Redesigning My Science Illustration Business

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 growth, represented by my newly designed website. The website was created by SayoStudio’s new designer and project manager Claire Agosti (learn about her design process), and instigated by my work with business coach Justine Clay (business burn-out rescue). My hope is to pre-emptively answer your questions before you know you have them. For the past year, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to create helpful content; from how a commissioned illustration can further your outreach (First Stars), to providing an image cost estimate calculator, to quickly pointing visitors to images that are available for re-use [link]. To create these resources though, I’ve had to shift my thinking away from merely showing my portfolio of finished artwork, to instead asking:

• Why do my clients come to me?
• What are their needs?
• And how can I serve my clients?

Asking myself these questions helped me focus on my strengths; importantly, my ability to understand the basic science, AND translate the excitement of discovery.  I finally understand that as important are my hands-on-skills are to creating artwork, it’s my ability to listen and visualize verbal/written concepts that brings value to my client’s work.

Partnering with Scientific Dreamers

Just as I’ve come to realize what I bring to the table, this past year of reflection has led me to recognize that I find the most joy in my work, through partnering with clients who…

• are excited about their science story—I feed off your excitement!
• who respect my expertise and want my conceptualization ideas
• who want unique, fully imagined science landscapes and visualizations.

What does this Mean for Loyal Clients?

I am incredibly lucky. I’ve been working with many of you for much of my career, and it’s thanks to you that I’ve found success. You may be asking, what does this mean to me? Will this change the way I work with Nicolle? If anything, this will enhance our working relationship, and better serve your needs. Over this period of reflection, I’ve been focusing on how I can better communicate project expectations, and help streamline project schedules. Previously, it’s been a struggle to stay organized as a business, AND create artwork that’s up to my standards. With the addition of Claire to my SayoStudio team, I’ve found a colleague who can help share the project organization and bring a complementary set of skills. Moving forward, we’re excited to support your science graphic needs with:

• the same award-winning illustration you’ve come back to me time and time again
• Increasing animation capabilities with both full 3d animation and shorter GIF style loops.
• Supporting you with Slide Deck Design and Website Design

Finally, I’m working to free up my time so I can be a better communicator outside of projects. I’ll be sending a monthly newsletter*, with a focus on recent projects, helpful tips, and a glimpse into my working process. If you’re not on the list, sign up here! *Please know that I would never think to share your contact information with anyone else, and you can of course unsubscribe at anytime. 

If you feel inspired and would like to join the science art conversation, please sign up for my newsletters!

Newsletter Sign Up