Make an Impact with your Scientific Illustrations

A picture is worth a thousand words….

The statement above mentioned is not exclusively applicable to the artistic domain but is very valid in the realm of academic research too. No doubt, the significance a research paper that is extensive and is inclusive of credible data that supports your research cannot be denied. However, your research paper can be further enhanced with the use of spell-binding scientific illustrations that will enrapture your audience while conveying the results of your research in an effective manner.

A large number of researchers toil hard and give much significance on communicating their results in their research papers so that it is readily accepted by reviewers. In according too much focus on the written results, they tend to overlook the fact that illustrations can also enhance and effectively communicate the outcomes of their research. It is also possible that they ignore illustrations simply because they do not have artistic skills or knowledge to create scientific illustrations. It would be worth mentioning here that you need not be a ‘Leonardo Da’ Vinci’ to create mesmerizing scientific illustrations. All you need to do is follow the tips below mentioned.

• Keep the Context and Target Audience in Mind

Creating a distinct scientific illustration can be incredible, but it should perfectly suit your specific requirements. When you are keen to create scientific illustrations, you should take your target audience into account. It is the same as you would do when you are writing the content for your manuscript / scientific publication. In case the scientific illustration is meant for other scholars who would peruse your manuscript, you have to ensure that it is accurate and looks professional. But in case, your paper is meant for potential funding managers or students, you need to ensure that your illustrations are captivating and draw their attention promptly particularly, if your paper is being presented in conferences or symposiums.

• Create a Rough Sketch Initially

When you commence writing your research paper, initially, your focus would be on the message you are trying to convey, create a logical structure and outline a draft. In the same vein, you need to follow that process while creating your scientific illustration. The focus here would again be on the information that you are attempting to convey. To present and communicate the results of your research, you would require illustrations, tables, figures and graphs. You might also feel the need to include workflows, infographics or experimental layouts. In such a scenario, it would help if you create some rough sketches first which will help you to determine how you need to organize the many illustrations within your paper. With due reference to technical graphs and figures which are intended to project experimental information, you can initially take notes on a cold software produced diagram to purview how the results can be better communicate while avoiding confusion.

• Simple & Clear

As opposed to other artistic works, it is imperative that you keep your scientific illustration as simple and clear without complicating it with too much information or visual details. The objective of scientific illustration is to enable your audience to enhance their interpretation of your research results visually. However, being simple does not mean that the illustration is superficial. The information you opt to include in your illustration should be accurate. Though visual appeal is important, scientific accuracy takes precedence.

These are just few tips to help you with your scientific illustrations but look forward to our next where we will provide tips on creating scientific illustrations using software.