Elsevier Author Services – Articles
  • Language Editing Services
  • Translation Services
  • Illustration Services
  • Author’s Webshop
Facebook
Pinterest
LinkedIn
YouTube
WeChat
x
Elsevier Author Services – Articles
Language Editing Services by Elsevier Author Services
Elsevier Author Services – Articles
  • Research Process
  • Manuscript Preparation
  • Manuscript Review
  • Publication Process
  • Publication Recognition
  • English
  • Manuscript Preparation

The magic behind scientific illustration

  • 3 minute read
  • 6K views
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0
0
0

Table of Contents

  • How do you help authors?
  • What difference can a good illustration make?
  • Authors have very different needs, how do you work with these?
  • Who has the copyright of the illustrations?
  • What process do you go through when you receive a sketch from a researcher?
  • What are your top tips for good illustrations?

Interview with M.V. Bhaskar, Chief Illustrations Advisor for Elsevier

Illustrations can bring your paper to life, often showing concepts you want to express more vividly than using words alone. But we’re not all gifted artists, and sometimes we need a helping hand.

Researchers often look to illustration services, such as those provided by Elsevier’s WebShop, to help them; the improvements can be dramatic. Here we talk to M.V. Bhaskar, Chief Illustrations Advisor for Elsevier, about the process illustrators, go through with authors to produce their perfect illustrations, and we see some of the results.

How do you help authors?

There are many authors who have good language skills but lack the graphical skills to illustrate their papers in the way they want to. Illustration is the biggest area where skills are lacking, so in cases where authors feel they cannot do their illustrations justice, we can step in and help.

Scientific publishing is a competitive market and images are descriptive, helping authors make a bigger impact with their articles. We provide a free quote within 24 hours, and the top illustrators working with Elsevier then develop a great illustration.

What difference can a good illustration make?

It is becoming very important to ensure the clarity of the science in illustrated output. Illustration can no longer be regarded as just a component of a paper – we create illustrations for conference presentations, lectures, books, websites, social media, and many other channels. Illustrations have also become part of graphical abstracts, in which you try to explain the whole article graphically.

Authors have very different needs, how do you work with these?

Authors also have different budgetary requirements – we don’t just create full-color complex illustrations, we can also work with authors to make simple line drawings and diagrams, or whatever it is they need that fits within their budget.

And it’s not just illustrations authors are looking for – they are part of the visual enhancement services authors need, which include animation, video editing, titling, closed captioning and many other things.

Who has the copyright of the illustrations?

Copyright stays with the author – this is somewhat unusual in the industry, as many other companies retain the copyright of the images they develop. Since authors have the copyright, they can use the illustrations however and wherever they want to.

What process do you go through when you receive a sketch from a researcher?

We begin with a basic sketch from the author – a visual brief, such as a sketch or a hyperlink to something they have in mind – along with written instructions. We then go back and forth with the author if we have questions until our understanding is correct, and then we get started.

Some team members are proficient in science, so they are able to find keywords and associations; a lot of work goes into the research before we put pen to paper. The next step is to translate the scientific and technical content to something more artistic – the art of science. This is where the researcher’s vision really comes to life.

Once we have a draft illustration, the author provides feedback by annotating it using the WebShop’s online tool. We implement any changes necessary, and it’s ready to go!

What are your top tips for good illustrations?

There’s no prescription for how to make a great illustration. We work the way you might see garments being pieced together in a factory: each person contributes a different element to the final illustration. There are eight illustrators, eight graphic artists, two researchers, and two managers. By and large, the team has a fine arts background.

One thing I always recommend is if you do not have the skills, seek professional help as early as you can.

Total
0
Shares
Post 0
Tweet 0
Share 0
Send 0
Message 0
Previous Article
  • Manuscript Preparation

National trends in word use

View Post
Next Article
  • Manuscript Preparation

The sentence not to start your paper with

View Post
You May Also Like
Converting your PhD Thesis into a Book in Five Steps
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

Converting your PhD Thesis into a Book in Five Steps

What is and How to Write a Good Hypothesis in Research?
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

What is and How to Write a Good Hypothesis in Research?

Research Paper Conclusion
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

Research Paper Conclusion: Know How To Write It

Know How to Structure Your PhD Thesis
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

Know How to Structure Your PhD Thesis

How to Write a Research Paper Outline
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

How to Write a Research Paper Outline

Medical Research Abstract
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

Medical Research Abstract: How to Write

How to Write a Scientific Article for Publication
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

How to Write a Scientific Article for Publication

Tips for a Manuscript in Preparation
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

Tips for a Manuscript in Preparation

  • First impressions count: why getting published is like dating

    • 2 minute read
    View Post
  • How to Find and Select Reviewers for Journal Articles

    How to Find and Select Reviewers for Journal Articles

    • 4 minute read
    View Post
  • The sentence not to start your paper with

    • 2 minute read
    View Post
  • Writing a scientific research proposal

    Writing a Scientific Research Project Proposal

    • 5 minute read
    View Post
  • How to Write an Academic Blog Post and Get Noticed

    How to Write an Academic Blog Post and Get Noticed

    • 4 minute read
    View Post
More Posts
  • Converting your PhD Thesis into a Book in Five Steps
    Converting your PhD Thesis into a Book in Five Steps
    • 5 minute read
  • What is a Problem Statement
    What is a Problem Statement? [with examples]
    • 4 minute read
  • How to Write a Research Question
    How to Write a Research Question
    • 5 minute read
  • Write and Improve your Researcher Profile
    How to Write and Improve your Researcher Profile
    • 4 minute read
  • What is and How to Write a Good Hypothesis in Research?
    What is and How to Write a Good Hypothesis in Research?
    • 4 minute read
  • Research Paper Conclusion
    Research Paper Conclusion: Know How To Write It
    • 4 minute read
Price Calculator
Type in wordcount for Standard
Total:
Follow this link if your manuscript is longer than 12,000 words.
Upload
Learn more about
  • Research Process
  • Manuscript Preparation
  • Manuscript Review
  • Publication Process
  • Publication Recognition
  • News
Elsevier Author Services – Articles
  • Language Editing Services
  • Translation Services
  • Illustration Services
  • Author’s Webshop
Elsevier wordmark
Terms & Conditions

Cookies are used by this site. To decline or learn more, visit our Cookies page.

RELX Wordmark

Input your search keywords and press Enter.