Quick Take animations are succinct visual abstracts that provide an engaging summary of clinical research articles published in NEJM. Each project starts with a script which I review and submit for recording. After a quick storyboard to solidify the overall presentation, production ensues: I illustrate and gather existing assets from the NEJM library, edit the voiceover narration, animate, and submit the Quick Take for review.
In the examples above, I utilized and often modified existing NEJM assets (such as patients, calendars, drugs, organ icons). In the animation, Treatment of Acute Achilles’ Tendon Rupture, I created nearly all the illustrations.
MCAT COMPLETE STUDY PACKAGE
ROLE
Art Director
TASKS
Art development/style sheets
Project management/scheduling
Illustration
Layout and design
Pre-press file preparation
PROJECT DETAILS
In April 2015, the AAMC launched the new MCAT. Examkrackers hired me to overhaul and modernize the design and visuals in their 6 book MCAT study package. I assembled and directed a small team of designers and illustrators and worked closely with the writing/editorial team to keep the project on schedule and budget. After delivering the books to press, I assisted with marketing materials for the books and associated courses.
The final product is unique in the MCAT test prep market, with instructive illustrations and photographs on every page and an engaging cartoon character, Salty, who provides humor and helpful tips to help prospective medical students prepare for the most challenging exam of their lives.
SAT INTENSIVE COURSE
ROLE
Art Director
TASKS
Art development/style sheets
Project management/scheduling
Illustration
Layout and design
PROJECT DETAILS
In 2018, Examkrackers launched a pilot program for an SAT intensive course. I worked closely with writing/editorial team to design and illustrate the prep material for the on-line pilot courses.
The final product follows the structure of the Examkracker's MCAT material with instructive illustrations and photographs on every page and an engaging cartoon character, Salty, who provides humor and helpful tips to guide students through the material. The pilot courses were a success, with the majority of students seeing significant increases in their SAT scores.
BEST INFILTRATION PRACTICES
ROLE
Medical Illustrator
TASKS
Art development
Illustration
PROJECT DETAILS
Working with GuidelineCentral and Pacira Pharmaceuticals, I created a series of visuals that illustrate localized infiltration techniques for surgical procedures. The final products are concise reference tools for surgeons, available as a printed manuals and apps for mobile devices.
WHAT IS LIFE? A GUIDE TO BIOLOGY WITH PHYSIOLOGY
BY JAY PHELAN
ROLE
Medical Illustrator
TASKS
Art development
Illustration
PROJECT DETAILS
Working closely with the lead illustrator, author, and development editor, I read the authors preliminary text manuscripts for selected chapters and developed custom illustrations. All artwork was conceptualized to integrate seamlessly with the text.
The final product stands out among other non-major Biology textbooks. Complex concepts are simply stated, easy to understand, and supported by a robust art program. Everyday examples are frequently included to support concepts. This title went on to become WH Freeman's most successful non-majors Biology book.
