Medical Illustration
Description | A medical illustrator is a professional artist with extensive training in medicine and science who creates visual material to help record and disseminate medical, biological and related knowledge. Medical illustrators not only produce such material but function as consultants and administrators within the field of biocommunication. Anatomy of an Art Form Article |
Degree |
Master's degree from accredited program. |
Program Length | Usually 2 years. |
Professional Schools' Organization |
Association of Medical Illustrators
Accredited Graduate Programs in Medical Illustration |
Application Service | None |
Academic Admission Requirements |
In general, a bachelor's degree with a major in art and a minor in the biological sciences, or a major in science with a minor in art is preferred. In addition, a portfolio of artwork and a personal interview are generally required. Students should concentrate on art and biology. Art courses should include drawing, life drawing, painting, color theory, graphic design, illustration, and computer graphics. In the sciences, students should include general biology or zoology, vertebrate anatomy, developmental biology, physiology, chemistry, and cell biology. The science courses must be of the caliber required for science majors. |
Admission Exam |
Usually GRE |
Personal Attributes & Experiences | The field is most rewarding for those who enjoy and have some natural ability in both art and science. Because of the variety of assignments, medical illustrators must be accomplished in a wide range of art techniques, including drawing, painting and modeling techniques, as well as the basic concepts and techniques involved in the production of commercial and graphic art. A strong foundation in the basic sciences is necessary to enable the illustrator to understand and conceptualize, for example, complex neurochemical and neuroanatomical relationships. Strong visualization skills to transform complex information into two-dimensional and three-dimensional images that communicate to a variety of audiences are essential. Those interested in medical illustration should enjoy working alone and in teams during problem solving, and be able to work closely with clients to understand not only the project itself but the client's often unspoken needs as well. Writing, research and computer skills are also valuable. |
Recommendation Letters | As specified by individual school. |