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DESIGN FOR YOUR SCIENCE

Custom-made illustrations for scientists

As a science illustrator, I help scientists disseminate their research – to both an academic and lay audience – opening conversations that revert to better science.

SERVICES

Diagram for a scientific review (figure for a manuscript).

ILLUSTRATIONS AND DIAGRAMS

Explain complex concepts or methodologies with elegant custom-made illustrations. A unique figure will make your article more memorable.

Graphical abstract to summarise a scientific article.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACTS

Catch the eye of readers with a graphical abstract. This increasingly popular demand from editors is a great way to help the reader dive into your paper.

Personalised cover illustration for a PhD thesis,

Thesis design / Proefschrift layout en ontwerp

COVER ART & EDITORIAL

Make an impact with your article featured on the journal cover or wrap up your PhD thesis with a beautiful illustrated metaphor. Science news can also be accompanied by an illustration.

Figure for a grant proposal or grant application.

FIGURES FOR A GRANT PROPOSAL

Increase your chances of success with elegant figures and diagrams to accompany your grant application.  If you prefer to make your own figures, I can review them and give you actionable tips for professional and effective results.

Logo for a company or symposium.

LOGOS &
BRAND IDENTITY

Labs, biotech companies, and research consortia are increasingly developing brand identities to enhance visibility, attract top talent, and foster collaborations. A distinctive logo, cohesive color palette, and engaging website illustrations—can help you stand out and communicate your mission effectively.

Science outreach illustration about neuroscience.

SCIENCE OUTREACH

Communicating science to society is rewarding and can have a positive impact on your own research. However, creating the right materials for a lay audience can be time-consuming. Save time by letting me do the visuals.

OTHER SERVICES

  • PhD Thesis Design: Cover and layout tailored to you

  • Figure and Presentation Review: Professional feedback on figures, illustrations, and slide decks.

  • Branding for Science: Logo design, color palette, slide deck templates, social media assets, and a tailored brand guide—perfect for labs, research consortiums, and companies.

  • Scientific and Medical Writing: Writing, reviewing, and editing for grant applications and outreach materials.

If you have an idea that is not shown here, I'd love to discuss it with you!

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FAQ

WHY SHOULD I HIRE A SCIENCE ILLUSTRATOR?

A science illustrator has the background to quickly understand your science and capture it in an illustration. Communication is easier. A science illustrator takes care of the details and prevents scientific inconsistencies from slipping into the figures. My research experience during the MSc and PhD in biomedical sciences and my background in the pharmaceutical industry allows me to comfortably navigate new topics and different research fields.

I’VE NEVER HIRED A SCIENCE ILLUSTRATOR: HOW DOES IT WORK?

First, contact me explaining your request. We’ll arrange a free online consultation to discuss the project, the service and the dates. With that information, I will send you a quotation. If you’re happy with it, we’ll sign a contract and I’ll get to draw. Typically, there are two revision rounds to ensure the illustrations fit your needs perfectly. Lastly, I’ll send you the final illustrations and your science will shine!

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE AN ILLUSTRATION?

It depends on the complexity, size and style of the illustration, as well as on the amount of initial information provided. Single, predefined illustrations can be done in a few hours, while bigger, open projects can take weeks. You can save yourself this precious time and continue your research while I take care of the illustrations.

HOW MUCH DOES AN ILLUSTRATION COST?

It depends on the project: complexity and licence of use are the most important factors. We’ll arrange a free consultation to discuss the details of your request. After that, I will give you a quotation and you can decide if you want to proceed.

I WANT A NICE ILLUSTRATION BUT I DON’T HAVE A CLEAR IDEA, CAN YOU HELP?

Definitely. We’ll discuss your ideas and I can design a few drafts to guide you to the final, desired illustration that fits your needs.

CAN YOU ILLUSTRATE A CONFIDENTIAL PROJECT?

Yes, we can include a confidentiality clause in the contract so that your research remains confidential. At your request, I will remove the manuscript files once the project is finished.

CAN I GET AN INVOICE?

Yes, you’ll always get an invoice together with the final illustration files.

HOW CAN I PAY?

Via bank transfer as specified in the final invoice. Payment is due within 15 days of the delivery of the final illustrations. Payment with credit card is possible with a fee.

CAN I USE THE ILLUSTRATION ANYWHERE?

It depends on the licence we agree on, which will be reflected in the contract. A typical licence allows you to use the illustrations for a certain purpose. If you want to use them elsewhere, we can discuss a more flexible licence for an additional fee.

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"Sabela fulfilled the brief perfectly - capturing the key message of our abstract in a highly original and distinctive figure, with clear communication throughout the process.
I have no hesitation in recommending."

Dr Matt Gage,
Royal Veterinary College, University of London

WHERE SOME OF MY CLIENTS WORK

University of London

University of Copenhagen

Maastricht University
Amsterdam UMC
Karolinska Institutet
University of California

Simon Fraser University

Microbiology Society

Tessellate Bio

Polyplus-transfection

tp21

Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Society

Alberta Health Services

SPACETIME consortium

Profile picture.

ABOUT

I’m Sabela Rodríguez Lorenzo, a biomedical researcher turned science illustrator with a PhD from Amsterdam UMC. ​​

 

I was born and raised in green and rainy Galicia, northwest Spain. I love painting since I was a kid. During my childhood, I received an artistic education, but I set my hobby aside when I chose to study Biology at university. Determined to get the best training in research, I’ve lived in Norway, the UK and The Netherlands. ​

 

During my PhD, I realised I could combine my two passions into one and become a science illustrator. I now enjoy using digital art and design to make complex scientific concepts accessible, creating engaging visuals for the curious eye.

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CONTACT

Have a scientific idea you'd like to bring to life?

I create engaging illustrations that amplify the impact of your research, elevate your lab's visibility, and attract new collaborations.

Thanks for your message!

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