Attention Parents: Here Are Some STEAM Tips Straight From Disney Imagineering
We here at MickeyBlog LOVE that Disney Imagineers are going to be taking us through some tips on adding STEAM-focused activities into our time at home! The image shared above is actually one that a Disney Imagineer made during the development of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge!
As you know STEAM, is an important part of any school curriculum and it stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. Today the Imagineers start with one of our favorites – ART! Like the image above, it all starts with an idea. However, by going through various other steps it is brought to life (see below!) So with that in mind here are some handy tips from the people that have some of the coolest jobs in the world!
Here are three helpful tips to set your on your way to becoming your own Imagineer!
Tip 1: Take Time to Develop Your Drawing Skills!
Lyndsey Vincent, a senior interior designer with Disney had this to say:
“With all the great technology out there today, it can be tempting to start design sitting at your screen, but you’ll be surprised how putting pen to paper changes the way you think about your design. Having a hand-drawing to review often solicits great feedback in early phases of design as the looseness of the drawing communicates the intent, but leaves room for other ideas to emerge. Having good hand-drawing skills also will be a stand-out factor in your portfolio for those getting ready to apply to college or jobs.”
Tip 2: Recharge Mentally By Taking Time Out To Enjoy Great Art
But it’s not all about creation! You need to explore other artists as well! Just like any other craft, artists learn techniques and come up with their own unique ideas after being inspired by others. Check out what Matthew Schoepf, a Visual Effects Designer with Disney had to say,
“Creating art and media for theme parks and attractions requires a high level of technical execution and planning. To stimulate creative thinking, it’s important for me to find that quiet time between tasks or in the early morning or evening to research something I’m personally curious about and study it to make sure I’m growing as an artist. I would encourage students to recharge mentally by taking time to study great art from our past, from color and light in traditional landscape paintings to artists whose anatomy studies and sculptures are widely available online. You don’t need to be an ‘exceptional’ artist. It just takes a pencil, a piece of paper and a curiosity to get started.”
Tip 3: Remember: Invention Is An Interactive Art
And finally, a Disney Research Fellow reminds us that collaboration is good! Lanny Smoot says:
Lanny Smoot, a Disney Research Fellow, advised, “If you want something that doesn’t exist in this world yet, think of what it would be like to have it, and then think about how you could cause it to happen. Learn as much as you can about ways to cause your vision to come true. For example, see how others may have approached what you want to do. I am always curious and wonder whether things that haven’t been done could be done, and if things that are being done could be done in better, or different, ways.”
We are so excited that this is part of a Disney Imagineer series. The next one up is Engineering! A great diving in point would be to see how many of the tips above can be incorporated during your time at home whether it’s sketching your ideas, visiting a virtual museum or working on a project with friends!
Readers are encouraged to keep checking back with MickeyBlog for other fantastic ways to stay busy while at home!
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Source: Disney