Drawing Science: a guide to working with illustrators

Science communication is about distilling key information in a way that can be more easily shared.

I took part in the ‘Drawing Science’ workshop in Auckland NZ in 2021, a wonderful collaboration between the Spinoff, and Science Media Center, supported by NZ on Air where illustrators and scientists gathered to explore collaborations between science and art. As a medical illustrator passionate about visual science communication, this was an absolute treat, not least because of the presence of Toby Morris and Dr Siouxsie Wiles, who have become something of celebrities in the world of science communication for their amazing collaborations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What illustration can do for science communication.

Visual communication of science can be as complex or simple as needed depending on the audience.

Following the event, the Science Media Center commissioned some of the artists (myself included) to work on a short illustrated guide for researchers interested in working with artists to share science, and made this wonderful illustrated resource free for anyone interested.

Check it out here, or read more on the Science Media Centre.