René Campbell

I definitely find it hard to balance both. The beginning of my PhD I focused too heavily on art, and now I feel like I’m focusing too heavily on science haha. I guess it’s a give and take always. I just try to illustrate my research whenever I can.

Oh yes totally! During the first 1-1.5 years (the literature review/proposal/field trial stage) I definitely felt like I was too art-focused. Now at thesis write up there's barely any art. Thankfully I have some figures to do for my General Intro so hopefully that will help

If I didn't have a PI that I connect with as well as I do, I feel like it would be hard to tour/book shows/write music as actively as I'm able to. She's the best; having a PI that values work life balance is crucial imo

I don't think it's inherently the work life balance so much, but rather that research/thesis writing is inherently a creative process and takes a lot of that mental energy. Meaning when I do have time to create (because I do), I just can't because my brain is so worn out.

It’s actually really bothering me because I carved a niche with my alias “Lemon” as a magazine and blog writer, and now I can’t even do what I used to do best anymore

I feel this. Because the things I enjoy drawing most also happen to be the things I study, I've tried to find ways to turn work into a creative outlet (figures, life recons etc.) but this can lead to me blurring the lines bewteen hobby & work, which can be risky if not moderated.

I agree, I've been meaning to start a new painting for months. But I need to be in the right mindset & usually it seems there are a 100 PhD things to do first! But reading this, I'm impressed by how many cool creative side projects we are doing! Maybe we can inspire each other!