How to commission illustrations, and other FAQ

What are scientific or medical illustrations used in?

Journal article You may only have a second or two to catch a reader's eye. A strong illustration will catch the reader's eye, and pull them into the article. It will also make the points in the article easier to understand, and make the article look more cared for.
Presentations for fund raising Strong illustrations can save you a lot of time. If you find yourself explaining the same points over and over, an illustration could make those points for you. If you find your audience asking the same questions, or getting confused at the same point in your presentation, illustrations could clarify those issues. Illustrations will also make you look more serious and professional.

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Text books If you're writing a text book, you probably already know where you need illustrations. Having an entire text book illustrated by the same artist can bring a level of class and unity to your project. Illustrations can be simple or complex, depending on your audience and budget.
Lectures If you're giving lectures, you probably already know where you need illustrations. Illustrations can be simple or complex, depending on your audience and budget.

What should I keep in mind when looking for an artist?

You should enjoy the style of the artist's work.
You should be able to communicate easily about your needs with the artist (an artist should take notes and ask questions when you describe your project, and make sure they understand your needs before they leave the table).

What is the process?

First, we would talk about what you want, your audience, timeline, etc. Then I would send you a bid or estimate for your project.
The project starts. We would meet in person or on the phone to discuss your project in more detail. This is a great time for you to present any resources you may have, such as photos, notes, articles on the subject, etc. I may create rough sketches in the meeting.
I then go to the library and fill in any gaps.
You would receive a presentation of sketches showing the layout and main points that need to get across to your audience.
If the illustrations are for a presentation / lecture, this is a great time for you to think about the questions that people ask, and whether the illustration will speak to those questions.
I revise the sketches and send you a more completed illustration. At this point you may love your illustration and after some final touches we're done. If you want to see some fine points revised, the illustration may go back and forth between us again before you love it and we're done.

What are the costs?

That generally depends on the use that you will put the illustration to and complexity of the illustration(s) you need, and your timeline.

Linking information

Title: Medical Illustration
URL: http://biomedical-illustration.com
Description: Information for scientific illustrators, medical illustrators, graphic designers that specialize in medical content, and those who hire them.

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Medical illustration home page

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