Scientific Illustration 101

Scientific illustrators practice their art as part of the research process, to communicate research results, to reach the general public, and to open people's eyes to the beauty of nature. The National Museum of Natural History hires numerous illustrators to document its collections for posterity. Ichthyology, botany, and entomology are just a few of the departments that need scientific illustrators. George L. Venable first came to the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in December 1971, with twelve years of experience in medical and commercial illustration. He retired thirty years later in 2002, but continues to work with the Smithsonian as a research collaborator, maintaining the Entomology Illustration Archive that he established. During his career, his technique evolved from using traditional artist tools of pencil and paper to employing a computer, sophisticated software, and a pressure-sensitive tablet for digital illustrations.

Alice Tangerini discusses her work as an illustrator for the Department of Botany.