Production
illustration

Submitted
figure

Illustration process

How do I eliminate questions, orchestrate clarity, and accelerate learning?

A successful illustration is dependent on a process of iterative creativity. Awareness of the audience’s perspective is essential for finding the right balance of information quantity and complexity.

1. Subject comprehension

What story does the Author need to tell?

Who is their intended audience?

What visual elements are needed?

What needs clarification?

2. Concept exploration

What is the most clear way to order the information?

Is the amount/complexity of information aligned with audience’s needs?

If I am depicting a patient, is my depiction diverse, equitable, and inclusive?

Is any of the information unclear, misleading, or inaccurate?

3. Review, refine, repeat

Do the visual elements (scale, shape, form, value, color, and texture) create a clear hierarchy?

Is the eye able to move intuitively throughout the illustration?

Should any information be added or removed?

Is it enjoyable to spend time with the illustration?

4. Sign-off & publication

Can the text be easily read? Is there enough contrast?

Does the text, punctuation, and abbreviations conform to JAMA style?

Are all the drug names spelled correctly?

Is my signature cleverly hidden?