Medical Artist's Skills

Medical artists may be distinguished from other illustrators by their comprehensive knowledge of medicine and science in addition to their ability to offer artistic and illustrative services .

Medical artists are trained to a high standard of observational and technical skill in many media, from the traditional watercolour, pen and ink, pencil and acrylics to the modern digital media and computerised illustrative techniques.

They use the different media to communicate complex medical concepts in the clearest way. They are educated in anatomy, physiology and pathology and are experienced in surgical environments. They have to be sensitive to the health, safety and ethical issues surrounding medical illustration, and understand their role in the welfare of the patients.

Medical artists apply their skills to a broad spectrum of disciplines in science, healthcare and communication media and many specialise in certain areas of expertise.