This illustration was done for MSC2018: Visual Representation of Processes in Pathology. It shows how plaque psoriasis, a common inflammatory skin disease, presents at both a micro and macro scale. Providing information at the cellular level helps the viewer understand the disease process, while a human figure engages the viewer and maintains emotional connection.

I started with a tissue landscape study to understand the cellular structure of the epidermis. I then did a tissue cube study to understand visual differences between healthy and diseased tissue at the cellular scale and how it progresses between the two.

I did a couple sketches to find a pose that would clearly show how the disease presents at the macro scale while being visually appealing. I chose one that would work well with the layout to direct the reader’s gaze.

Illustrations were done in Clip Studio Paint; layout was done in Adobe Illustrator.

This piece was featured in the Association of Medical Illustrators 2021 Online Salon and received a Student Award of Merit.

Objective: to explain a particular disease process, demonstrating pathological change in a tissue over time

Audience: educated lay audience

Format: 11 x 17” double-page spread, suitable for publication in a popular science magazine

Client: Dr. Shelley Wall

Medium: Clip Studio Paint, Adobe Illustrator