Art Meets Data: An Animation Student’s Unexpected Path into Analytics

When Meghan, an animation student with a passion for graphic design, walked into a data storytelling studio as an intern, she never imagined it would alter the course of her creative career. Meghan’s world revolved around pixels and palettes, but she was captivated as she observed her colleagues transform raw data into impactful visuals. Those charts and graphs, powerful and visually compelling, spoke to her as a form of storytelling she hadn’t yet explored.

In this article, we share Meghan’s unexpected journey from animation to data analytics and discover how her creative foundation prepared her to navigate this exciting field. We’ll also explore how art and data analytics intersect and why more students and professionals realise the potential of tech skills for their careers.

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From Intern to Data Enthusiast: Meghan’s Journey

During her internship, Meghan was fascinated by how her colleagues converted complex datasets into accessible, aesthetically engaging visuals. Each chart, each graph, seemed to hold a narrative, one that she was eager to understand. “I was really interested in how my co-workers turned raw datasets into these amazing charts,” she explained, reflecting on her time at the data storytelling studio. Driven by curiosity, she began to seek out ways to develop this new skill herself.

In pursuit of deeper knowledge, Meghan enrolled in Vertical Institute’s Data Analytics course. There, she found an environment designed to empower beginners, where instruction and resources helped her connect her creative skills and new technical tools. “I had no knowledge about data software before this,” she admitted, “but the instructors geared the lessons towards complete newcomers, and it was great—I could follow along.” Through weeks of study and practice, Meghan went from curiosity to competency, successfully completing her Capstone project, a data visualisation deck she crafted from scratch.

“I was really amazed looking at the charts I created,” Meghan said. “It was great to see all those weeks of learning come to fruition.”

Art and Data Analytics: Where Creativity Meets Structure

At first glance, animation and data analytics may seem worlds apart. However, these fields share more in common than one might expect. Both rely on pattern recognition, storytelling, and engaging audiences visually. Here’s how Meghan’s art and design background served as a foundation for learning data analytics:

Storytelling Skills

Meghan’s experience as an artist had already taught her how to convey complex ideas through imagery. Data storytelling, too, relies on the ability to frame information in an accessible and engaging way for viewers. Charts and graphs tell a story about the numbers, giving context and driving key insights.

Attention to Detail and Aesthetics

Graphic design is about making visuals functional and appealing; these qualities are equally valuable in data visualisation. A well-crafted data chart is visually balanced, clean, and designed to convey information at a glance. Meghan’s design instincts transferred directly into this new medium.

Creative Problem-Solving

Animation and graphic design are often about creating something beautiful within certain constraints. Similarly, data analysts must work within the limits of the data available, finding innovative ways to make insights clear, memorable, and impactful.

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The Value of Upskilling in Data Analytics for Creative Professionals

Meghan’s story reflects a larger trend: creatives from all backgrounds increasingly recognise the value of tech skills like data analytics. This shift is happening because data is now integral to many fields, from business to healthcare to entertainment. By adding analytics skills to their portfolios, creative professionals can open doors to new opportunities and enhance their work with fresh insights and tools.

For Meghan, this shift was natural. Data analytics offered her a way to tell stories using information rather than images, and it’s a skill set she can use in any industry. The flexibility of data skills is what makes them so appealing, especially for creatives looking to expand their career options.

Conclusion

Meghan’s journey from animation to analytics may seem unconventional, but it’s a perfect example of how diverse skills can converge to create something powerful and unique. At Vertical Institute, students from all backgrounds are discovering the versatility and value of data analytics skills. “Vertical Institute is a place where everyone, regardless of age or prior education, can come to learn new skills,” Meghan said, reflecting on her experience.

In an era where data and digital literacy are essential, Meghan’s story highlights the unexpected potential of data skills. For aspiring professionals, lifelong learners, and those looking to expand their horizons, data analytics offers versatile skills that apply across industries. Combining creativity with data opens new pathways for storytelling, innovation, and career growth.

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About Vertical Institute

Vertical Institute is revolutionising the future of work by empowering individuals with essential skills to excel in today’s evolving job market. Our comprehensive courses and certifications are designed to cultivate vital skills and nurture the next generation of visionaries and trailblazers. 

As a certified Approved Training Provider (ATO) recognised by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and the Institute of Banking & Finance Singapore (IBF), Vertical Institute offers state-of-the-art, government-subsidised tech courses. Participants in our programs are eligible for SkillsFuture Credits and NTUC UTAP funding, which helps alleviate education costs.