The Guild Handbook of Scientific Illustration, Second Edition
Sponsored by the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators and written by top illustrators, scientists, and industry experts, The Guild Handbook of Scientific Illustration, Second Edition is an indispensable reference guide for anyone who produces, assigns, or simply appreciates scientific illustration.
Offering broad coverage and more than 620 outstanding illustrations, this new edition offers up-to-date coverage on all aspects of this specialized field, from illustrating molecules and 3D modeling to important material and advice on copyright and contractual concerns, as well as establishing a freelance business.
With step-by-step instructions, in-depth coverage of illustrative techniques and related tools, and helpful advice on the day-to-day business of scientific illustrating, it is easy to see why scientific illustrators refer to this book as their "bible."

Authors and Editors vii

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction xi

Part I Basics 1

1 Generalized Steps 3

2 Studio Basics 23

3 Archival Considerations 58

4 Light on Form 89

Part II Rendering Techniques 111

5 Line and Ink 113

6 Pencil 133

7 Carbon Dust 151

8 Watercolor and Wash 161

9 Gouache and Acrylics 178

10 Airbrush 189

11 Murals and Dioramas 198

12 Model Building 205

13 Introduction to Computer Graphics 218

14 From 2D to 3D 247

Part III Subject Matter 263

15 Illustrating Molecules 267

16 Illustrating Earth Sciences 271

17 Illustrating Astronomy 282

18 Illustrating Plants 295

19 Illustrating Fossils 317

20 Illustrating Invertebrates 343

21 Illustrating Fishes 365

22 Illustrating Amphibians and Reptiles 385

23 Illustrating Birds 401

24 Illustrating Mammals 423

25 Illustrating Animals in Their Habitats 443

26 Illustrating Humans and Their Artifacts 461

27 Illustrating Medical Subjects 484

Part IV Beyond Basics 499

28 Using the Microscope 501

29 Charts and Diagrams 517

30 Cartography for the Scientific Illustrator 528

31 Copy Photography 551

32 The Printing Process 563

Part V The Business of Scientific Illustration 581

33 Copyright 583

34 Contracts 589

35 Operating a Freelance Business 595

Index to Illustrators 609

Index 611

About the Editors 626

ELAINE R. S. HODGES worked as a scientific illustrator in the Department of Entomology at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History. After entering the field of scientific illustration at the Smithsonian in 1965, she helped found the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, serving as its first newsletter editor and later as vice president and president. She has also lectured, taught, and written extensively in the field.

The skills of the scientific illustrator must extend far beyond the ability to create an attractive drawing. In addition to mastering the standard repertoire of artist’s techniques and digital drawing tools, successful scientific illustrators must understand and be proficient in a host of techniques and methods unique to their field. Sponsored by the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators and written by top illustrators, scientists, and industry experts, The Guild Handbook of Scientific Illustration, Second Edition is an indispensable reference guide for novice and professional illustrators and scientists.

This Second Edition offers broad coverage, ranging from a basic discussion of the roles and responsibilities of the scientist (or client) and the illustrator to the most current technological advances in the field. It includes new chapters on basic computer graphics, murals, model building, illustrating molecules, astronomy, 3D modeling, and earth sciences. The hundreds of tools and materials that the illustrator uses are examined here, with specific recommendations for surfaces, media, drawing tools, propping materials, measuring devices, and more. Real-world guidance, best practices, and helpful tips support the text, as well as information on innovative applications unique to scientific illustration.

All aspects of illustrating scientific subjects are covered, from depicting specimens to preserving finished illustrations. Care and handling of often-rare specimens and understanding the anatomy of taxonomic groups are addressed in the section on subject matter. This section treats the illustration of physical sciences, plants, animals, and fossils, including wildlife, anthropological and archaeological artifacts, and medical subjects. Each chapter lists the materials needed to illustrate the specimens and explains any conventions to follow when depicting a subject.

Beyond basic skills, the section on rendering techniques explores new materials and innovative methods, as well as traditional standbys and their applicability to scientific illustration. Each chapter in this section includes a comprehensive list of various drawing surfaces and other implements. Step-by-step instructions for a variety of illustrative techniques and related tools are explored in detail, such as drawing with ink, pencils, carbon dust, watercolor and wash, gouache, acrylics, airbrush, and digital media.

Scientific illustration is more than just rendering specimens, however. This practical volume provides information on using microscopes; creating charts, diagrams, and maps; reproducing artwork, both as slides or prints and for publication; and creating the best archival conditions. Important material and advice is provided on copyright and contractual concerns, as well as establishing a freelance business.

With more than 620 outstanding examples of scientific illustration in black-and-white and color, this veritable encyclopedia of scientific illustration also serves as a source of inspiration, regardless of your area of interest. Scientific illustrators refer to it as their "bible." This gorgeous, comprehensive handbook belongs on the shelf of anyone who produces, assigns, or simply appreciates scientific illustration.

The Guild Handbook of Scientific Illustration, Second Edition

Sponsored by the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators and written by top illustrators, scientists, and industry experts, The Guild Handbook of Scientific Illustration, Second Edition is an indispensable reference guide for anyone who produces, assigns, or simply appreciates scientific illustration.

Offering broad coverage and more than 620 outstanding illustrations, this new edition offers up-to-date coverage on all aspects of this specialized field, from illustrating molecules and 3D modeling to important material and advice on copyright and contractual concerns, as well as establishing a freelance business.

With step-by-step instructions, in-depth coverage of illustrative techniques and related tools, and helpful advice on the day-to-day business of scientific illustrating, it is easy to see why scientific illustrators refer to this book as their "bible."