Let’s see. I have a wife who is a painter and a father who was a theoretical physicist so have something of a sense of both worlds (and I have a PhD in an applied math field and began my career as a professor). Art is a tough profession. My wife is really talented, extremely hard-working, well-known, her work is in museums and she has shows at good galleries in several cities. Unlike most artists we know, she is cash-flow positive, but she feels (correctly) underappreciated by the world given her level of talent. My sense from watching is that the art world has become a branding or star system in which marketing talent and hustle outweigh artistic ability. So, not an easy profession for those who love to make art rather than hustle/brand.
One approach is to pursue a fulfilling career in one area and do the other as a hobby. I also have a friend who went to a liberal arts college, got a PhD in physics from Stanford, taught at a one or two of great universities on the east and went into policy before starting a business that he learned about while on the policy staff of an institute of a university. He also is gifted artistically and loves digital photography, which is his abiding hobby. Another friend started as a fine art photographer, became a merchant banker, did pretty well, retired for the most part and has gone back to his photography.
I recently met with a guy who studied both music and computer science. Did both. Became a protege of Steve Jobs and Marvin Minsky. Has had a very interesting career.
@ucbalumnus, I would have thought that kids with physics and math degrees should be able to find jobs in finance or data analysis without too much trouble.
I have a number of friends who are architects. This is a tough career. Architects are frequently laid off first and hired last as the real estate cycle swings from negative to positive. So, in some ways they take big risks. But, they don’t get the economic rewards associated with the risk. Not great career rewards, I don’t think, unless you are a real hustler and probably own the firm.
I think the interesting blending is with folks who combine the two areas – e.g., special effects software that uses math and physics. I know someone (with a physics PhD, I think) who was one of those who wrote the software used for special effects that was used for a number of years. I’d say virtual reality is the next such area.
Finally, perhaps what the OP’s son should do is to attend a school with a flexible curriculum (Brown, Amherst, Williams come to mind but I am sure there are many others) that enables him to take courses that match his interests. Beyond that, he should actively seek career advice and internships in areas that combine his interests. Don’t wait until he graduates to explore various areas.