2 answers
Mya
Student
Kenosha, Wisconsin
7
Questions
Updated
749 views
How do I know if the medical illustration is for me?
I'm majoring in studio art with a minor in biology. I became interested in medical illustration last summer and since then I've loved it. However, before I had an interest in medical illustration, I was highly into sneaker design. Though they both have to do with art, they are two completely different realms of art. I know medical illustration is what I want to do, but I guess some days I think about my other alternative.
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2 answers
Sonja Vass
Teacher of AI Adobe Creative Marketing
4
Answers
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Updated
Sonja’s Answer
3. How do I know if medical illustration is for me?
Student context: Studio art major, biology minor. Loves medical illustration but previously interested in sneaker design.
Answer:
It’s completely normal to have multiple artistic interests! What matters most is how you feel doing the work. Here are a few ways to gain clarity:
Reflect on your energy: When you’re working on a medical illustration, do you feel absorbed, curious, and satisfied—even when it’s challenging? That’s a great sign it fits you.
Do both, for now: It’s okay to explore both paths. Your passion for sneaker design doesn’t have to disappear—some artists balance both technical and expressive projects.
Test real-world tasks: Try recreating illustrations from medical texts or designing for anatomy flashcards. If you enjoy that process over time, it’s a strong indicator it suits you.
Talk to professionals: Reach out to medical illustrators (via LinkedIn or AMI) and ask what their day-to-day is like. See if that lifestyle and work process resonates with you.
Speak to companies or folks in the field and find out what is required to become a medical illustrator. You may be expected to have more than a 4 year BFA. Understanding the body and it's functions is important for a medical illustrator and might require a Masters Degree. This means more time in school and of course more expenses. Medical Illustrators receive higher compensation than other illustrators.
Keep a sketch journal: Capture both your medical and sneaker ideas. Over time, you may see which theme you return to naturally.
Reminder: You don’t have to lock yourself into one niche forever. The skills you build in one artistic area can always inform the other. What matters is that you’re engaged, growing, and creating work you’re proud of creating.
Student context: Studio art major, biology minor. Loves medical illustration but previously interested in sneaker design.
Answer:
It’s completely normal to have multiple artistic interests! What matters most is how you feel doing the work. Here are a few ways to gain clarity:
Reflect on your energy: When you’re working on a medical illustration, do you feel absorbed, curious, and satisfied—even when it’s challenging? That’s a great sign it fits you.
Do both, for now: It’s okay to explore both paths. Your passion for sneaker design doesn’t have to disappear—some artists balance both technical and expressive projects.
Test real-world tasks: Try recreating illustrations from medical texts or designing for anatomy flashcards. If you enjoy that process over time, it’s a strong indicator it suits you.
Talk to professionals: Reach out to medical illustrators (via LinkedIn or AMI) and ask what their day-to-day is like. See if that lifestyle and work process resonates with you.
Speak to companies or folks in the field and find out what is required to become a medical illustrator. You may be expected to have more than a 4 year BFA. Understanding the body and it's functions is important for a medical illustrator and might require a Masters Degree. This means more time in school and of course more expenses. Medical Illustrators receive higher compensation than other illustrators.
Keep a sketch journal: Capture both your medical and sneaker ideas. Over time, you may see which theme you return to naturally.
Reminder: You don’t have to lock yourself into one niche forever. The skills you build in one artistic area can always inform the other. What matters is that you’re engaged, growing, and creating work you’re proud of creating.
Talha Tazim
3d artist
1
Answer
Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
Talha’s Answer
Hey Mya! If you're truly passionate about medical illustration and believe you can offer real value to other students, there are many positives to consider. Here are some:
Pros
1. You'll be doing what you love.
2. You'll gain a deep understanding of biology and be able to teach it in exciting ways.
3. It's genuinely fun!
4. Your passion means you'll likely excel, bringing high-quality work to the field of medical illustration.
Cons
1. It can be a bit challenging to learn.
2. You might need to upgrade your equipment.
3. In the beginning, earning might be tough because there are many people in the field.
Keep going, Mya! Your passion can lead to amazing things.
Pros
1. You'll be doing what you love.
2. You'll gain a deep understanding of biology and be able to teach it in exciting ways.
3. It's genuinely fun!
4. Your passion means you'll likely excel, bringing high-quality work to the field of medical illustration.
Cons
1. It can be a bit challenging to learn.
2. You might need to upgrade your equipment.
3. In the beginning, earning might be tough because there are many people in the field.
Keep going, Mya! Your passion can lead to amazing things.