As a scientific and medical artist, my goal is to explain scientific concepts visually. People often ask me why photography, computers, and imaging technology do not replace the need for illustrations. Although there is no correct answer, I strongly believe that the ability to explain a concept through visual means lies in the hands of the artist. Without understanding of a subject, an image is just an image. The artist's role is to use any available tool, however traditional or cutting-edge, to tell a story.
My science background allows me to think critically about the subjects I illustrate. Knowledge of the subject and keen observation skills obtained through my art training gives me the ability to capture scientific details that may easily be missed. I enjoy working with traditional media, but a lot of my works involve the combination of both traditional and digital media. I have a special interest in object design and creating three-dimensional models.
My spare time is usually spent doing arts and crafts or watching forensic shows. I also play piano and violin, and would like to learn martial arts.
- M.S. in Biomedical Visualization, Graduation expected August 2009
University of Illinois, Chicago, IL - Certificate in Science Illustration, September 2006
University of California Extension, Santa Cruz, CA - B.S. in Bioengineering, Chemistry Minor, May 2005
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
- Anaplastology Assistant--University of Illinois Craniofacial Center (Chicago, IL) June 2008 to Present
- Learned standard laboratory materials and techniques for making facial prostheses
- Designed and fabricated auricular prostheses for patients in a clinical environment
- Integrated traditional methods with digital planning to increase accuracy and reduce fabrication time
- Improved laboratory techniques
- Observed implant surgeries
- Practiced professionalism in a clinical environment
- Freelance Illustrator, August 2005 to present
- Illustrated scientific subjects for academic publications
- Designed logos and academic posters for laboratories
- Worked with a variety of clients, ranging from private individuals to companies
- Adapted to the clients' needs for different projects
- Biological Illustrator--California Academy of Sciences (Mill Valley, CA) September 2006 to July 2007
- Illustrated over sixty new species of insects from the order Embiidina for journal publications
- Photographed insects through a microscope
- Organized and digitized files and images
- Interviewed and trained other illustrators
- Intern--Scientific American (New York, NY) July 2006 to September 2006
- Art directed the article "Peacekeepers of the Immune System" in the October 2006 issue
- Designed the cover page illustration and information graphics for the article
- Communicated ideas with illustrators and presented drafts at weekly meetings
- Formatted the article using InDesign to fit magazine and printing requirements
- Illustrated several graphs and charts for the September and October 2006 issues
- Art directed the article "Peacekeepers of the Immune System" in the October 2006 issue
- Cziko, P. A., Cheng, C. -H. C. (2006). A New Species of Nototheniid (Perciformes: Notothenioidei) Fish From McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Copeia, 2006(4), 752-759.
- Martin, O. (2005). Lettuce Offers a Palette of Tastes, Textures, and Colors. The Cultivar, 23(2), 13-17.
- Ross, E. S. (2008). Lifelong Safari: The Story of a 93-Year-Old Peripatetic Insect Hunter. Annual Reviews of Entomology, 54, 50-57. (credited as illustrator who contributes to research; no illustration appears in the publication)
- Ross, E. S. (2008). The Embiidina of Eastern Asia, Part I. Proceedings, 58(29), 575-600.
- Socolow, R. H., Pacala, S. S. (2006). A Plan to Keep Carbon in Check. Scientific American, 295(3), 50-57.
- Makeig, S. et al. (2009). Linking Brain, Mind, and Behavior. International Journal of Psychophysiology
- Experienced with both traditional and digital media, including:
- graphite
- pen and ink
- coquille
- scratchboard
- color pencil
- watercolor
- gouache
- acrylic
- Photoshop
- Corel Painter
- Illustrator
- InDesign
- GoLive
- Dreamweaver
- 3ds Max
- AfterEffects
- Premiere
- Skilled at impression-taking, casting, and three-dimensional sculpting
- Graphic design and exhibit design
- Animation
- Familiar with biology and chemistry laboratory techniques