“Before I came to the Science Illustration Program at UCSC, science illustration was a nebulous idea of a career for me and I wasn’t quite sure how to make it into a reality. Graduating from the program I now feel directed, capable, and confident in how I can go about creating a career for myself. I feel that this program has given me all the qualities I need to start my career as an illustrator – qualities which otherwise might have taken me years to acquire on my own. I can’t thank the Science Illustration Program at UCSC enough!”
– Logan Parsons, 2007.
“One of the soundest things I have done in my illustrator’s career. Though fast paced, it allowed me to explore much uncharted territory and to experiment with many new techniques. I would without doubt do it all over again.”
– Pedro Fernandes, 2007.
“My time at the UCSC Science Illustration Program was the most rewarding educational experience I have ever had.”
– Melissa Thomas, 2005.
“It is rare to find a program that you enjoy so much that you’re willing to practically live at the classroom in order to get projects done. Watching your artwork take shape under your hand and improving upon it with suggestions from the diversity of your peers and the advice from your highly experienced instructors is incomparable. I decided to follow a dream – a career where art and science melded – and I took the first steps by becoming a student of the Science Illustration Program.”
– Alice Hsieh, 2005.
“Our instructors were not only brilliant teachers but also inspiring role-models, and the constant stream of guest speakers that the curriculum held helped me develop a grasp of the real-world science illustrator experience, alleviating any ivory-tower induced claustrophobia. I still draw inspiration from my time there, and find myself paging through old notes and class materials when I need a mental lift. It really is a marvelous and unique program.”
– Emily Cooper, 2005.
“The program itself filled in every gap in my knowledge. I learned techniques used by classic illustrators, including a wide variety of traditional media. I also learned digital techniques that overcame my technophobia and made me a marketable, modern, knowledgeable graphic artist. In addition, I was also introduced to a parade of industry professionals who visited the classroom. I spoke with art directors, art lawyers, and artists themselves. I became able to market myself, negotiate with art directors, and protect my work legally, in addition to producing technically competent, professional quality illustration in a variety of media.”
– Russell House, 2005.
“When I discovered the Science Illustration Program at UCSC it was as though a light went on in my head. I had found a niche for myself. It was a privilege to have been enrolled in the program, and never before had I met more attentive, generous and tremendously creative people.”
– Victoria Fortune, 2005.
“The UCSC program afforded me the opportunity to pursue two things I am extremely passionate about: science and art. The environment in which my interests were cultivated could not have been more warm and welcoming. The teachers overflowed with a wealth of knowledge and experience that could only be surpassed by their genuine excitement for their work. I am eternally indebted to my teachers for strengthening my skills as an illustrator, while instilling in me a confidence that I can continue to learn and grow in this amazing profession.”
– Tim Gunther, 2004.
“Thanks to the training provided by the Science Illustration Program instructors, I was able to transition from a career as a field biologist to an art director position at Scientific American magazine, and am now working as a freelance artist and graphic designer. The opportunities that arose in my life as a result of this program are priceless.”
– Alison Kendall, 2004.
“The UCSC Program attracts like-minded students to come together and learn from each other in an amicable yet competitive environment. It is safe to say this is one of the best school experiences I have ever had. I went in as an art enthusiast, and came out as a professional artist. Now I have published illustrations in academic journals, popular nature and science magazines, newspapers, and websites. More importantly, I am doing what I love to do, and this program provided me with the education needed to do this.”
– Alan Chou, 2004.
“Coming from Portugal, I was living abroad for the first time and everyone welcomed me as family, providing the essential support to fully benefit from the classes and assignments. The attention and care provided to each student by the teachers is unlike anywhere else. Attending the Science Illustration Program in Santa Cruz was probably one of the best choices I’ve made for myself and for my career. I look back to that year as one of the most hard-working but also as the one that put me in the track where I always wanted to be, building my self-confidence and giving me all the necessary tools.”
– Diana Marques, 2004
“The UCSC Science Illustration Program is the place where you can meet highly motivated students from all over the world!”
– Juna Kurihara, 2004.
“The UC Santa Cruz Science Illustration Program was one of the best educational experiences I’ve ever had. I came to UCSC from a very rigorous wildlife science graduate program and found the Science Illustration Program equally challenging and endlessly engaging. I can’t praise this program enough.”
– Stacey Vigallon, 2004
“This program has an incredible reputation for producing great science illustrators.”
- W. Andrew Recher, 2003.
“The program opened doors I hadn’t expected to open. Just mentioning the UCSC Science Illustration Program results in at least a call-back. I will always remember my experience here as a turning point in my life.”
- Chris Field, 2003.
"The year I spent in the science illustration program was an intense balance of illustration and various science disciplines that was easily the most challenging and rewarding year in my educational career.”
- Giovanni Maki, 2002.
“The small class-size allows for personalized instruction between teachers and students and for intensive collaboration among students. The dedication of the instructors to the program and to educating a generation of natural science illustrators is unique and outstanding. Through the Science Illustration Program, graduates are connected to an international network of other illustrators, art directors, and educators which will benefit them throughout their career, as the prestige of the program is recognized in scientific and communication arts circles throughout the world. I feel that I have not just taken a course but have joined a community, and I am extremely thankful for having been able to be a part of it.”
- Jenny Kane, 2002.
"The UCSC Science Illustration Program has been invaluable in my current experience as a freelance illustrator and artist. I can't say enough about how thorough the program's preparation is both in artistic training and professional readiness for finding work whether it be in museum exhibits, freelance illustration, art editing, field research, etc....The program was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine my interests in art and nature and I would strongly recommend it to anyone considering a career in this field."
- Brian Maebius, 2001.
"My time at UCSC was an incredible springboard for work in freelance illustration and education. In addition to illustrating interpretive displays and literature, I plan to use natural science illustration to introduce kids in local classrooms to the richness and diversity of their local landscape."
- Claire Emery, 2000.
"California is the last place I thought I would ever be for any length of time. But in pursuit of a career in science illustration, I found a secret treasure there. The one year graduate program at UCSC was exactly what I was looking for. The instructors had a sincere desire to teach us things that made us better illustrators. Their talents are inspirational as well as their ability to work as a team. I am glad to have been a part of this outstanding program and given such an opportunity to refine and hone my talents. The UCSC Science Illustration Program was the door I walked through to find a career in science illustration, and I am now able to support my family doing what I love."
- Thomas A. Tarpley, 1999.
“My year in the UCSC Science Illustration program was by far the most intensive and valuable year of education in all my 18 years as a student.”
- Zeke Smith, 1999.
“The combination of excellent instruction with an incredible network of resources throughout the industry makes the Science Illustration Program at UCSC a one-of-a-kind opportunity for anyone pursuing a career as a science illustrator.”
- Shawn Gould, 1999.
“The science illustration program is world renowned and highly respected in its field. It offers a quality and breadth of education that can’t be found anywhere else. It is one of a kind and I can't recommend it enough."
- Jeremy Stoller, 1998.
"This program helped to give me the skills and confidence to follow my dreams. I made great friends and contacts, too!"
- Laurel Rogers, 1997.
"The Science Illustration program got my career on the right track. From a casual illustrator with very little idea of how to proceed, the intensive year long program at UC Santa Cruz gave me the tools, dedication and know-how to work with clients on a worldwide basis. Like any graduate level program, a major component of the study was the concentrated daily schedule which allowed no time to 'turn back' and lose the skills so rigorously earned."
- Rick Jones, 1996.
"The natural science illustration program at UCSC is the reason I'm doing what I am today. I had the science background and some art training, but little technical illustration skills before attending UCSC. The program gave me the opportunity to develop my illustration techniques as well as business skills. A unique part of the program was the one-on-one contact and direction from prominent art directors and illustrators. I was given a glimpse of the real world as a freelancer, and thus better prepared for the life of crazy deadlines and marketing oneself. Its not easy, but I wouldn't choose any other career."
- Rachel Taylor, 1996.
"I would never have come to the work I am doing now had I not gone through the UCSC program. I had no idea where it would lead, except that it would lead me somewhere different from where I was. I started out from a love of the natural world, and the desire to go outside and sketch it as much as possible. I don't think I would have considered doing illustrations of technology subjects such as I've done for Scientific American if someone, namely Ann, hadn't suggested it."
- David Fierstein, 1996.
"I had the busiest year ever in my life at the Science Illustration Program at UCSC. But it was one of the most wonderful, too. It is definitely because of my time at the program that I have the strength to make a living of scientific illustration AND having a lot of fun meanwhile!! Thanks to Ann and Jenny in particular for being the best teachers I could have dreamed of."
- Hila Kupper, 1995.
"The quality of education offered by the program is outstanding. Disciplines and principles of Science Illustration are explained in great detail; instructors allow and encourage the student to explore new and varied methods and materials always with an emphasis on excellence. Reference provided in class offers back-up for on-going work while in the program and later."
- Peg Steunenberg, 1995.
"I never completely fit in with my science buddies, nor with the artsy crowd, so it was an exciting realization that there are a bunch of wacky hybrid people out there just like me. The best skill the science illustration program helped me develop was how to multi-task under tight schedules. I appreciate the work ethic and attention to detail instilled in each graduate, and I have been lucky to have the opportunity to provide internships and work with other graduates of the program."
- Heather Weyers, 1994.
"Every day, even when I am doing a project that is tedious, I feel good about what I am doing, and I am thankful for the success I have in my career. The illustration program turned my life around, focused my energy, and provided a great deal of support and knowledge."
- Sophia Varcados 1993.
"When I'm not working as a freelance illustrator, I work with children and adults teaching them the value of connecting with the natural world around them - their own habitat - using field sketching as the tool for observation. I owe my success to the folks at UCSC for seeing something in my early work that few others could see. Through their insight and amazing teaching abilities I have been able to develop my skills as an artist. I gained a great deal of confidence in my artistic and naturalist skills at UCSC."
- Sandra McDermott, 1992.
"I remember feeling the excitement of learning and experimenting with the media. In this program, it was safe to do so, as critiques were always conducted with knowledgeable and supremely tactful suggestions. Having attended many art classes, I know that this crucial element to artistic inspiration is often sadly lacking. Positive critiquing is an art in itself, and UCSC's Science Illustration instructors were the best I have known. They created a healthy, supportive atmosphere of camaraderie and love of creating art."
- Denise Takahashi, 1992.
"The Science Illustration Program at UCSC has proved itself a complete success for me. I could not be doing my current work without the experience. All in all, the program was great training and has been rewarding for years since. The varied technical skills, hands on demonstrations and wide assortment of techniques taught through the program were critical. as well as the many critiques and knowledgeable feedback on work in progress, not to mention cutting edge information both on marketing and illustration."
- Claudia Stevens, 1989.
