Why hire a science illustrator?

Science illustrators are artists who can take complex scientific concepts and communicate them using visual media.

I create beautiful artwork that enhances and illuminates your research. My clients want publications and presentations that stand out and showcase the beauty of the natural world, which is often why they became scientists in the first place. Science illustrators often create imagery for things that are difficult to communicate through text, graphs, and photographs, such as:

• extinct or rare organisms
• complex processes
• experimental design
• things that are too small (proteins) or too big (solar systems)
• ecosystem relationships

What Services do you offer?

I am a widely published professional science illustrator with a Masters in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from UCLA. My graduate work was on chemical ecology and marine biology. I also worked for five years as a lab manager for the life sciences department of Monterey Peninsula College. I have years of experience working with biologists to create artwork that fits your needs. With my background in biology research and education, I speak your language and can transform your work into elegantly designed visuals.

Species Paintings
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Give biological context to your phylogenies and graphs with accurate watercolor species illustrations.

Give biological context to your phylogenies and graphs with accurate watercolor species illustrations.

Logos
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Let's create a professional logo for your organization, lab, or business.

Let's create a professional logo for your organization, lab, or business.

Diagrams​

A diagram is worth a thousand words. I can create stunning visuals to help you better communicate your research.

A diagram is worth a thousand words. I can create stunning visuals to help you better communicate your research.

Educational Material
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If you need illustrations for instructional purposes, I can create work that will enhance your classroom activities.

If you need illustrations for instructional purposes, I can create work that will enhance your classroom activities.

Figure Design
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If you struggle with conceptualizing your work, I can help you plan and design your figures to create something polished and professional.

If you struggle with conceptualizing your work, I can help you plan and design your figures to create something polished and professional.

Technical Drawing
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If you need accurate technical line drawings, I have an eye for detail and experience creating ink specimen drawings.

If you need accurate technical line drawings, I have an eye for detail and experience creating ink specimen drawings.

How much will it cost?

The cost will depend on the amount of time it takes to complete a project and also the rights and use of the artwork. I charge $100 per hour, and most projects for scientific research purposes fall between $200 - $800, depending on the number and complexity of the work. Species paintings start at $200. If you would like to use the illustrations in future publications, there is a reuse fee for additional use.

How long will it take?

This also depends on the scope of the project, but most small projects for scientific research purposes take 2-3 weeks to complete. Larger projects can take several months, depending on the number of paintings. I will always make sure to complete work by your deadline. I take on small projects, such as a single illustration, or large multi-illustration projects. I am also available for long term as well.

What do I do next?

Let's talk about your project! Think about what you want the artwork to communicate to your audience and how it will be used. If you need help developing a project, I can work with you to come up with ideas. This is how the process works:
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1. We will chat about your ideas, needs, deadlines, budget
2. I will send you quote for the work and a contract that describes the details of the commission
3. 50-100% of payment is due after the contract is signed
4. If you work for a university, I will need to be added as an approved vendor, which requires a little bit of paperwork
5. I will create rough sketches of the work
6. Once sketches are edited and approved by you, I will start work on the final illustration
7. I will send the final illustration in any digital formats you require