SERVICES
ILLUSTRATIONS AND DIAGRAMS
Explain complex concepts or methodologies with elegant custom-made illustrations. A unique figure will make your article more memorable.
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.
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.
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.
LOGOS OR SCI-ART
Laboratories are increasingly developing a brand identity to boost visibility, collaborations and to attract the best scientists to their team. A logo or a website with powerful illustrations are great ways to start.
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)
Review of figures, illustrations or slide decks
Branding (logo design, colour palette, slide deck template)
Scientific/medical writing, review and editing (grant applications, scientific outreach)
If you have an idea that is not shown here, I'd love to discuss it with you!
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.
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.
Jan Van den Bossche, Amsterdam UMC (@immunometlab)
“Sabela designed a cover to accompany our single-cell review in Cell Metabolism. She made this without any input from my side (I only provided the review) and after a week she proposed three potential covers. The most difficult thing was deciding which one to select as all options were very nice and perfectly linked with the paper!"
Dr Matt Gage,
Royal Veterinary College, University of London
"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."
Melissa van Gool, PhD, Amsterdam UMC
“Sabela designed both the cover and layout of my thesis, which was not only well received by me but also got selected to participate in the Amsterdam UMC PhD Design Awards. Working with Sabela was very easy, she is a good communicator and a fast responder. Her creative output is very precise and professional. I would highly recommend her to everyone looking for a science illustrator.”
Mandy Gruijs, Amsterdam UMC
"Sabela designed the cover of my PhD thesis and the accompanying invitation. She did an amazing job turning my ideas into an actual design. Communication was always clear, and the process went very smoothly. She is kind and creative, and her work is of great quality. I would highly recommend her!"
WHERE SOME OF MY CLIENTS WORK
University of London
Microbiology Society
University of Copenhagen
Maastricht University
Amsterdam UMC
Polyplus-transfection
tp21
Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Society
University of California
ABOUT
I’m Sabela Rodríguez Lorenzo, a biomedical researcher turned science illustrator.
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 when I went to university to study Biology I set my hobby aside. Determined to get the best training in research, I’ve lived in Norway, the UK and The Netherlands. It was during my PhD that I realised I could combine my two passions into one and become a science illustrator. I now enjoy using digital art and design to explain science and create an engaging visual experience for the curious eye.
CONTACT
Do you have a scientific idea that you'd like to visualise?
I can create engaging illustrations to increase the impact of your research, boost the visibility of your lab and get new collaborations.