My career in genomics: illustrator and graphic designer

Summary

La, a senior graphic designer and illustrator at the Welcome Trust Campus, combines their love for science and design to create engaging visuals for science and genomics. With a background in biomedical research and science communication, La enjoys turning complex scientific concepts into accessible graphics. Their work is varied, ranging from illustrations to exhibitions, and they encourage others to explore multiple interests. La’s passion for merging creativity with science communication makes their role both dynamic and fulfilling.

Takeaways

• 😀 Laa works as a senior graphic designer and illustrator at the Welcome Trust Campus, focusing on creating visual materials that help people engage with science and genomics.
• 😀 There is no typical day for Laa, as her work involves various projects and collaboration with different people across multiple disciplines.
• 😀 In the morning, Laa might be working on an illustration, discussing sketches with colleagues, and refining them before moving to the digital version.
• 😀 In the afternoon, Laa could be working on entirely different projects, such as designing visual approaches for new initiatives.
• 😀 Laa enjoys the variety of her work, which includes illustrations, infographics, exhibitions, and visual materials, and uses different tools like software, pen, and pencil.
• 😀 Laa has always been interested in science and credits her excellent teachers for fostering that passion.
• 😀 Initially, Laa pursued a career in research, completing a biotechnology degree and a master's in biomedical research, but found science communication to be a compelling option.
• 😀 The optional science communication course during her master's helped Laa realize her interest in explaining complex scientific concepts visually.
• 😀 Laa enjoys the overlap between science and design, especially when converting complex scientific ideas into visuals that are easy for people to understand and engage with.
• 😀 Laa encourages science students to explore other interests and bring their passions into their scientific studies, allowing for more creative career paths.
• 😀 Laa is excited about the future, but remains open to exploring many more possibilities in her career, as there is still so much she wants to learn and try.

Q & A

What is the primary role of the speaker in their current position?

The speaker works as a Senior Graphic Designer and Illustrator at Welcome Trust's campus. Their role involves creating illustrations, graphics, and visual materials to help people explore and engage with science and genomics.

How does the speaker describe a typical workday?

The speaker mentions that there is no typical day for them. Their work varies widely, involving collaboration with colleagues, creating digital illustrations, and working on different projects throughout the day, such as designing visual approaches or exhibitions.

What kind of projects does the speaker work on?

The speaker works on a diverse range of projects, including creating illustrations, infographics, exhibitions, and visual materials that communicate complex scientific concepts.

How does the speaker combine their passion for science with their design work?

The speaker combines their love for science with design by converting complex scientific concepts into visual representations that are engaging and easier to understand, blending their interests in both fields.

What is the speaker's background in science and how did it influence their career?

The speaker has a background in biotechnology and biomedical research. Initially aiming to become a researcher, they were introduced to science communication during their master's program. This sparked their interest in visually explaining science, eventually leading them to pursue a career in graphic design.

How did the speaker's interest in design develop during their academic journey?

The speaker enjoyed doodling and drawing throughout their university studies, with their notes often filled with sketches. This personal interest in art became more focused during a science communication course in their master's program, where they explored how to visually explain science.

What aspect of their job does the speaker find most rewarding?

The speaker finds joy in the overlap between science and design, especially the process of transforming complex scientific ideas into visual content that people can understand and engage with.

What advice does the speaker give to students studying science?

The speaker advises science students to explore other interests and passions alongside their studies, and to not be afraid to bring these interests into their scientific work. They emphasize the value of creative exploration.

What future plans or goals does the speaker have?

The speaker is uncertain about their exact future path but expresses a desire to continue exploring new areas and developing their career further. They are open to discovering more opportunities within their field.

What tools does the speaker use in their creative process?

The speaker uses a range of tools, from software programs to traditional methods like pen and pencil, to create their illustrations and designs.