Production, Circulation, and Drainage
Cerebrospinal Fluid:
This two-page textbook spread is the result of a collaborative effort of three students in the Biomedical Communications neuroanatomy course. For this group project, a pre-determined style guide and colour palette were followed, and a studio environment workflow was emulated, with each team member taking charge of a different stage of execution. My role was the conceptualization and design of the illustrations and layout and the composition of text. Illustrations were then vectorized by Kim and rendered by Felix. The goal of this spread is to communicate key anatomical and physiological aspects of cerebrospinal fluid at molecular, tissue, and system scales.
Clients: Prof. Dave Mazierski, Prof. Shelley Wall
Audience: undergraduate students
Format: print (textbook)
Medium: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator
Date: April 2018
Biomedical illustration & design
Hi, I'm Julia.
I'm recent graduate of the Master of Science in Biomedical Communications (MScBMC) at the University of Toronto.
I’m a creative problem-solver and storyteller who strives to increase the accessibility of complex topics in science and medicine using clear and engaging visualizations. I draw upon my interdisciplinary background in basic and clinical sciences, my training in classical drawing, and my love of storytelling to bring science to life.
I'm particularly interested in research dissemination and data visualization for people of all levels of science and health literacy. Presently, my professional interests lie at the intersection of research, user experience, and interactive media design. With each project I undertake, I endeavour to understand the science as well as the audience, in order to create innovative learning experiences and environments tailored to audience needs.
Photo credit: Monica Allaby
My Design Process
Discover
All my projects begin with the discovery of a communication challenge in science or medicine that can be overcome with a visual solution.
Define & Research
With a challenge identified, I conduct research that helps define the surrounding ‘problem space’: this could range from investigations of the target audience, to examination of current visual solutions. Then, I research the science to gain a clear understanding of the subject matter.
Ideate
Once I’ve got a clear understanding of the challenge and of the science, I come up with potential solutions. I’ll take the best one(s) forward to the realization stage.
Create & Consult
Whether the solution is an illustration, interface, or experience, I draw upon a variety of skills to bring the project to life. Throughout the creation process, I consult feedback from clients and end users (when possible), which fuels continued refinement of the media object.
Iterate
Cycles of feedback and refinement enable the creation of a visual solution which addresses the communication challenge and which achieves the visions of both client and artist.
"This sounds great... I want to collaborate!"
Get in touch with me by email