Im so glad I stumbled across your video. I’m at a roadblock where I have a Masters degree in Pharmaceutical Medicine with a background of microbiology and biochemistry but I have a romantic affair with art. I have a really strong creative side. I’m currently in an internship program but feel like I’m failing. I feel like I wasted my time studying and I don’t want to damage my career before it could actually begin. I’ve been doing some research on how I can combine science and art and came across being a science illustrator. The transition is difficult especially in South Africa. But your video does give me hope to pursue it. Thank you very much.
Hi Deidre, trust your gut feeling and go for what you feel right for you. It will be very rewarding regardless of the outcome. I have faced insanely difficult challenges because of my decision to become a scientific illustrator while living in a foreign country. However, the funny thing is, I have since then felt that I am doing what I am suppose to be doing. It makes me feel very alive and grateful for all of the experiences, both good and bad. So I strongly suggest everyone to take the leap to do whatever they feel like doing. Everything is "figureoutable" once you set off on the journey. I took this word from #MarieForleo. She has a great talk you can watch here th-cam.com/video/zDBM4KRvl1s/w-d-xo.html
Hi Deidre, I can totally resonate with what you are saying, I am from India and have a pharmaceutical masters and I am not a big fan of research therefore currently doing my internship in Market Access in a reputed firm, I am strongly rooted to somehow club my art skills into the Scientific knowledge I have gained all these years to make a career/ passive income source, would love to know and chat on how far have you reached with your similar quest you had 7 months ago :)’
I can relate to this message and what Jon is saying. I'm also in South Africa, almost done with my honours in Plant Pathology and after having a taste of what research is like (literally exactly what Jon said), I really want to try and combine art and Plant Pathology. I want to make these complex scientific articles more understandable to farmers and I have soooooo many ideas. Just not sure where to start. There is like NO ONE studying Plant Path (which is crazy - food pandemics are real and no one is trying to prevent them). And I can't study anything else now. But have taught myself a lot of things (illustration, design video editing, like literally anything creative), but am not using the right tools/ apps... Like I'm am using powerpoint for graphic designing, don't have money for other tools. So yes... I would love to hear tips about how to start without money for classes and apps.
I'm a CGI illustrator with a background in architecture, which has a little in common with your background. I'm also self taught. The thing that helped me early on was to develop a portfolio (not a very big one) and then start marketing it by reaching out to companies that I thought would have a need for my kind of illustrations. At first it was very hit or miss, but I did start to get projects here and there. I continued to work my regular job for security. Yeah, I was working like 60 -70 hours a week sometimes. But after a year or so I finally got the courage to go off on my own and it worked. . . ! I hope this helps a little. I'm in U.S., can you describe why this transition is especially difficult in South Africa?
"I have never drawn before", this..! You have lifted such a big weight off my heart, as I, too, have not much drawn in my life. I’m graduating in biology in 2 months, and had no idea what to do afterwards. Thank you, this is so encouraging!
I’ve drawn nature all my life but I found myself with no time to draw during my undergrad and master’s degree in biology. I struggled the whole way through from conceiving my study through the publication process, and all this time I keep thinking about how badly I miss making art. You give me inspiration to embrace my real self.
Im currently studying biotechnology and I’ve always draw since i can remember. I’ve been struggling with science cause I’m not sure i want to do research so this video really makes me happy 😃 ty!
Truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing. I have just started Illustrator to make figures for my lab. It has been very challenging but rewarding experience. I have a learned a lot from your channel, please keep the high quality content coming. You are doing a great service to many :).
Hi! Thank you for your lovely feedback. I am glad my tutorial is helping scientists like you. Stayed tuned for the videos :D I will definitely keep producing them.
Thank you so much for this video!! I've always been interested in health and science but I never felt that it was best for me to go into research, into that path because I am also an artist and I want to embrace that talent for my future career(s). I am still a junior in college and I am excited to learn more because of this information. Thank you!
Hii Jieh! thanks for telling us your inspiring story. Recently, I am trying to learn Adobe Illustrator to draw graphical abstracts and your videos are helping me a lot. Thanks for putting them in public. I hope we will get more videos in the future. Wish you all the best!
I have a master's degree in Biotechnology, and have always liked drawing/painting. Being a scientific illustrador is something that has been in my mind for some time, but I feel kind of lost 'cause I don't know where to start 😅. I'm really glad that I found your video, your story inspires me to explore this path ❤️.
That's a very commendable journey Jon! I am a mixed media artist and most of the time when you don't find me rushing out to finish a Journal as a Bioengineeing PhD researcher, you will find me creating some art! I could so relate to your story and finding a mean of balance to battle with the monotony of a researcher life. Kudos to all you have achieved and goodluck.
Hi Bipasha! so lovely to get your message and connect to a fellow science/art chimera (bio pun intended). Kudos to you that you can manage both the PhD & art. PhD research is a very hard work 💪 Do you think making art helps you as a science researcher?
Happy I found this. I'm a bio major now and an artist on the side. I actually volunteered my skills at a younger age to a family friend's research and did a scientific illustration for her. But now, I realize this is my calling. I am taking figure drawing and a botanical illustration class while simultaneously pursuing my senior year in bio to prep my portfolio to apply for scientific illustration programs (grad school).
omg, how you feel about academic terms is exactly what I feel. I am a humanities PhD. I like drawing all the time. And I try to change my career to illustrator. Your experiences inspired me.
I'm finishing my master's in physics but I love art and I've always been split between the two. Yesterday I found out about scientific illustration by chance and maybe I've finally found a way to carry on both passions
Hi Jon. I really liked your video. I'm a PhD candidate and I'm facing the anxiety you mentioned. I studied Molecular Biology and did my Master's in Medical Neurosciences at Charite in Berlin. For my PhD, I've shifted to Machine Learning in Neuroimaging. So I've changed my field and transitioned into what I wanted when I was studying my Master's. Just to realize it's not meant for me. I've been drawing for almost all my life. I do surrealistic works and sometimes I use inspirations from neuroscience. The interesting thing is, when someone sees my artwork they assume I studied art and when I say I'm a PhD student doing deep learning with MRI scans they seem so confused like I'm talking about someone completely different. On the other hand, when I show a drawing to some of my colleagues, they ask why am I doing this PhD then? It's a really stressful situation. Specially because I've come so far it's hard to let go. To be honest, all I really want to do in life is creating art but it's not easy living off of. So right now I'm seriously thinking about my options. Would I have to do another master's or bachelor's degree to get into scientific illustration or taking some courses will be enough to find a job?
Hi Shahryar, I am happy to get your message! I actually have given a workshop to the PhDs at Charité (Einstein Center of Neurosciences) last year. I had a really good time with the PhD students there. Photo in the link shorturl.at/cnZ56 To answer your question very quickly. You don't need a degree to be a freelance scientific illustrator. I know multiple people who are doing that. For jobs, I suggest you to contact AMBOSS in Berlin. They are a medical education content company that needs many different talents including scientific illustrator. You can see what kind of skills they need and start building them, which is the homework I wish I had done while transitioning in the scientific illustration career haha. I actually just filmed a video about this very topic on whether you need a degree. Stayed tuned ;) You are right about it is very difficult living off of art. That being said, I alway suggest people to live by the "no regret" policy, because that prevents people from becoming bitter and resentful. My decision of becoming a scientific illustrator has made my life extremely challenging, but I feel that I am doing exactly I am suppose to be doing in every second. Evaluate your own risk tolerance and just do whatever your intuition tells you to do.
I just found out that my girlfriend was at that workshop! :D so I was looking at the Maastricht's program. But if I can learn the essential skills by taking courses I'd rather stay here in Berlin, finish my studies and learn those skills on the side. If you can recommend any courses it would be great. I really look forward to that video :) I think it would be very helpful. Thanks for the help.
Thank you so much for sharing your story! Your video and the people in the comments have solidified my dream of combining my love for science and art! I really needed to hear this as I have had some experience in research from internships, but I wasn't sure where I would end up going forward. I'm still an undergraduate now, but hopefully, I'll be in the field of biomedical illustration! It felt like a lonely journey at first, but knowing there are people like you out there makes it a lot easier. 🤗
Hi, glad to know you find this video encouraging :D I recommend you this video in which I interviewed 2 scientists in Berlin who are also artists th-cam.com/video/aCidDLYx0zA/w-d-xo.html You can connect with them through their website edge-neuro.art/ and explore the possibilities of art and science.
Hi Jon, Thank you for sharing your story. It's really fascinating the way the images are illustrated inyour videos. I did my bachelor's and master's in biotechnology, now I'm first year Ph.D student in the field of computational and structural biology. I came across your videos while searching for ways to improve the figures in my research articles. I've always held a deep appreciation for art and possess some drawing skills. In fact, my PI, who is also an art enthusiast and carver, encourages my artistic approach and he always encourages all of us to have figures like those seen in Nature journals. He even recently introduced me to Photoshop basics. After seeing your work, I'm more confident in my artistic potential for scientific illustration. I'd be incredibly grateful if you could offer some advice on how to excel in this field. Your efforts in raising awareness and inspiring others like me are commendable.
Hi! You might make a video to answer your question. You can check out these 2 videos in the mean time. Applying Scientific Illustration Master Degree | My Story | Medical Illustrator Career th-cam.com/video/3R9c7ZXYg_M/w-d-xo.html Can You Be a Scientific Illustrator without a Degree in Scientific/Medical Illustration? th-cam.com/video/44gdQ6uqBnA/w-d-xo.html
I wish I had found this 30 years ago. 😀 I am the other way around to yourself, I’m an artist but very interested in all aspects of science and supporting the text so technical research can be understood, and read. I guess that’s too late for me now at 60? I’m highly motivated and love technical illustration - and your story is amazing. I don’t where to start, it feels a bit too late now to contribute, but art and learning never stops whatever age you are, you only have to have the passion and dedication to do it. Great video and journey congrats to you 🙏
So i search how to make lipid bilayer in Ai with zero hopes that i find tutorial and i find this masterpiece...you are just awesome! Keep the good work going
Hi Prashanth! Glad you enjoy my video. For your usage of scientific illustrations you can check out these 2 art critique videos of mine: Art Critique: Scandalous Medical Illustration Banned by TH-cam! Medical Illustration Art Critique: Nobel Lecture Emmanuelle Charpentier in Chemistry 2020 | Scientific illustration
I am from Nigeria, I just finished my OD degree in the area of Optometry, I want to go into Medical illustration. I have drawn and loved Art since I was little and I just found out about Medical illustration and it fits my love for science and art perfectly. Although I don't know of any medical illustrators around me. Thank you for this video.
Hi friend, you can check out these 2 other videos I made in which I share more about changing careers th-cam.com/video/QXfVw4s6TCQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=mk-nk_HqX3w2wf7i th-cam.com/video/oL1UUwDCwQo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=vhUrgpAK2sfiG3M2
Hi, Jon! Thank you very much for your magnific job here at TH-cam. Your videos are really helpful and I love the way you teach. Greetings from Brazil ☺️
Thank you thank you! A microbiologist turned cartoonist here wants to thank you for inspiring people like me. Hope to talk to you. Love from Bangladesh.
Hello Jon! I am really happy I came across your video and your story! I hold a PhD degree in biochemistry, i did a post doc, 5 years of teaching and now working as a research engineer in the south of France, but still feeling that I am not accomplished! I have always appreciated art, and am always impressed by scientific illustrations and videos. When I was thinking of alternative options this idea of combining art and science popped into my head and I found your video. I have never been that talented person in drawing, I do not even know how to know if we may succeed in such a field. Is it crazy to try a switch after all this experience in science? Especially when we have limitations (in space and time, kids, family...). A scientific illustrator must really be a painter first? Thank you for video! It gave me some hope!
Hi Christine, first of all remember to compliment yourself and remind yourself that you have accomplished a lot in your career 👏👏. About the painting skill question, I will ask the Scientific Illustration director in a video that I will be filming with him next month. Stay tuned ;) In the meantime you can check out my painting video in which I talked a bit about this topic th-cam.com/video/NHE565QRceYh/w-d-xo.htmlttps://th-cam.com/video/NHE565QRceY/w-d-xo.html
Hey thank u so much for sharing your experience......I am in grade 11 and soon have to decide about my further studies and I had a conflict that weather I can continue my art work and learn more about it after my graduation on psychology field Because I really love both subjects (psychology and finearts) but I am not confident and skilled enough to take illustration as the main aim. Basically I want to study on criminal psychology but also want to work on illustration.
Hi Mohool. My suggestion is start freelancing right now and start earning from your illustrations. You don't need a degree to start selling your illustrations. You can always freelance on the side while doing whichever other career you are pursuing.
I have just finished my Master’s and did my research work in Brain Cancer Metabolism at German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg. I am learning scientific illustration online. Could you please suggest courses, resources or programs how I could learn more about to pursue as a profession. Thanks
Hi SciLust, I am happy to get your message. Can you email me more detail on what what kind of scientific illustration you'd like to learn? Anatomy, graphical abstract? 3D? My email: jon@drawbiomed.com The more I know about you the better advice I can offer. Heidelberg is such a lovely city! I visited there last year. Can you also tell me how it is like studying/doing research there? Super curious.
Tell about your stories in Canada.. If I have a sketch and I want to make illustration out of it. How I can do. You Can start with a simple illustration to a complex one.
Thanks for the suggestion! Actually another neuroscientist asked me about a crash course yesterday too. I will think about how to make a tutorial about it.
Thanks for talking about this. I'm studying in the US and want to get my master's degree in Scotland to become a medical illustrator. I love science, but I'm good at art, so this career path seems perfect. Is it mostly freelance work that you do?
Hi Mary, good to hear from a future medical illustrator. It is indeed mostly freelance work for me because the medical illustration industry is not very big here in the Netherlands. There seems to be more opportunities in the US. I suggest you do an internship at a company with medical illustrators, that can really help your career and network (hard lessons I learned). If you are going to Scotland, I suggest you to get in touch with @anniecampbell and @sciartnow. They are medical illustrators in the UK. th-cam.com/channels/SD25ph5W6C2cMr0dS8rw-Q.html th-cam.com/channels/5LP6_qXxHox_n2UtG1mOpg.html
Thanks for share your experience, it really encouraged me a lot. I'm a biotechnologist and master degree studant in genetics and I love what I do. I really enjoy to be scientist. But I also have an affeir with art and have been thinking on how could I bring it close to my daily routine. I was figuring out if it possible to be a lab scientist while making some additional money with scientfic illustration as a hobby. What do you think about?
AI figure caused the retraction of a paper. I covered the scandal in this video. th-cam.com/video/Ae6qMTIdXE0/w-d-xo.html If you are looking for free illustrations, here are a few websites th-cam.com/video/awXc08ZnbNw/w-d-xo.html
I just stumbled upon your channel and can I say thank you for this! I'm a conservation biologist but chose to try my hand at nursing these past few years; it is not the path for me! However, I have a love affair with art, photography, and the human body but I'm more of an abstract artist that a realistic one. Do you have any advice on if the technicalities of medical illustration would be too difficult or is there another path that I could adventure on that still incorporates illustration and the medical sciences that isn't as precise?
That's really a great video which can give idea about this industry I would love to watch more about this field as I want to start my career in scientific illustration. I did Masters in Zoology and have great interest in sketching and art since childhood and now I have some skills in graphic design. It would be helpful for me If you guide me from where I can start to make career in this field ?
Hi, I'm a Science student doing my Master's in Chemistry. I like drawing, but have never done any digital drawing courses or even normal drawing courses till now. I also have heard from your video (and some others as well) that you are doing it as an entrepreneur. I would like to know if there are some firms recruiting illustrators or are there some jobs that can offer stability. I would also like your guidance for my path forward
Hi man, thanks for the great video. How do you advertise your service and find researchers? I am a researcher myself and thinking about scientific design as well
Hi Alex, glad you enjoy my video :D You can start with your colleagues. That is how I found my first customer. Posting your work on LinkedIn helps too.
Hello! Thank you for interesting video! Is it difficult to find a job as a medical illustrator in America, in Europe, in a freelance? Is it important to have an education in medical illustration or is it more important to have a good partfolio?
Hi Margarita! Most medical illustrator works as freelancers, as far as I know. Indeed, it is quite difficult to find a conventional "9-5 job" as a scientific illustrator, because there is no industry for this niche yet. I know there are alumni from my master program who works at Leiden University, Maastricht Uni, AMBOSS Inc./Miamed GmbH in Germany, St John's Uni in Greneda who are in a regular position. The portfolio is more important. I know a few MDs started the craft without a degree in medical illustration.
Hi Jon, I’m Emily! I’ll get a bachelor’s degree in biological science in Italy, and I’m very curious about this medical illustration profession because I’m keeping my passion for drawing only as a hobby. I’ve never heard of it before and I would like to ask you if you know if this profession also exists in Italy and if there is any course to follow? Thank you, I’ve really enjoyed this video!
Hi Emily! There use to be one at the University of Bologna, which was actually the oldest one in Europe. They are no longer operating as far as I know. You can still go ask them. Let me know how it is now when you find out :)
@@DrawBioMed wow I'll check for sure. If there aren't courses in Italy or valid one online, I can think to go abroad.. So thank you a lot for the informations!
您好hi!! I am a dentist and currently studying as a research postgrad. I have the same feeling as you, I am not a fan of research but I love drawing... I also interested on applying scientific illustration in netherlands after I finished my postgrad study. So, any advise for applying to Maastricht? Is my degree eligible? Is the admission competitive?
Hi Agnes! In this video you can find the advice from the professors at the Netherlands program. th-cam.com/video/5Vp8ThNcvUg/w-d-xo.html Yes, your dentist background can be an advantage. The admission is very competitive. You can email them to ask for the admission details or visit Maastricht on the open day.
For the Maastricht program they accept both people from science and art background. Though It is better to email the the programs to confirm with them.
I am not sure about the situation in India because I am in the EU. You can find my experience as a scientific illustrator in these 2 videos th-cam.com/video/oL1UUwDCwQo/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/QXfVw4s6TCQ/w-d-xo.html
Hi Aymen, for Maastricht program you only need a portfolio. For Toronto they do require physiology credit. It really depends on the programs. You can email them to ask for their specific requirements.
Hi sir, can I ask for your email. I really wanted to become a biomedical Illustrator or medical Illustrator. I have a talent in art and I am a registered nurse. I also planning to a career change from healthcare to biomedical Illustrator. I need your help and advise, is there really needed to have a formal education or masters in Medical Illustration to become a medical Illustrator?
Hi Jerome. About the pros and cons of having a degree you can watch this video th-cam.com/video/44gdQ6uqBnA/w-d-xo.html This video is about the Master Degree program I studied at th-cam.com/video/5Vp8ThNcvUg/w-d-xo.html This video by Annie Campbell can give you info about the UK and US programs th-cam.com/video/LxhDu76V5no/w-d-xo.html My email is jon@drawbiomed.com. I now prioritize my replies in consulting scientists with their illustration questions, so I can only offer you very short answers. That being said, If you are my Patreon then I focus more on your specific questions.
@@DrawBioMed oh thank you for this sir, at least I can reach you if have question or even reach you in your petreon when I have time. Thank you too for your videos about biomedical illustration.
Im so glad I stumbled across your video. I’m at a roadblock where I have a Masters degree in Pharmaceutical Medicine with a background of microbiology and biochemistry but I have a romantic affair with art. I have a really strong creative side. I’m currently in an internship program but feel like I’m failing. I feel like I wasted my time studying and I don’t want to damage my career before it could actually begin. I’ve been doing some research on how I can combine science and art and came across being a science illustrator. The transition is difficult especially in South Africa. But your video does give me hope to pursue it. Thank you very much.
Hi Deidre, trust your gut feeling and go for what you feel right for you. It will be very rewarding regardless of the outcome. I have faced insanely difficult challenges because of my decision to become a scientific illustrator while living in a foreign country. However, the funny thing is, I have since then felt that I am doing what I am suppose to be doing. It makes me feel very alive and grateful for all of the experiences, both good and bad. So I strongly suggest everyone to take the leap to do whatever they feel like doing. Everything is "figureoutable" once you set off on the journey. I took this word from #MarieForleo. She has a great talk you can watch here th-cam.com/video/zDBM4KRvl1s/w-d-xo.html
DrawBioMed Graphical Abstract Tutorials Thank you so much for the encouragement and feedback. Really appreciate it😊
Hi Deidre, I can totally resonate with what you are saying, I am from India and have a pharmaceutical masters and I am not a big fan of research therefore currently doing my internship in Market Access in a reputed firm, I am strongly rooted to somehow club my art skills into the Scientific knowledge I have gained all these years to make a career/ passive income source, would love to know and chat on how far have you reached with your similar quest you had 7 months ago :)’
I can relate to this message and what Jon is saying. I'm also in South Africa, almost done with my honours in Plant Pathology and after having a taste of what research is like (literally exactly what Jon said), I really want to try and combine art and Plant Pathology. I want to make these complex scientific articles more understandable to farmers and I have soooooo many ideas. Just not sure where to start. There is like NO ONE studying Plant Path (which is crazy - food pandemics are real and no one is trying to prevent them). And I can't study anything else now. But have taught myself a lot of things (illustration, design video editing, like literally anything creative), but am not using the right tools/ apps... Like I'm am using powerpoint for graphic designing, don't have money for other tools. So yes... I would love to hear tips about how to start without money for classes and apps.
I'm a CGI illustrator with a background in architecture, which has a little in common with your background. I'm also self taught. The thing that helped me early on was to develop a portfolio (not a very big one) and then start marketing it by reaching out to companies that I thought would have a need for my kind of illustrations. At first it was very hit or miss, but I did start to get projects here and there. I continued to work my regular job for security. Yeah, I was working like 60 -70 hours a week sometimes. But after a year or so I finally got the courage to go off on my own and it worked. . . ! I hope this helps a little. I'm in U.S., can you describe why this transition is especially difficult in South Africa?
"I have never drawn before", this..! You have lifted such a big weight off my heart, as I, too, have not much drawn in my life. I’m graduating in biology in 2 months, and had no idea what to do afterwards. Thank you, this is so encouraging!
Keep calm and carry on💪🏼
I’ve drawn nature all my life but I found myself with no time to draw during my undergrad and master’s degree in biology. I struggled the whole way through from conceiving my study through the publication process, and all this time I keep thinking about how badly I miss making art. You give me inspiration to embrace my real self.
Keep going and good luck!
Im currently studying biotechnology and I’ve always draw since i can remember. I’ve been struggling with science cause I’m not sure i want to do research so this video really makes me happy 😃 ty!
Hi Xiemena, glad you enjoy the video.There are more ways to do science than going into academia. Export, be creative and find your own way :)
Thank you very much for the video! It actually helps to understand that you are not so lonely in that weird feeling
Glad the video helps! You are definitely not alone about this feeling :) We are in this together (on this channel)
Truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing. I have just started Illustrator to make figures for my lab. It has been very challenging but rewarding experience. I have a learned a lot from your channel, please keep the high quality content coming. You are doing a great service to many :).
Hi! Thank you for your lovely feedback. I am glad my tutorial is helping scientists like you. Stayed tuned for the videos :D I will definitely keep producing them.
Thank you so much for this video!! I've always been interested in health and science but I never felt that it was best for me to go into research, into that path because I am also an artist and I want to embrace that talent for my future career(s). I am still a junior in college and I am excited to learn more because of this information. Thank you!
Go for it and try it out :D
Hii Jieh! thanks for telling us your inspiring story. Recently, I am trying to learn Adobe Illustrator to draw graphical abstracts and your videos are helping me a lot. Thanks for putting them in public. I hope we will get more videos in the future. Wish you all the best!
Hi Anindhya. Happy to get your encouraging feedback. Very glad to know my scientific illustration tutorials are helping scientists around the world 🌎
I have a master's degree in Biotechnology, and have always liked drawing/painting. Being a scientific illustrador is something that has been in my mind for some time, but I feel kind of lost 'cause I don't know where to start 😅.
I'm really glad that I found your video, your story inspires me to explore this path ❤️.
Go for it 👍 good luck
That's a very commendable journey Jon! I am a mixed media artist and most of the time when you don't find me rushing out to finish a Journal as a Bioengineeing PhD researcher, you will find me creating some art! I could so relate to your story and finding a mean of balance to battle with the monotony of a researcher life. Kudos to all you have achieved and goodluck.
Hi Bipasha! so lovely to get your message and connect to a fellow science/art chimera (bio pun intended). Kudos to you that you can manage both the PhD & art. PhD research is a very hard work 💪 Do you think making art helps you as a science researcher?
Happy I found this. I'm a bio major now and an artist on the side. I actually volunteered my skills at a younger age to a family friend's research and did a scientific illustration for her. But now, I realize this is my calling. I am taking figure drawing and a botanical illustration class while simultaneously pursuing my senior year in bio to prep my portfolio to apply for scientific illustration programs (grad school).
Great! Wish you a good process in achieving your goal :D
Hello Jon,
Genuinely motivating !!!!! Thank you for sharing your amazing art journey !!!!
Thank you! Is there more topics you are interested in?
Yes, Postbioics 😇@@DrawBioMed
omg, how you feel about academic terms is exactly what I feel. I am a humanities PhD. I like drawing all the time. And I try to change my career to illustrator. Your experiences inspired me.
Go ahead and try it out 😄
I'm finishing my master's in physics but I love art and I've always been split between the two. Yesterday I found out about scientific illustration by chance and maybe I've finally found a way to carry on both passions
👍👍✨you can try it out.
Hi Jon. I really liked your video. I'm a PhD candidate and I'm facing the anxiety you mentioned. I studied Molecular Biology and did my Master's in Medical Neurosciences at Charite in Berlin. For my PhD, I've shifted to Machine Learning in Neuroimaging. So I've changed my field and transitioned into what I wanted when I was studying my Master's. Just to realize it's not meant for me. I've been drawing for almost all my life. I do surrealistic works and sometimes I use inspirations from neuroscience. The interesting thing is, when someone sees my artwork they assume I studied art and when I say I'm a PhD student doing deep learning with MRI scans they seem so confused like I'm talking about someone completely different. On the other hand, when I show a drawing to some of my colleagues, they ask why am I doing this PhD then? It's a really stressful situation. Specially because I've come so far it's hard to let go. To be honest, all I really want to do in life is creating art but it's not easy living off of. So right now I'm seriously thinking about my options. Would I have to do another master's or bachelor's degree to get into scientific illustration or taking some courses will be enough to find a job?
Hi Shahryar, I am happy to get your message! I actually have given a workshop to the PhDs at
Charité (Einstein Center of Neurosciences) last year. I had a really good time with the PhD students there. Photo in the link shorturl.at/cnZ56
To answer your question very quickly. You don't need a degree to be a freelance scientific illustrator. I know multiple people who are doing that.
For jobs, I suggest you to contact AMBOSS in Berlin. They are a medical education content company that needs many different talents including scientific illustrator. You can see what kind of skills they need and start building them, which is the homework I wish I had done while transitioning in the scientific illustration career haha. I actually just filmed a video about this very topic on whether you need a degree. Stayed tuned ;)
You are right about it is very difficult living off of art. That being said, I alway suggest people to live by the "no regret" policy, because that prevents people from becoming bitter and resentful. My decision of becoming a scientific illustrator has made my life extremely challenging, but I feel that I am doing exactly I am suppose to be doing in every second. Evaluate your own risk tolerance and just do whatever your intuition tells you to do.
I just found out that my girlfriend was at that workshop! :D so I was looking at the Maastricht's program. But if I can learn the essential skills by taking courses I'd rather stay here in Berlin, finish my studies and learn those skills on the side. If you can recommend any courses it would be great. I really look forward to that video :) I think it would be very helpful. Thanks for the help.
@@shahryarkhorasani137 What a lovely coincidence! I will pm you about the courses.
Thank you so much for sharing your story! Your video and the people in the comments have solidified my dream of combining my love for science and art! I really needed to hear this as I have had some experience in research from internships, but I wasn't sure where I would end up going forward. I'm still an undergraduate now, but hopefully, I'll be in the field of biomedical illustration! It felt like a lonely journey at first, but knowing there are people like you out there makes it a lot easier. 🤗
Hi, glad to know you find this video encouraging :D I recommend you this video in which I interviewed 2 scientists in Berlin who are also artists th-cam.com/video/aCidDLYx0zA/w-d-xo.html You can connect with them through their website edge-neuro.art/ and explore the possibilities of art and science.
Hi Jon,
Thank you for sharing your story. It's really fascinating the way the images are illustrated inyour videos.
I did my bachelor's and master's in biotechnology, now I'm first year Ph.D student in the field of computational and structural biology.
I came across your videos while searching for ways to improve the figures in my research articles. I've always held a deep appreciation for art and possess some drawing skills. In fact, my PI, who is also an art enthusiast and carver, encourages my artistic approach and he always encourages all of us to have figures like those seen in Nature journals. He even recently introduced me to Photoshop basics.
After seeing your work, I'm more confident in my artistic potential for scientific illustration. I'd be incredibly grateful if you could offer some advice on how to excel in this field. Your efforts in raising awareness and inspiring others like me are commendable.
Hi! You might make a video to answer your question. You can check out these 2 videos in the mean time.
Applying Scientific Illustration Master Degree | My Story | Medical Illustrator Career
th-cam.com/video/3R9c7ZXYg_M/w-d-xo.html
Can You Be a Scientific Illustrator without a Degree in Scientific/Medical Illustration?
th-cam.com/video/44gdQ6uqBnA/w-d-xo.html
I wish I had found this 30 years ago. 😀 I am the other way around to yourself, I’m an artist but very interested in all aspects of science and supporting the text so technical research can be understood, and read. I guess that’s too late for me now at 60? I’m highly motivated and love technical illustration - and your story is amazing. I don’t where to start, it feels a bit too late now to contribute, but art and learning never stops whatever age you are, you only have to have the passion and dedication to do it. Great video and journey congrats to you 🙏
Hi! Glad you enjoy my video. There were also older classmates in my program. It is never too late to do something meaningful :)
So i search how to make lipid bilayer in Ai with zero hopes that i find tutorial and i find this masterpiece...you are just awesome!
Keep the good work going
Thank you! Please share my videos. Sharing can help me to grow the channel and continue making contents.
Great video, would love to watch more about it, especially about the types of scientific illustrations and how widely is it used these days, thanks
Hi Prashanth! Glad you enjoy my video. For your usage of scientific illustrations you can check out these 2 art critique videos of mine:
Art Critique: Scandalous Medical Illustration Banned by TH-cam! Medical Illustration
Art Critique: Nobel Lecture Emmanuelle Charpentier in Chemistry 2020 | Scientific illustration
@@DrawBioMed Sure, just came across your profile on YT and insta, would be exploring more. Tysm :)
I am from Nigeria, I just finished my OD degree in the area of Optometry, I want to go into Medical illustration. I have drawn and loved Art since I was little and I just found out about Medical illustration and it fits my love for science and art perfectly. Although I don't know of any medical illustrators around me. Thank you for this video.
Hi friend, you can check out these 2 other videos I made in which I share more about changing careers th-cam.com/video/QXfVw4s6TCQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=mk-nk_HqX3w2wf7i
th-cam.com/video/oL1UUwDCwQo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=vhUrgpAK2sfiG3M2
Hi, Jon! Thank you very much for your magnific job here at TH-cam. Your videos are really helpful and I love the way you teach. Greetings from Brazil ☺️
Hi Tálita! Thank you for your kind feedback. Glad my videos can help you research. Happy drawbiomed 😄
Thanks for the interesting interview Jon!
Thanks for the nice chat too! I look forward to reading the article :D
Glad to find your channel.....it interesting to know about your career switch...hope to collaborate with you in future.
Gald you enjoy my story 😄
Yes! We are interested in the story in between! 😊
What would you like to know? Between with time periods?
@@DrawBioMed One you mentioned at around 5:30 😊
Thank you thank you! A microbiologist turned cartoonist here wants to thank you for inspiring people like me. Hope to talk to you. Love from Bangladesh.
Hi Julkernain 👋 Do you want to share your instagram handel or portfolio links here so we can go support your work ;)
Hello Jon! I am really happy I came across your video and your story! I hold a PhD degree in biochemistry, i did a post doc, 5 years of teaching and now working as a research engineer in the south of France, but still feeling that I am not accomplished! I have always appreciated art, and am always impressed by scientific illustrations and videos. When I was thinking of alternative options this idea of combining art and science popped into my head and I found your video. I have never been that talented person in drawing, I do not even know how to know if we may succeed in such a field. Is it crazy to try a switch after all this experience in science? Especially when we have limitations (in space and time, kids, family...). A scientific illustrator must really be a painter first? Thank you for video! It gave me some hope!
Hi Christine, first of all remember to compliment yourself and remind yourself that you have accomplished a lot in your career 👏👏. About the painting skill question, I will ask the Scientific Illustration director in a video that I will be filming with him next month. Stay tuned ;) In the meantime you can check out my painting video in which I talked a bit about this topic th-cam.com/video/NHE565QRceYh/w-d-xo.htmlttps://th-cam.com/video/NHE565QRceY/w-d-xo.html
im still in undergrad but I would love to eventually illustrate for scientific texts
🙌
Hey thank u so much for sharing your experience......I am in grade 11 and soon have to decide about my further studies and I had a conflict that weather I can continue my art work and learn more about it after my graduation on psychology field
Because I really love both subjects (psychology and finearts) but I am not confident and skilled enough to take illustration as the main aim.
Basically I want to study on criminal psychology but also want to work on illustration.
Hi Mohool. My suggestion is start freelancing right now and start earning from your illustrations. You don't need a degree to start selling your illustrations. You can always freelance on the side while doing whichever other career you are pursuing.
@@DrawBioMed thank you so much for the suggestion sir☺
Thanks for sharing, very insightful!
👍👍
I have just finished my Master’s and did my research work in Brain Cancer Metabolism at German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg. I am learning scientific illustration online. Could you please suggest courses, resources or programs how I could learn more about to pursue as a profession. Thanks
Hi SciLust, I am happy to get your message. Can you email me more detail on what what kind of scientific illustration you'd like to learn? Anatomy, graphical abstract? 3D? My email: jon@drawbiomed.com
The more I know about you the better advice I can offer. Heidelberg is such a lovely city! I visited there last year. Can you also tell me how it is like studying/doing research there? Super curious.
DrawBioMed Graphical Abstract Tutorials Sure. Thanks for writing back.
SciLust hey is it possible to share his advice here so others can benefit as I’m in the same position as u
@@salahadinyonis9590 Hi Salahadin, I can make a video about the courses around the world and their specialities. Stayed tuned :)
Thank you soooo much for this video!!!
Your welcome 😃 what other topics you’d pike to see in my videos?
Tell about your stories in Canada..
If I have a sketch and I want to make illustration out of it. How I can do. You Can start with a simple illustration to a complex one.
Thanks for the suggestion! Actually another neuroscientist asked me about a crash course yesterday too. I will think about how to make a tutorial about it.
Thanks for talking about this. I'm studying in the US and want to get my master's degree in Scotland to become a medical illustrator. I love science, but I'm good at art, so this career path seems perfect. Is it mostly freelance work that you do?
Hi Mary, good to hear from a future medical illustrator. It is indeed mostly freelance work for me because the medical illustration industry is not very big here in the Netherlands. There seems to be more opportunities in the US. I suggest you do an internship at a company with medical illustrators, that can really help your career and network (hard lessons I learned). If you are going to Scotland, I suggest you to get in touch with @anniecampbell and @sciartnow. They are medical illustrators in the UK.
th-cam.com/channels/SD25ph5W6C2cMr0dS8rw-Q.html
th-cam.com/channels/5LP6_qXxHox_n2UtG1mOpg.html
Thanks for share your experience, it really encouraged me a lot. I'm a biotechnologist and master degree studant in genetics and I love what I do. I really enjoy to be scientist. But I also have an affeir with art and have been thinking on how could I bring it close to my daily routine.
I was figuring out if it possible to be a lab scientist while making some additional money with scientfic illustration as a hobby. What do you think about?
Hi Ciro, I have posted this new video in response to your question. Let me know in the comment if it helps th-cam.com/video/qiY-fwU2LRY/w-d-xo.html
Is AI has the ready made features? Like insects, biological tools etc
AI figure caused the retraction of a paper. I covered the scandal in this video. th-cam.com/video/Ae6qMTIdXE0/w-d-xo.html
If you are looking for free illustrations, here are a few websites th-cam.com/video/awXc08ZnbNw/w-d-xo.html
I just stumbled upon your channel and can I say thank you for this! I'm a conservation biologist but chose to try my hand at nursing these past few years; it is not the path for me! However, I have a love affair with art, photography, and the human body but I'm more of an abstract artist that a realistic one. Do you have any advice on if the technicalities of medical illustration would be too difficult or is there another path that I could adventure on that still incorporates illustration and the medical sciences that isn't as precise?
Hi Jasmine. I am happy to hear you find my video helpful. I would advise just try it out and see if it works for you :)
@@DrawBioMed I’m taking the plunge! :)
That's really a great video which can give idea about this industry I would love to watch more about this field as I want to start my career in scientific illustration. I did Masters in Zoology and have great interest in sketching and art since childhood and now I have some skills in graphic design.
It would be helpful for me If you guide me from where I can start to make career in this field ?
Which country do you live in? There are different strategies for different regions.
@@DrawBioMed I am from India
Hi, I'm a Science student doing my Master's in Chemistry. I like drawing, but have never done any digital drawing courses or even normal drawing courses till now. I also have heard from your video (and some others as well) that you are doing it as an entrepreneur. I would like to know if there are some firms recruiting illustrators or are there some jobs that can offer stability. I would also like your guidance for my path forward
Hi Athira, I suggest you to contact @learnmedicalart on Instagram about this.
Hi man, thanks for the great video. How do you advertise your service and find researchers? I am a researcher myself and thinking about scientific design as well
Hi Alex, glad you enjoy my video :D You can start with your colleagues. That is how I found my first customer. Posting your work on LinkedIn helps too.
I would like so much to know the school you talked about in Canada.
you can check out their website and email them for details bmc.med.utoronto.ca/
Hello! Thank you for interesting video! Is it difficult to find a job as a medical illustrator in America, in Europe, in a freelance?
Is it important to have an education in medical illustration or is it more important to have a good partfolio?
Hi Margarita! Most medical illustrator works as freelancers, as far as I know. Indeed, it is quite difficult to find a conventional "9-5 job" as a scientific illustrator, because there is no industry for this niche yet. I know there are alumni from my master program who works at Leiden University, Maastricht Uni, AMBOSS Inc./Miamed GmbH in Germany, St John's Uni in Greneda who are in a regular position. The portfolio is more important. I know a few MDs started the craft without a degree in medical illustration.
@@DrawBioMed Thank you for the answer!
Hi Jon, I’m Emily! I’ll get a bachelor’s degree in biological science in Italy, and I’m very curious about this medical illustration profession because I’m keeping my passion for drawing only as a hobby. I’ve never heard of it before and I would like to ask you if you know if this profession also exists in Italy and if there is any course to follow? Thank you, I’ve really enjoyed this video!
Hi Emily! There use to be one at the University of Bologna, which was actually the oldest one in Europe. They are no longer operating as far as I know. You can still go ask them. Let me know how it is now when you find out :)
@@DrawBioMed wow I'll check for sure. If there aren't courses in Italy or valid one online, I can think to go abroad.. So thank you a lot for the informations!
您好hi!! I am a dentist and currently studying as a research postgrad. I have the same feeling as you, I am not a fan of research but I love drawing... I also interested on applying scientific illustration in netherlands after I finished my postgrad study. So, any advise for applying to Maastricht? Is my degree eligible? Is the admission competitive?
Hi Agnes! In this video you can find the advice from the professors at the Netherlands program. th-cam.com/video/5Vp8ThNcvUg/w-d-xo.html Yes, your dentist background can be an advantage. The admission is very competitive. You can email them to ask for the admission details or visit Maastricht on the open day.
@@DrawBioMed thanks for your reply!! I really appreciate that
Can a dentist apply for medical illustration master ?
For the Maastricht program they accept both people from science and art background. Though It is better to email the the programs to confirm with them.
When you say you got into a program for your job what do you mean?
Hi Julia, can you label the time frame when I mentioned this?
That’s soo soothing to find something i really wanna be . Your video is informative , can you help it crack in Indian perspective?
I am not sure about the situation in India because I am in the EU. You can find my experience as a scientific illustrator in these 2 videos th-cam.com/video/oL1UUwDCwQo/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/QXfVw4s6TCQ/w-d-xo.html
If i have a bachelor's degree in arts and want to apply to the scientific illustration degree, do i need to take any other courses for applying?
Hi Aymen, for Maastricht program you only need a portfolio. For Toronto they do require physiology credit. It really depends on the programs. You can email them to ask for their specific requirements.
@@DrawBioMed okay, Thankyou 😊
Hi sir, can I ask for your email. I really wanted to become a biomedical Illustrator or medical Illustrator. I have a talent in art and I am a registered nurse. I also planning to a career change from healthcare to biomedical Illustrator. I need your help and advise, is there really needed to have a formal education or masters in Medical Illustration to become a medical Illustrator?
Hi Jerome. About the pros and cons of having a degree you can watch this video th-cam.com/video/44gdQ6uqBnA/w-d-xo.html
This video is about the Master Degree program I studied at
th-cam.com/video/5Vp8ThNcvUg/w-d-xo.html
This video by Annie Campbell can give you info about the UK and US programs
th-cam.com/video/LxhDu76V5no/w-d-xo.html
My email is jon@drawbiomed.com. I now prioritize my replies in consulting scientists with their illustration questions, so I can only offer you very short answers. That being said, If you are my Patreon then I focus more on your specific questions.
@@DrawBioMed oh thank you for this sir, at least I can reach you if have question or even reach you in your petreon when I have time. Thank you too for your videos about biomedical illustration.
請問你是在台灣工作嗎 我也是台灣人XD
I am currently in Amsterdam. 也有在台灣呦，有和台大清大陽明的教授合作，不過等國境解封才能回去XD
DrawBioMed 請問是自己開公司嗎 也想做相關的工作 感謝你 你的影片超有幫助的^_^
駱子瑜 對～工作室自己開的喲
DrawBioMed 好棒喔喔喔 好有夢想的感覺