Zika virus, a member of the flavivirus family
This 3D illustration depicts the Zika Virus that is causing public health emergencies in South America and elsewhere.
Today I’m trying something new-posting the illustration on LinkedIn. Let me know what you think.
Neonicotinoid Mode of Action ©AlbrechtGFX, 2015
The Basics.
It’s possible that someone reading this blog has never worked with a scientific illustrator / animator. Here’s what we’d like you to know about AlbrechtGFX projects:
Who owns the completed project?
The client. Our work is considered “for hire,” that is, we relinquish all rights to the finished illustration / animation. Clients are free to use the illustration / animation as they choose and as often as they want. Forever.
How long will it take to finish an illustration? How much will it cost?
These two questions are the ones most people want answered. They’re the questions I’d want answered too.
The problem is, no project is exactly like another. Each illustration and animation is unique, as are the variables surrounding the project. For that reason, we are most comfortable providing a cost/time estimate range based on expected time and materials used to complete a project. If questions, please contact me @+1.402.786.3636.
What about the scientific / technical accuracy of an illustration?
Your subject matter expert (SME) is the ultimate authority. We research every project in order to ask questions, discuss content with your SME before beginning illustration. That way, your SME will quickly sign-off on the final illustration.
DNA segment unwound in order to be read
Our illustration at right, “Gene Regulated Transcription,” appeared in last year’s Medical Illustration SourceBook. Briefly, the illustration shows an unwound segment of DNA made available for use as a blueprint to create, e.g., cell membranes, enzymes, hormones, etc.
I loved the illustration but wasn’t keen on submitting it to the SourceBook– the science behind the illustration is complicated, complex, and far-removed from our everyday experiences.
Now there is a book by Pulitzer Prize winning science reporter / author, Amy Ellis Nutt, that connects the world of genes and DNA to people in the world around us. Becoming Nicole is the true story of two identical twin boys who had obvious differences in gender identification from an early age. Identical twins with identical DNA, but variation in genetic blueprint reading resulted in twins that are no longer identical.
*Lewis Carroll from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass
Curved DNA strand with base pairs between “rails” in the foreground.
In our business, we often work with scientists, researchers, and technical experts. As a non-scientist, I am in continually in awe of the discoveries and efforts to make the world a better place to live, e.g., last week’s announcement by the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for work in mapping cell repair of damaged DNA on a molecular level.
2015 Nobel Prize in Chemistry Press Release:
“The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2015 is awarded to Tomas Lindahl, Paul Modrich and Aziz Sancar for having mapped, at a molecular level, how cells repair damaged DNA and safeguard the genetic information. Their work has provided fundamental knowledge of how a living cell functions and is, for instance, used for the development of new cancer treatments.”
For years, I’ve made calls, sent emails and mailings to let others know about our company, AlbrechtGFX. Now I’m also blogging. That’s what happens in a company with just a few employees–sometimes you have amazing opportunities you’ve never sought or expected to do.
Greetings from the plains of Nebraska, in the middle of the United States! Not exactly the epi-center of high-tech, but not a backroads place either. We’re here because we’re native Nebraskans who happen to have a great interest in transforming complex biological content in to visuals that make science understandable, relevant, and compelling.
Here’s our sample 3D illustration from the 2015 Medical Illustration SourceBook, “Antibodies Neutralizing Respiratory Viruses.” The left side of the illustration shows antibodies released from a capillary attacking respiratory viruses on the right.
Stylized DNA Molecule
About AlbrechtGFX:
AlbrechtGFX visuals tell the stories of scientific innovation for biotech companies and the advertising agencies that assist them. We translate scientific, technical content into visuals that make information understood and messages memorable. That is especially valuable when the concepts involved are difficult to explain and / or impossible to view.
It’s said that: “A picture is worth a thousand words.” To that, we add: “In any language. No translation required.” AlbrechtGFX 3D illustrations and animations transcend language barriers and communicate ideas internationally.
AlbrechtGFX creates visuals that match the level of detail / complexity that best fits your audience, e.g., technical vs. non-technical.
All AlbrechtGFX visuals are designed to reflect our clients’ company image, commitment to quality, investment in R & D, and product branding.
AlbrechtGFX clients work directly with an experienced 3D scientific illustrator/animator who can translate technical content into 3D illustrations and animations useful for sales, marketing, public relations and training purposes.
Uses for our 3D illustrations and animations include:
-Technical sales training / selling materials
-Tradeshow displays
-Product launch materials–illustrations, animations for print, presentations & web use
-Public relations, publications
Contact AlbrechtGFX