


CRISPR: A Revolution in Genetics
Scientific American

This is Your Brain in Meltdown
Scientific American

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Scientific Illustration
Scientific American

Epigenetic Links to Addiction & Depression
Scientific American

Nanomedicine Scientific Illustrations
University of Toronto

Front Line
Pfizer; Jeffrey Simbrow Associates

Inside a Virtual Cell Simulator
Scientific American
Scientific Illustration
As artists specially trained in scientific illustration, we bring a rare synthesis of artistry and science knowledge to our clients’ projects. The result is accurate visualizations look great and communicate clearly.
We have deep experience communicating a broad range of life science subjects, including topics in biochemistry, microbiology, nanotechnology and more. Our clients value the scientific expertise we bring to each project and the time and effort it saves them.
Who we've worked with


















The AXS Studio difference
We’re artists who love to illustrate science! And it shows in every scientific illustration we create. We speak the same language as our clients in science and medicine so we understand their content and know how to communicate it effectively.

Creative visual storytellers
Science visualization experts
Biology specialists
We accelerate understanding
We speak the language of science
Illustration down to a science
Why invest in accurate scientific illustration?
- Scientific illustration makes complex scientific concepts easier to understand.
- People are more likely to engage with written content if it includes a good illustration.
- A high-quality scientific illustration is a useful asset you can repurpose again and again: in presentations, publications, media releases and more.
- A well-designed scientific illustration is an excellent way to communicate clearly and effectively with your stakeholders, including collaborators and investors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Three to six weeks, depending on the content, complexity and review/approval process. We recommend contacting us two months or more ahead of your due date.
Scientific illustration is often used by scientists and publishers of scientific journals to explain complex ideas to readers and in an editorial role as cover art.
Scientists use illustrations in peer presentations and student lectures to help explain scientific research methods and results.
Scientific illustration is used in science museum exhibits to engage visitors and explain how things work.
Scientific illustrations are commonly used in high school and college/university textbooks as visual aids complementing the written material.
Biotechnology companies use scientific illustration to explain the molecular basis of disease processes and therapies.
They say we’re unlike other illustration studios in that we “get the science”. There isn’t the need to teach it to us first. This is why clients like Nature and Scientific American are repeat customers.
Many art and design studios illustrate scientific subjects without the use of scientifically trained illustrators. The lack of scientific understanding often results in inaccurate images that can misinform viewers.
AXS Studio employs only scientifically-trained illustrators who are able to depict scientific subjects clearly and accurately. For our clients, this translates into effective and credible visuals for both lay and science-literate audiences.
This varies among suppliers, as does the quality of service and level of content expertise. AXS Studio illustration pricing includes project management, content research, preparatory sketches, 3D modeling, rendering and compositing
Not usually. We have in-house expertise in biology and most of our staff have a working knowledge of other basic and applied sciences. We’re skilled researchers and quick learners with experience illustrating varied scientific topics. While we’re always happy to work with subject matter experts, it’s not a requirement.
While you can increase the file dimensions or print a larger size than originally intended, the resolution of the image will not scale accordingly. The scaled image will display artifacts and may appear blurry. It is therefore important to begin with the largest file size you’ll need and then scale down when smaller sizes are sufficient.
We do not. All of our work is done in-house in our Toronto, Canada studio with qualified scientific illustrators. This allows us tight control of quality and timelines, which is especially important when working toward publication or launch deadlines. Unlike some services that can be offshored to reduce costs, quality scientific illustration requires a high degree of specialized training and knowledge.
Our illustrators hold Master of Science, Biomedical Communications (M.Sc.BMC) degrees. Our specialized training equips us to explain complex scientific concepts more clearly and accurately than illustrators without formal scientific training. There are businesses in the U.S. and Canada that produce illustration using low-cost offshore suppliers. If you’re considering hiring one of these companies, we advise asking for information on the scientific training of their illustrators.
We have a number of illustrations that can be licensed for use. However, the majority of our scientific illustrations were created custom for specific client needs and cannot be resold.
Because the same amount or work goes into a scientific illustration whether or not it is chosen by a publisher, we do not discount the price for unpublished work. Nor do we take on “spec” work. It is recommended to first pitch your idea, with a concept sketch if feasible, to the publisher before hiring a scientific illustrator.
Illustrations and animations often use many of the same elements, including 3D models and rendering methods. However, animation is a more involved process and takes longer to develop. When creating an animation subsequent to an illustration, we account for the repurposed elements and work in our pricing.
119 Spadina Ave. Suite 305
Toronto, ON, M5V 2L1
Canada
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WE’RE HIRING! Does your brain glow with excitement at the mention of medical science? Our Science Visualization Producer role blends client services and project management. Find out more at: https://linkedin.com/jobs/view/2373431134/
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