Finding Support, re-writing the rules, and creating awesome graphics. Recently, I've been on a journey to revamp my approach to my business and reclaim the joy in my work. Redesigning my science illustration business has been challenging, yet so rewarding. I’m so excited to share my professional … [Read more...] about Redesigning My Science Illustration Business
Creative Business Burnout and Rekindling the Fire
Freelance Illustration Burn-Out After 15 years of a successful illustration career, I'd hit the burn-out zone. My youthful enthusiasm that had carried me was finally waning. I realized that I needed to evolve my business to stay engaged in a way that both benefited myself and my clients. I’m … [Read more...] about Creative Business Burnout and Rekindling the Fire
Small Kids, Small Business, and Holding it All Together
Changing Challenges to Family/Freelancer Balance Recently, I’ve been trying to consciously make changes to my small business and my life with small kids. That includes working to revamp my work outlook, and redesign my website and marketing to a more personal approach. In doing so, I’ve revisited … [Read more...] about Small Kids, Small Business, and Holding it All Together
How to Make a ZBrush Baby
Sculpting a Baby with ZBrush for Science Illustration The summer after my second kiddo was born, I was contracted to sculpt a ZBrush baby for a Science News magazine feature on the placenta. One of the best parts of my job is that I’m constantly learning new things. In this case, I didn’t realize … [Read more...] about How to Make a ZBrush Baby
Microbiome Landscape 3D Drawn Art
Using Zbrush to Create a Science Illustration of the Wasp Microbiome Landscape For Science News magazine’s special feature on the microbiome, I illustrated a wasp 'composed' of microbes. Here is a how-to on creating the microbial-wasp science illustration for the Science News article on the … [Read more...] about Microbiome Landscape 3D Drawn Art
Freelancing with Kids Under Five
Adjusting Childcare as a Freelancer with Kids Under Five Freelancing and balancing out work and two kids under five shouldn’t be that different from when you’re working for an employer. Unfortunately, there is the perception by others, and most importantly, oneself, that you should be able to do … [Read more...] about Freelancing with Kids Under Five
Freelancing Maternity Leave
Navigating New Parenthood as a Freelance Illustrator Since becoming a full-time freelance illustrator 6 years ago I’ve had 2 beautiful children. I call them the pterodactyls, because that’s what I imagine they sound like when they cry. That means 2x9=18 months of induced sleepiness from growing a … [Read more...] about Freelancing Maternity Leave