STEM on a day-to-day basis?
I am currently a 3D Artist for Star Stable Entertainment, a multiplayer game full of horses, magic and adventure. Specifically, I spend my day designing and developing the 3D (and gorgeous) horses that are the main focus of the game.
I use tools such as Autodesk Maya, Photoshop, 3D Coat, and our in-house game engine to design the 3D horses. In the development studio, artists (3D, 2D, VFX, and animators), designers, and programmers all work closely together from start to finish. Artists work on the creative vision, designers work with the mechanics and features of the game, then programmers use their coding knowledge to bring it all to life. This combination of artistic and tech-based expertise has allowed us to create a vivid, in-depth game that is loved by millions of young women all over the world!
What do you like most about your current job? What do you find most challenging?
My favorite part about my job is that I combine my computer and my imagination every day. I am able to unite my interests and skills in horses, design, and technology to create magic for girl gamers around the world. I get to digitize horses, the most magical creature on the planet for a living. What an amazing gift.
STEM careers are not siloed – we work with business development, marketing, sales and more. And sometimes it can be challenging to make sure all of the different teams are aligned and completing all of our respective tasks on time, but thankfully producers are there to keep us all on track!
What advice would you give to young girls who are interested in pursuing STEM activities or careers?
Start building your network and seeking out role models, especially those who may work or study in a different discipline than you – everyone brings something different to the table and you can learn something new from everyone you meet!
Become a specialist in what interests you the most. For example, I am always striving to learn different game engines, different 2D and 3D software tools, and I try new games all the time too – so I get to have fun while I’m learning too.
While developing specific skills is key, it’s also important to develop a broad view of the world – don’t be afraid to try new sports, take an art or computer class, or explore the theater world – never stop learning and challenging yourself!
Think outside the box. STEM means so many things to so many people. You can build a career building data centers, inventing new self-driving cars, or even coding video games. Find the path that interests you… and go for it.
Anything else our girls or their parents would be interested in knowing about you?
I am lucky. I was able to combine my love of technology and my passion for horses… and then make a great career out of it.
While I work on designing virtual horses, I am also a lifelong horseback rider! I have experience both riding and taking care of horses, and the skills I developed in the stables, such as leadership, personal responsibility, and creative problem solving have been instrumental to my career.
(Photos courtesy of Lisa Wackenhuth Svanström)