I believe that art & design can make scientific information not only more accessible, but also mind-blowingly interesting, shockingly funny, and deeply poetic.
Through my work, I aim to make science come alive and to engage all people
with the weird wonders of the natural world.
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I've loved art and science for as long as I can remember. Even as
a kid, I knew I wanted to combine these two interests into a future career. Early on it wasn't always clear what this career would look like and my path wasn't always straight-forward, but I trusted that
I would find my place in the intersection of these two fields.
Fast-forward to the present and I now create science-informed illustrations, graphics, exhibits, and more for organizations and individuals. I love that this work allows me to use both my scientific mind and my creative abilities to make work that meets client needs and spreads an appreciation for the natural world. I think my younger self would be pumped.
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Origin
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I received my BFA in industrial design from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2014 and my MS in biology with a focus on ornithology from East Carolina University in 2021. I worked in museums as an exhibit designer for five years (first at Smithsonian Exhibits and then at the Boston Museum of Science) & have now been working as a freelance designer for five years.
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As a trained designer & biologist, I have a unique set of skills that I use to interpret and communicate the intricacies of our world. I'm as comfortable reading research articles as I am creating Photoshop renderings, meaning that I can bridge the (unfortunate but real) gap between the worlds of art & science.
Training
My Rules of Thumb
My Rules of Thumb
My Rules of Thumb
Lead with Science
When it comes to design, I think the science should come first.
I make decisions based on what tells the story in the simplest and most elegant way- not purely on what looks cool.
Share the Love
You can tell when work is made with love. I take time to learn about the subject of each new project which allows me to develop a personal interest and affection for the topic- a love that is then shared with others through the finished designs.
Keep it Weird
Experimentation, play, and humor have important roles in my creative process. I believe that allowing room for weird, out-of-the-box ideas is also the path to the best ideas.
A Few Clients I've Worked With
"Like a miracle sent from the heavens, Kristen somehow manages to walk the incredibly fine line of being a creative mastermind while also understanding the logistics of a job. It's VERY rare to find someone who can balance these things, all the while being an enthusiastic, fun, and smart collaborator."
Matt Wasowski, CEO of Nerd Nite and Co-Editor
of How to Win Friends & Influence Fungi