Paying Homage to Nature’s 10

We began with a survey of past Nature’s 10 covers and other exceptional editorial science illustrations to see what concepts and styles resonated most with our team. We then sketched up many ideas, from a wall of scientists facing down a SARS-CoV-2 asteroid to a vaccine syringe rocketing to a viral planet earth. These were analyzed and shortlisted on their merits, including which would lend itself well to a short animation in addition to a static image.

One particular drawing of a syringe and virion (virus particle) evoking the number 10 struck a chord with our client. An image of many virions forming the zero was the most appealing. This also gave us a useful visual device for the animated version of the cover: as the camera pulls back through a cluster of virions, they resolve into the shape of a zero just as the vaccine-filled syringe enters the field of view, completing the number 10. A spotlight on the syringe adds an element of hope—a light in the darkness of the pandemic.