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Current Role: Project Manager (Biomedical Illustration)
Organization: Real Chemistry
Ana graduated with her BS in IB 2013, a doctorate in biology from the University of Chicago (2020) and a Master's in biomedical illustration from UIC (2022).
She works specifically in the field of scientific art. At Real Chemistry, she works as a project manager, where she helps bring scientific illustrations, animations, virtual reality apps, websites, etc. to life with a team of artists. In her spare time, she freelances as a scientific illustrator and creates drawings for publication in scientific journals. You can see more on her website: https://www.anabeiriger.com/bio
For a long time, art was a hobby. Ana went right from IB into a PhD program in developmental biology. She created illustrations and designs for scientific talks and outreach events while working on her doctorate, and loved helping others explain their science through art. When she heard from a colleague about the field of biological illustration, she quickly realized she had found the right career path.
You do not need a formal art background or a PhD in science to get into scientific illustration. Most people go from undergrad right into a two-year MS program. There are four accredited MS programs in North America, including UIC. You don’t need to be pre-connected in the field, as the programs have a strong alumni network and good job placement after graduation. For the art side of things, an art minor (or even taking figure drawing, painting, and other classes after you graduate) is often enough to develop a portfolio. You don’t need to know 3D animation, app development, or even digital illustration before going into a program. They need to see you have an artistic inclination and you know your science.
There are a range of career options from contract to full-time work. Some people do decide to freelance, but often later on after they have more experience in the field.
This is a steady field with a lot of support and community. For Ana, it allows her to put her artistic side in service of her love of biology.