Thread by @SecondNatureMB

I was asked if I could outline the steps I go through to create a panel like this. It's a long process and I'm lucky to have the skills and training to do all of the pieces: content writing/research, illustration & layout, so I thought I'd walk you through it. 1/ #scicomm #sciart

It starts with a concept sketch. The client and I discussed the story they wanted to tell and the looks we liked and I scribbled it into my sketchbook. Species were chosen from the garden plants this panel was for and I researched their associated pollinators. 2/ #sciart #scicomm

Once I have an general idea of what images I need, I start drawing. I have a huge reference photo library, but will sometimes ask for permission from other photographers to use their images as references. 3/ #scicomm #sciart

Once I get the images down on paper, I bring them into the computer (usually by taking a photo with my phone). Then, comes the painstaking task of painting. It's done by building up layers of colour in Photoshop. Each piece of the illustration takes hours. 4/ #scicomm #sciart

Here's another example of the painting process. I work each element of the larger #illustration one at a time, but keeping in mind the overall composition. Because I know they're going into a larger piece, I don't usually work up a background. 5/ #sciart #scicomm

As I get more and more pieces finished, I start thinking about the bigger picture and story. I try colours and fonts, and create the layout so I can start moving the pieces around. This is also important for making sure you have enough space for the text. 6/ #scicomm #sciart

Once I have all the pieces, I start layering them into the larger image. This involves a lot of back and forth between Photoshop where the paintings are and Indesign where I'm doing the layout. It's really important at this point to leave space for the text 7/ #scicomm #sciart

While it may seem counter-intuitive, I leave the final text copy for last. The panel was built from the story outline, but working on the images first allowed me to make sure I had enough room for words. So now, I write the content to fit the space. #scicomm #sciart

The panel goes through several edits to make sure it's accurate, error-free and fits the layout. Once everyone is happy, it's done and ready for the printer. Thank you for following along on this trip through my work process. I hope you found it interesting. -end #scicomm #sciart