FAQs

How do I get started?

Checkout our services, or if you just want to introduce yourself you can do so here! If you’re looking for information on what to expect, you can read about our process. 

How much does it cost?

Cost varies widely based on your service package, and how and where your art will be used. If you send us information on your project here, we can put together a proposal for your review. If you’d like to get a broad overview of how we price, you can read more in our science images pricing guide. 

What is your hourly rate?

Costs are calculated per project and service. Check out our services for more information.

I love your illustration, but I can’t afford it…

Thank you for the love! We get it, it’s a big investment! We invite you to review the value added (here), but we also understand that it just might not fit your budget right now. As excited as I am to work with you, sadly we can’t give discounts and produce the same level of work that we feel proud of. Some artwork is available for re-use here, and we hope that you keep me in mind for future collaborations! If you’re a scientist, another thing to think about is partnering with your public affairs/ communication office, or even your funding agencies!

The National Science Foundation grant requirements to broaden participation, “Will the results be disseminated broadly to enhance scientific and technological understanding? What may be the benefits of the proposed activity to society?”

We really like your work, but heard that competitors are cheaper…

SayoStudio and Nicolle Fuller bring a truly unique set of expertise in both science and art to craft an illustration unique to your work. Costs not only include her expertise, but also the time for research, project collaboration, sketches, and the final award-winning artwork. Prices are competitive with industry standards.

How long does an illustration take?

To create a custom science illustration, projects usually take between 4-6 weeks. Science animation timelines generally start at 3 months. This gives ample time for collaboration, draft review and editing. Please be aware that we are currently scheduling projects 2-3 months out, but we reserve a few rush spots. 

Our deadline is next week. Can you get the illustration done?

We are currently scheduling new projects for 2-3 months out. We reserve a small amount of time in my schedule for short turn-around editorial-art, and for past client rush projects (1-3 weeks). Rush fees apply and these slots fill quickly, so if you even have an inkling of an upcoming project, please reach out as soon as possible!

Get In Touch

We don’t have a firm deadline yet, when should we get started?

Yes, let’s do it! The sooner we know about your project, the better able we are to reserve space in the calendar for our work together. To get started, review the services page and tell us a little bit about your project here!

I’m not a visual person, and we don’t know where to start. Can you help?

Yes! Our job is to help you visualize your concepts, and we will work together to ensure we are capturing the key components (see our process). We are adept at reading original science manuscripts, from biochemistry to ecology to geology. You can see some of the PPT figures Nicolle Fuller started from here, compared to the final art. And if your subject is more cosmological… Nicolle got her start at the Stanford Linear Accelerator and has worked with fantastic NSF physicists, so she can find her way around entangled quarks and blackholes!

Can you format my graphs for me? Can you create a logo for me?

Yes, we are a full-service shop providing graphic design. We can work with you to create clean, crisp, legible graphics for your publications, or a full branding for your company or organization.

Do I own the art that you’ve created?

Your illustration is non-exclusively licensed to you for the specific use you have requested. We will clarify which uses these are in the proposal, and if you have any questions regarding what you can use the art for, please ask as additional rights will necessitate more fees. If you’re ever working with someone else who hasn’t clearly written out the licensing agreement, please know that the law states that the artist retains all copyrights by default. Learn more in our Licensing Guide

What? If I hire you to create an illustration, I can’t use the art for anything and everything that I want to?

Science illustrations and science animations that we create for you include base licensing for your primary use. This will vary based on your needs and industry, and will be specified in your proposal. Again, when you pay to have science art created, you are paying for the use of the final product. Learn more in our Licensing Guide.

How do I know I’ll get the science art that I want?

Starting from the proposal, we work hard to detail out what we will provide you, to ensure that we all share expectations. Once work is underway, you will receive a detailed pencil sketch, or series of sketched scenes if it’s an animation (aka storyboard).  You will be able to review and give us feedback so that we can make edits to fit your science vision. Learn more about our process here.

I found an image I’d like to use for my publication, can I?

You can find science artwork available for re-use in our portfolio  by clicking on the FREE Images. The science images under Public Domain are free to use, but credit is always appreciated. (Nicolle R. Fuller, Sayo-Art LLC). Learn more in our Licensing Guide

Can I print your art for my office?

Prints of many of SayoStudio art pieces can be purchased through SciencePhoto. Links to specific images can be found in our portfolio.

Can I use one of your illustrations in my personal blog (instagram, etc…)?

Thanks so much for checking before using SayoStudio's work! Much of our work can be embedded through SciencePhoto for personal use, with credit to SayoStudio. For commercial re-use, you can also find the licensing fees there. Click on links in our portfolio to learn about re-use options.

I’m interested in Science Illustration. Do you have advice?

That’s so exciting you’re psyched about science illustration! Check out Nicolle's blog posts and feel free to get in touch.

Can you actually make money as a science illustrator?

Happily, yes! When people ask what our yearly science illustrator or animation salary is, we estimate that the range is comparable to a a big-city plumber’s rate. So no, we’re not getting rich, but we can live comfortably!

Do you enjoy being a science illustrator?

"I feel so fortunate to learn about the amazing science and technology others study, and find creative ways to illustrate it. I hope that my enthusiasm shines through in my work, and helps inspire others to learn more about the world." - Nicolle R. Fuller

Are you hiring? Do you take science communication interns?

Thanks for your interest! We have hired college science illustration interns in the past and when we do have open positions, we’ll list them at the end of our about page. We are always open to collaborations and partnerships, so please reach out to us if you feel like we might compliment one another’s work.

What is Science Communication?

Science communicators seek to both understand, AND share science and technology with a larger audience. Here at SayoStudio, we use our science background to learn about our client’s research. We clarify the message, and create illustration, animation, and design to capture the excitement of discovery while explaining the important concepts.