Medical Illustrator

A medical illustrator is a professional artist who is educated in medicine, science, art, design and visual technology

MediCal Illustrators

• create visual material to help record medical and biological information
• work closely with physicians and scientists
• create content for journals, books, magazines, the web and virtual reality
• many  become authors and co-authors of textbooks and medical articles
• they work with printed media, digital media and even 3D models

While Most Medical Illustrators' Work Is Made For Printed
& Online Media, Some Illustrators Work In 3D.


They Make Anatomical Teaching Models, Models For Simulated Medical Procedures & Prosthetics For Patients.

Skills Needed

MedicAl illustrators need

• To Be Extremely Detail Oriented
• To Have Natural Abilities In Both Art & Science
• To Have Knowledge Of Many Types Of Art Methods
• A Strong Foundation in Medical & Biological Sciences
• A Masters Degree From One of Four Medical Schools

HoW To LEARN

Most medical illustrators have a master's degree from a two-year graduate program in medical illustration.

There are only three programs in the United States and one in Canada. Each accepts 16 or less students each year, so the schools are very competitive.

Students study human anatomy, pathology, microanatomy, and physiology as well as specialized art courses such as surgical illustration, color theory, photography, interactive media development, 3-D modeling and web design,
along with traditional and digital drawing .

MEET MEDICAL illustrator

Medical illustrator, University Of Michigan, department of radiology

Where

Medical illustrators May work at a

• University, Medical Center or Hospital
• For A Publishing / Advertising Company
• For A Medical Law Firm
• For The Government or A Non-Profit
• Self Employed Or At A Small Private Firm

Medical Illustrators Can
Work Throughout The
United States and Internationally.

Many Work From
Home And Have Clients
Around The World.

How Much?

Salaries vary by the type
of position. Managers, Directors And Business Owners Make Considerably More Than A Salaried Staff Position Does - As Much As $250-400k Annually. Many Make Much Less, But The Average Salaries For Medical Illustrators Are Quite Good.

Average Annual Salaries (In Thousands)

Professional AssociationS

• AMI - Association of Medical Illustrators
• Illustrator's Clubs (regional by location)
• Institute of Medical Illustrators (UK)
• University Alumni Groups (ie. Johns Hopkins, etc)
• GNSI - Guild Of Natural Science Illustrators