A Science Podcast Chat With Maayan Harel:

How Science Illustrators Bring Research to Life:

How do we make science not just understandable—but unforgettable? From climate reporting and science funding cuts across the US to debates around AI-generated imagery, science communication is in the spotlight like never before. And with that, so is science illustration. On the SayoStudio Science Communication Podcast, we dive into the power of visuals in science—from how we communicate complex ideas, to the fascinating research our clients work on. In our recent episode with guest science illustrator Maayan Harel, we explore the current state of the field—what’s changing, what’s at risk, and where both illustrators and scientists can push forward with creativity, clarity, and purpose.

Communicating Science: Visuals Are No Longer Optional

Over the past decade, expectations for how science is presented visually have shifted significantly. It’s not just about having an image anymore—it’s about having the right image to describe your important science.

As Maayan pointed out, we’ve seen a growing awareness among researchers about visual standards. There’s a move away from default graphing software palettes and toward clearer, more inclusive, more design-savvy figures. This isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about accessibility, impact, and trust. Better visuals mean better communication, especially in times when public scientific literacy is critical.

The COVID Effect on Science Illustration

One unexpected outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic was the elevation of science visuals in public life. Suddenly, complex topics like viral transmission, vaccine development, and spike protein structures were headline news, and images helped carry the message.

For many science illustrators, including Maayan, COVID marked a turning point. What had previously been a niche or misunderstood career path became more widely accepted, even sought after. More freelance opportunities emerged, and more scientists began to see the value in hiring professionals to help visualize their work.

The Role and Limits of AI in Science Art and Communication

Of course, another change that is reshaping the field is the rise of AI. While AI-generated images are increasingly used in the early idea stages, the technology still has major gaps in scientific accuracy, iterative collaboration, and ethical considerations.

As Maayan Harel put it, “AI skips the conversation.” And it’s that conversation between scientists and illustrators that leads to the most effective, insightful visuals. Professionals don’t deliver a final image right away. Instead, ideas evolve through sketches, feedback, and rethinking concepts. Some of the best solutions emerge in that messy, creative middle ground.

AI skips straight to an end result, often without understanding the science behind it and with limited capacity for specific feedback to edit the outcome. It can’t navigate uncertainty, iterate meaningfully, or tailor visuals for accuracy. In short, it can’t replace the thoughtful, flexible collaboration that defines science illustration.

Transparency, Trust, and Explaining the Science Visual Creation Process

A major takeaway from our conversation was the importance of transparency, not just in the science itself, but in how science is communicated and portrayed. When Maayan’s Cell cover reconstruction of a Denisovan girl gained media attention, the public often misunderstood it as an easy, computer-generated artwork. In reality, it was the product of dedicated research, sculpting, and artistic refinement.

This example highlights a larger issue: scientists and illustrators alike benefit when we talk more openly about how visuals are made. The research, the decisions, the limitations; it all matters, and it all helps build trust.

Where Science Communicators Go From Here

For science illustrators, this moment is both exciting and uncertain. There’s more visibility and opportunity, but also more need for education, advocacy, and adaptability. Scientists are more aware of the power of visuals, but they may not always know where to begin or how to work effectively with illustrators.

That’s why conversations like these matter. They remind us that science communication is a practice, not a product, and it thrives on collaboration.

A Few Science Communication Podcast Takeaways for Scientists and Illustrators Alike:

• Start the conversation early. Whether you’re preparing a grant, paper, or outreach piece, involving an illustrator early can help clarify ideas and avoid missteps.
• Share your process. Both scientists and illustrators benefit from transparency—it’s okay to show how and why choices were made.
• Stay open. The field is evolving. Styles shift, tools change, and so do the expectations. Flexibility and curiosity are key.

Looking Ahead

At SayoStudio, we’re energized by the future of science illustration, even as we navigate challenges like AI integration and shifting funding priorities. If you’re a scientist looking to work with a visual communicator, or an illustrator seeking resources or community, we’d love to hear from you.

Visuals are at the core of how people understand science. And as the tools and expectations evolve, so does our responsibility to create images that are accurate, thoughtful, and human.

Thanks for stopping by and spending some time with us. If you’re curious to hear more conversations with scientists and explore insights into visual science communication, be sure to check out the SayoStudio YouTube channel—we’ve got plenty of inspiring stories and tips waiting for you there.