Medical illustration is a unique creative process; a harmonious collaboration of science and art. It is a profession that can be listed within the field of biomedical communication and as such requires specialised skills and training. Medical illustrators need to have the technical knowledge to understand complex information and communicate it as clear and accurate images.
Uses of Medical Illustrations
Medical illustrations are used in a wide range of industries, including hospitals, academic institutions, research centres, publishing companies, pharmaceuticals, law firms, media houses and advertising corporations. In fact, whether it is the government, a non-profit or a multinational, every institution has some use for medical illustrations for leaflets, brochures, posters, websites, presentation, journals, 3D models and films. Medical illustration requires collaboration with academicians, educators, scientists and doctors to create content related to education, medicine, scientific research and public health literacy.
One of the most innovative uses of medical illustration is in a courtroom where the use of complicated medical terminologies and concepts can confuse the jury. Use of medical illustration can convey medical or biological information and provide for clear communication when words alone are not adequate.
Qualifications of Medical Illustrators
“Medical Illustrator” is a very broad term since medical illustrators provide their services in a wide range of industries. The job skills required are also varied and depend on the industry and medium in which the medical illustrator works. But there are also certain perquisites for every medical illustrator. Every medical illustrator has to be intensively trained in a range of styles and the precise art of color discrimination to ensure visuals that are technically sound and visually appealing. In addition, she or he has to acquire expertise in using a variety of software packages and digital tools to create complicated medical illustrations. Every medical illustration created has to be professional, memorable and aesthetically designed to enhance viewer interest and understanding.
A medical illustrator must have specialized training in basic sciences, medicine, art and design and latest visual technologies. Along with a strong foundation in science and art, a medical illustrator must have highly developed visualisation skills and fine detailing skills. Anatomical accuracy is paramount to getting the medical illustration right and so is the ability to transform complex content into two-dimensional and three-dimensional visuals that appeal to diverse audiences.
