Medical illustrators create detailed visual representations of medical and biological subjects used in textbooks, research publications, and digital media to help explain medical concepts and procedures.
Medical illustrators often work in an office or studio setting, typically with a 9-to-5 schedule, but project deadlines may require extra hours.
Exciting Parts of the Job:
Engaging with cutting-edge medical research
Learning about new surgical techniques that are advancing patient care
Talking to experts who are at the forefront of medical advancements
Challenging Parts of the Job:
Attending meetings and managing emails
Keeping track of the legal aspects such as copyright
Managing all the paperwork and other administrative tasks
Education Requirements:
A degree in medical illustration or a related field, with training in both art and science.
Job Outlook
The field is small but specialized, with a steady demand for skilled illustrators in academia, research, and medical communication.
This is perfect for you if:
You love both art and science
You enjoy creating precise and detailed visuals
You have a passion for helping others
If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Jill Gregory to learn more about being a medical illustrator here!
Day in the Life
Schedule:
Typically works regular office hours with a standard 40-hour work week but may work longer when deadlines are approaching.
Setting:
Medical illustrators work in studios or office environments, often with access to medical professionals and resources for research.
Tasks:
Research medical topics, create sketches, work with doctors and scientists, and produce digital illustrations using specialized software.
Topics:
Human anatomy, surgical procedures, pathology, medical technologies and devices, histology, pharmacology, biotechnology, medical ethics, medical imaging techniques, and trends in healthcare.
Skills:
Strong drawing skills, human anatomy knowledge, and digital illustration tools expertise.
Tools:
A computer or laptop with illustration software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop), 3D modeling software, and medical textbooks.
Common Characteristics
Natural Talents (strengths):
Attentive to detail, strong visualization skills, creative problem-solving, excellent communication, patience, and effective time management.
Interests:
Enjoys combining art and science, creating detailed visual explanations, exploring new medical and anatomical concepts, staying up-to-date with medical advancements, and collaborating with medical professionals to enhance understanding.
Personality:
Typically have artistic, investigative, and realistic personality types, with a keen eye for detail, an analytical mindset, and a passion for visual storytelling.
Values:
Accuracy, creativity, continuous learning, scientific contribution, high standards in visual design, and making a meaningful impact through educational content.
*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.
How to Become a Medical Illustrator
Education Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in art or science, often supplemented with a specialized master’s program in medical illustration.
Preferred Majors
Pursuing majors in medical illustration, fine arts, biological illustration, biomedical visualization, anatomy and physiology, graphic design, visual communication design, or a related field can be helpful.
Specialties and Similar Career Paths
Biomedical Visualization
Scientific Illustration
Forensic Illustration
Animation for Medical Education
Medical Photography
Surgical Illustration
3D Modeling for Healthcare
Healthcare UX/UI Design
Virtual Reality (VR) in Medical Training
Medical Animation
Advice from Jill
Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:
Focus on developing strong figure drawing skills and curate a portfolio with 10-15 high-quality pieces, even if they’re not medical-related. Build a professional website to showcase your work and create relevant illustrations tailored to the field you want to pursue.
Fastest way to get your foot in the door:
Build connections with healthcare professionals and choose a niche in a specific medical field.
Recommended resources:
Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI)– Visit the website to explore resources, including links to graduate and undergraduate programs, and find out about prerequisites and career information.
MedSpeak Illuminated by Francois Luks – Read this book to better understand medical terminology, useful for both illustrators and those wanting to learn more about medical communication.
What Jill would tell her younger self if she was just getting started:
“Just take a beat, sit down, give it a day. It’s fine if you take a day to respond. I think that’s important. Every project is important, but over the course of your career, you’re going to do hundreds, thousands of illustrations, and if one isn’t exactly what you hoped it would be, that’s okay because there’s going to be another project coming down the pike. Just relax.”
