** Update: As of March 2024, I am no longer accepting new projects **
Interested in working together?
Below are some frequently asked questions, including:
“What even is scientific illustration?”
“I want to work together. What info do you need from me?”
“How do I know which visual style is best for my project?”
“What’s your pricing?”
“What Even Is Scientific Illustration?”
I’m often asked, “What even is scientific illustration? Why not just take a picture?” These are valid questions! Scientific illustration is an art form that can articulates complex concepts through imagery, and conveys important details that can’t be captured in a photo or text.
For example, say you want to understand how an animal’s skeleton fits under its skin and muscles. You could technically look at a photo of an animal cross section, but you likely wouldn’t be able to tell bone, tendons, and muscle apart. Besides, who wants to see all the gory details of a cross section? A well-researched scientific illustration clarifies the information you want from extraneous, distracting details and presents information in an easily understandable way.
Scientific illustration also gives visuals to concepts that are impossible to photograph, such as atomic structures, ocean currents, or the solar system. Having a clear visual for a complex system enables both researchers and educators communicate their information and helps viewers grasp complex concepts and information.
If you’d like to learn more about scientific illustration, you can watch my presentation “Using Scientific Illustration to Reconstruct Extinct Species” from the Entomological Society of America’s national conference in November 2023.
“I Want to Work Together. What Info Do You Need From Me?”
To best create a visual that works for you, I’ll need to know:
Your timeline. I am usually available to do quick turnarounds for tight deadlines; however, it’s best to reach out as early as possible, so we will have plenty of time for consultation and edits.
What specific information you want your visual to convey. What information is imperative? What is superfluous? Do you want your viewers to understand a big-picture concept, like how a system works, or the exact details of a specific anatomical structure?
How the visual will ultimately be displayed. Will it be published on the web, printed in a magazine, or both? Does it need to fit within certain dimensions? Does your publisher have specific guidelines concerning colors, fonts, font sizes, etc?
“How Do I Know What Visual Style is Best For My Project?”
Depending on what information you want to convey, different styles of illustration may better suit your goals. Below are the artistic styles I offer.
Line Drawings
Ideal for visualizing simple concepts or organisms. A simple black and white line drawing style might be best for you if you have color limitations, are working within a strict budget, or want to engage viewers to physically interact with the image like in a coloring book.
Solid Graphics
When you want to simplify a complex concept for a young/new/inexperienced audience, a simple solid graphic style is a great way to communicate information in a way that is easily comprehensible.
Realistic Full Color
This style can be as detailed and elaborate as you want and is ideal for highlighting the anatomical details of a specific specimen or object.
Realistic Full Color (With Environment)
This style can be as detailed and elaborate as you want and is great at showing how specimen interact with their environment.
Infographics
When you want to display visual and written information together, an infographic is the way to go. A combination of scientific illustrations and concise text in a balanced layout simultaneously draws in audiences and educates them on your topic.
“What’s Your Pricing?”
My pricing can be flexible depending on your project and budget. Once I know more about your project, I can estimate how many hours the project will take and bill hourly, or I can give a flat project fee if you’re working within a set budget.
Styles and projects that require less time and technical expertise, such as simple linework, solid graphics, or single visuals will cost less than more elaborate projects like realistic specimens, large or multi-part projects, or infographics.
I am available for single projects, on-going contracts, and anything in between. My prices include a consultation, rough drafts, a round of edits, a final draft, and a final round of edits. For a more specific estimate, please contact me with project details.