FAQ

Graphic designers lack the specific scientific knowledge to portray the human body and medical procedures accurately. A Medical Illustrator can work directly with your medical expert, saving you project time. Why invest money in beautiful artwork, only to correct it – at substantial cost – later? A Medical Illustrator gets it right.

A Medical Illustrator is a specialized professional artist. Extensive training at the Master’s degree level in anatomy, physiology, and medical procedures ensures that your illustrations and animations are scientifically accurate. Like physicians, Medical Illustrators have observed surgery and even dissected cadavers as part of their hands-on education.

A Medical Illustrator can prepare your brochures, slides, charts, and other visual instructional materials, draw freehand or with instruments, in media ranging from pencil to computer software. The work can begin from a concept or from a variety of specific “references” you supply. Some examples are a journal article, textbook passage, Web site material, existing illustration, animation storyboard, viewing a surgical procedure, or examining a medical device. The artwork can be used for your patient education materials, medical textbooks, medical journals, continuing medical education, advertisements, and medical evidence in court.

For accuracy and substance, as well as style, you’re ahead with a Medical Illustrator.

Medical Illustration is a sophisticated and sometimes complex process. It can involve working directly not only with you, the client, but also with editors and art directors, from the earliest conceptual stage through the full development of a project.

Here are the questions a Medical Illustrator will ask in setting the price for your project.

Usage – Will the artwork be used in a brochure only, or will it also be used on a Web site?

Copyright – What rights do you want to buy? Normally only first reproduction rights are sold. Additional rights are traditionally licensed on a one-time basis, with separate payment for each and every use. If required, all rights can be transferred, and the cost will increase by a minimum of 100%.

Complexity –Will the illustration be a simple line drawing or a detailed, highly rendered colour illustration?

Research – How complex is the subject matter? Will it require only a little research or an extensive amount?

Size – Is the illustration a 1 inch by 1 inch icon or a 12 inch by 12 inch poster?

Audience – Will your brochure be distributed to 40 physicians in a single hospital or viewed online by physicians worldwide?

Timeline – How big is your project and how soon do you need it? Typically 10 business days are required, but the time will increase with the project’s complexity and size. A higher fee is charged for rush work.

Expenses – What peripheral services will you need? Items such as shipping fees, travel costs, consultation time, and other expenses are billed separately. If it appears that expenses will be significant, an expense estimate is included in the original agreement.