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Our Process - How to design a cover illustration?

How can we convey the findings of a paper in a single illustration?

Here is the process I followed with my ex-coworkers Miki Ebisuya and Guillermo Martínez Ara from EMBL Barcelona.


1) First we identify the main message of the paper together with the researchers:

We made a bio-engineered tool that can modify the shape of epithelial cells and organoids via inducing apical constriction upon stimulation with blue light. 


2) We identify the selling points:

Organoids and blue light stimulation (optogenetics).

 

3) We explore different designs and styles.

We liked the 3rd image shape displaying eyecup organoids similar to the ones on the paper figures, but with the light scheme of the first image.

4) We work on the 3D geometry and check with the researchers.

We want to emphasize the difference between the main illuminated optic cup and the rest. 

5) We add materials and details and adjust with researchers' input.

The paper is progressing fine to Nature Communications, so it will not be presented for cover but for banner.
We want to emphasize that the illuminated cells have a smaller apical (inner) side.

6) We implement researchers' feedback and finalize the image with cinematic lighting, materials, details and context.

Paper got accepted!

Let's send the editorial picture and use it in presentations and posters!
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-33115-0

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