A Unique Path: From Biochemistry
to Science Illustration

Nicolle’s story begins in the lab, where she first pursued her undergraduate degree in biochemistry. While she enjoyed the challenge of science, she felt a pull toward something more creative. This interest led her to explore science communication and eventually brought her to the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she joined their graduate program in science illustration.

Nicolle recalls how this shift opened up a whole new world. Combining her love for science with her creative talent, she found her niche in illustrating complex scientific concepts. During her internship at the Stanford Linear Accelerator, she gained her first major experience working with physicists and engineers to translate science into art.

Making an Impact at the National Science Foundation

Moving from her West Coast comfort zone, Nicolle embarked on a journey to Washington D.C. to realize her dream to work for the National Science Foundation. As part of the public affairs office, she communicated science to help the public understand the importance of NSF’s mission. 

While at NSF Nicolle witnessed and depicted the early years of nano research, and supported press conferences with illustrations of huge discoveries like the EHT black hole imaging. One of Nicolle’s career was the design of a 52-foot mural representing the NSF’s diverse research disciplines..

The Leap into Entrepreneurship

A combination of factors led Nicolle to make a decision to transition to freelance. At the time, she was juggling a full-time role at NSF while also establishing relationships with clients she still works with today, such as Science News magazine and the American Association for Cancer Research. One particular project, a book contract to co-author and illustrate the graphic novel On the Origin of Species gave her the opportunity to move back to the West Coast to be closer to family. Embracing this evolution resulted in more creative variety and the chance to work with a more diverse range of clients.

Leaving the stability of a full-time job at the NSF was not an easy decision, but a passion for blending science and art propelled her into the world of self-employment.

Moving back to Seattle, she continued building her science illustration business—SayoStudio—where she focused on creating visuals for a wide array of scientific disciplines, from ecologists to mRNA vaccine development.

Nicolle reflects on the freedom that entrepreneurship brings, but she’s candid about the challenges that come with it. From navigating the complexities of pricing her work to marketing her services, she admits that running a business requires constant learning and self-advocacy. One key takeaway she shares is the importance of educating clients about the value of creative work, a lesson she continues to emphasize to young designers entering the field.

Balancing Work, Life, and Passion

As both a solopreneur and a parent, Nicolle has had to find a balance between her professional and personal life. In the podcast, she shares candid insights into what it’s like to manage the dual roles of business owner and family member, from the struggles of maintaining work-life boundaries to the joy of having creative control over her career.

Her journey is a reminder that success in any career path requires not just passion, but also perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace both the highs and lows.

Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

In our podcast, Nicolle offers invaluable advice for young entrepreneurs and creatives, including these main takeaways:

• Educate your clients: It’s essential to communicate the value of your work to clients, especially in creative industries where the intangible elements are often overlooked.
• Set clear boundaries: Establishing boundaries is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially when running your own business.
• Prioritize your well-being: Burnout is real, and taking steps to protect your mental and physical health is critical for long-term success.
• Embrace lifelong learning: Whether it’s learning how to market your business or understanding the latest developments in science and technology, continuous growth is key to staying relevant and fulfilled.

Looking Ahead

Nicolle Fuller’s journey is accompanied by like-minded, passionate team members, as well as women in STEM who push boundaries. As SayoStudio continues to evolve, the dedication to exploring the intersection of science and art, all while mentoring the next generation of science communicators and illustrators remains.

If you’re interested to learn more about Nicolle’s work, listen to the full podcast, “From NSF to SciComm Studio: Nicolle Fuller’s Career Evolution and Entrepreneurial Insights,” and some of her methods to navigate a successful career in science communication.

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