GRAPHICAL ABSTRACTS
Communicating scientific research is difficult. Currently, many journals require a graphical abstract, a visual summary of the scientific paper.
Can you help us summarize our research work in one image?
THE CHALLENGE
THE SOLUTION
Of course! First, we'll determine the key messages of your article. Based on the requirements of each specific journal, we can create an image that is eye-catching, intuitive and easy to read. We'll use a clean, stylized art style.
CLIENT
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, University Medical Center Groningen
THERANOSTICS
BEHIND THE SCENES
I followed a series of steps that took this project from idea to finished product.
First, I collected all the information that the client gave me about their paper. Together, we agreed on the key messages we wanted to highlight with this image.
Based on that, I created a very rough layout draft for them to review. The goal of this draft is to make sure all the key elements are present and visible, that the reading flow is logical, and that we are giving each element an amount of space that corresponds to its importance within the message.
The client had the chance to provide feedback on the first draft, which I incorporated into a slightly more detailed sketch.
I added more labels, as well as some boxes to make the order of reading clearer. Here the client had another chance to provide feedback. Colors were incorporated in this sketch as well so that the client could get a better feel for what the final image would look like.
Thanks to the first rounds of sketches, by the final stage we are sure that the layout is logical and the key messages are present, so we only have to worry about minor adjustments. Things like adding arrows and labels, adjusting colors and fonts or adding small icons can be done at this stage.
Lastly, I did a final check to make sure the image complied with the journal's requirements for publication.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
CLIENT
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, University Medical Center Groningen
Would you like to have a custom image for your graphical abstract?
BEHIND THE SCENES
I followed a series of steps that took this project from idea to finished product.
Initially, after I gather all the information from the authors, I like to sketch on paper. This step can be done digitally as well, it's a personal choice.
The goal is to come up with the main layout and make sure that all the key messages are present and follow a logical hierarchy.
I also make sure that the flow of the image matches the vertical or horizontal orientation we choose, or the one the journal dictates.
Then, with feedback from the authors, I move on to a digital sketch. I refine the layout, add some key ideas that might have been missing and eliminate distracting elements that don't support the main messages. I usually add a bit of color to help the authors get a closer idea of what the final image might look like.
Finally, I incorporate feedback again and clean up the sketch. Most journals have guidelines for image size, font or even word count, so it's important to check often as we move on to the final image.
Nature in particular has a very distinct visual style, so I adapted my illustration to match it as closely as possible.
NATURE SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
CLIENT
Diabetes Research Unit, Universidad Miguel Hernández
Would you like to have custom images for your paper?
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