Medical and scientific illustrators combine their knowledge of the biological sciences with their artistic skills. They make illustrations of surgical procedures, human anatomy, plants and animals. These illustrations are used in audio-visual presentations for teaching and lecturing, as well as in medical and scientific handbooks.
Medical and scientific illustrators also work for lawyers (producing exhibits in court cases) and doctors. They can also draw ‘story-boards’ that may serve as guides on movies or TV series, for example, where actors are placed in an emergency room. Advanced computer software is used, which allows ideas to be presented on the Internet or e-mailed between clients. Medical and scientific illustrators often provide schools, hospitals and medical institutions with training-related posters, for example, a dentist’s posters of tooth decay or gum infections or a clinic sister’s illustrations of sexually transmitted diseases.