Frequently Asked Questions
Working with Sayo-Art top
- How do you work?
I use background research you provide, supplemented by my own research, to create a rough sketch of what you describe. We then work together to make sure all the components are there, and that emphasis is place on the right elements.
- Can I use an image for X?
Please contact me if you'd like to use an image and I will be able to tell you it's available for re-use and if there is a fee. Some were created for the National Science Foundation and are therefore in the public domain, however many are not.
- How much does it cost?
Prices vary according to final use/size, complexity and how much research I will have to do. I will give you an estimate based on the information I give you. Sayo-Art is always wiling to come up with a solution that works within your budget.
- Do you take credit card?
Yes, Sayo-art takes credit card through pay-pal, however processing fees may apply. Please contact with further questions.
- I like your work, but don't have any ideas to start out with...
One of my strengths is helping make suggestions on how to refine what you want to portray, and how to visualize it. So if you think your work can be helped with exciting visuals, by all means contact me. I often start with a research or journal article, and give possible illustration ideas.
- How long does it take?
An ideal time-frame to allow for back-and-forth of drafts and ideas, is 2-3 weeks. However, I've completed complex illustrations from start to finish in as little as a day and a half. Please be aware that if you contact me with less than business days rush fees may be assessed. Time and time again, editors, art directors and colleagues have told me how fast I am, so it never hurts to ask if something is possible.
- Can you mimic someone else?
I can take inspiration from pieces of other work, but I will not duplicate another's style or work. Ethically, it's unfair (illegal) to all involved, and economically you're best going directly to that artist if that's what you're looking for.
- What does Sayo mean?
Sayo, pronounced sigh-oh, is actually my middle name, a combination of my great-grandmother's name Nayo, and my great-grandfather Sahichi. I chose to use Sayo as my company name partly to honor them, and as a way to thank my family for their long-continuing support.
Getting Started in Science Illustration top
- Do you like what you do?
I love what I do.
- How do you get started?
There are many different routes to take. At the heart, most people in the career have a certain curiosity about the natural world and how things work. Some start out as art majors but follow their passion for looking at the details of life, while others like myself come from the science side and just can't kick the urge to try to draw what we see.
- Do you have to know how to draw by hand?
More and more, the lines of traditional hand drawn art and digital art are blurred. With pressure sensitive tablets from companies like Wacom, it's increasingly easy to paint on the computer just as you would on physical paper. There are computer tools like 3-d programs that allow you to skip some of the 'hand drawing', however the more you understand of light hitting an object, shadows, composition, etc... the more successful you will be no matter the medium.
- Do you have to use computers?
There are many practicing, successful artists who do traditional illustration. You really do need to know the basics of scanning et... Currently, %90 of my work is digital. When I started this I never thought I'd enjoy working on a computer. Now, I work everyday, all day on the computer. My back complains sometimes, but I love the challenge of keeping up with emerging technology.
- What kind of education do you need?
I attended UCSC's science illustration graduate program, after getting a bachelors degree in biochemistry. For myself, I can't imagine doing it differently. Of course, many others do, and they do it successfully. Some just go for it, with a bachelors in art or science, while others pursue a masters degree at medical illustration programs. There are a few schools that have undergraduate programs in science illustration, and a few schools that have masters programs in medical illustration.
- What is the difference between medical illustration and science illustration?
Generally, science illustrators focus more on natural history and other topics like chemistry and physics. When it comes to areas like cell biology, there can be a lot of overlap. Overall medical illustrators have been thoroughly trained in anatomy, surgical illustration, etc... although some science illustrators branch into these areas as well.
- You get paid?
Yes, I get paid :-), and so do many others. It's not a direct route like other careers. Very rarely will you ever be able to look in the classifieds for a job opening, but with a little imagination and perseverance you'll be amazed at how many venues there are for this kind of work.
- Are there jobs?... where?
I'm continually amazed at where skills of the science illustrator can be applied. Just to list a few: text books, zoos, museums, newspaper information graphics, magazines–from small-run science journals, to national weeklies–pharmaceutical companies, researchers and associated public affairs offices, nature and wildlife art...
