We specialize in visual scientific communication projects in particular illustration to be included in printed and online publications, websites, exhibitions and presentations. We can also provide graphic design, web design and animation services.
We’re experienced with planning and teaching courses and workshops in scientific illustration using traditional and digital techniques and present often on the subject in institutions and conferences. Consultation services are available as well.
We’re usually contacted by museums, zoos and aquariums, newspapers and magazines, textbook publishers, research institutes and universities to work on biological, scientific, natural, molecular and several other subjects.
During the first consultation and contacts (by phone, email or in person) we find the goals and needs of your project, deciding on schedule and techniques. We’ll then prepare a proposal with a budget estimate and letter of agreement that establishes the terms and which is signed by both parties when approved. This is the point where we start working on sketches that are submitted to your appreciation and can be revised and changed until we find the solution you are looking for (if multiple revisions are necessary they may be included in your invoice). The final stage of production starts when sketches are accepted and once the project is completed, the images are delivered to you in digital format (via CD/DVD or internet) along with the invoice. Long-term projects may require invoicing several times over the duration of the project.
We work frequently with long-distance clients and have laid out a structure of communications that makes the process simple and effective.
The cost of a project is related to the time it takes to complete, which in turn is connected to several factors as complexity/quality, available references, reproduction rights, deadline and number of revisions during the sketch stage. These factors are particular for each project and as such it is not possible to do an estimate before knowing the assignment. For each project there is always an assortment of solutions that offer variety and flexibility in the fees.
We use a wide range including traditional techniques like graphite, ink, carbon dust, watercolor, gouache, acrylic and colored pencils; and also digital techniques using a great number of Mac and PC platform software, in 2D and 3D, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Flash, ToonBoom, Maya, Fontographer among others. The needs and goals of the project dictate the best suited technique(s).
There is a variety of copyright usage for you to purchase, from the right of reproducing the products once (in a publication, video, website, presentation, etc.) to multiple usages for several purposes. In general, we keep the copyright of the images, meaning we can use them, sell them and/or modify them again. However, the acquisition of full rights can also be negotiated if it is of your interest.
If you enjoy any of the images you find in the Portfolio, contact us to find if it is available for reselling and what are the usage fees. We don’t display all of our work here so inquire to find if there are more images in your area of interest. Remember however that commissioning custom images is usually the solution that best fits your project needs.
Scientific illustrations are images created to the public or to the scientific community that intend to get across a scientific message by helping or replacing written and spoken words. The images are usually rich in detail and produced by scientific illustrators who assure scientific accuracy in addition to the aesthetic appealingness. Scientific illustrations have a very wide range of applications like published and online scientific publications, environmental protection and education publications, websites, museum exhibitions, textbooks, presentations, postal stamps and many others.
Today’s technology and the advances in image capturing devices make many people wonder about the applicability of science illustration. In a few words: illustrations are custom-made images. A camera captures only what we put in front of the lens; an illustrator chooses what is to be represented, collects information from many and different sources and studies the most effective way of sending the visual message. He or she will come up with the better strategy to successfully communicate and make sure that the illustration conveys subtleties, eliminates the ambiguities of language; that it is appealing, clear, and above all scientifically accurate.
Science illustration can get across what is not visible revealing abstract concepts, mechanisms, processes and even extinct organisms and environments which will never be achievable by a camera.
A scientific illustrator is a trained and qualified professional in science and art usually with an academic degree in at least one of the areas. The United States offers a range of certified and master programs in science and medical illustration as do some other countries. See a list of institutions here and if you’re interested in more information about this contact us.
The Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI) based in the United States is a non-profit organization that sets the professional standards for professional illustrators and promotes events, workshops, annual conferences and publishes periodical information. The european equivalent is the Association Européenne des Illustrateurs Médicaux et Scientifiques (AEIMS) and the medical illustrators counterpart the Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI).
The most recommended book for those interested in the techniques, subjects and in scientific illustration as a profession is “The Guild Handbook of Natural Science Illustration", Elaine Hodges, Second Edition, John Wiley and Sons, 2003” available through GNSI.