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Certificate in Natural Science Illustration

www.pce.uw.edu/certificates/natural-science-illustration

Certificate in Natural Science Illustration

Creatively Capture the Natural World

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Program Details

  • Location: UW Seattle
  • Duration: 8 months
  • Times: Evenings, Weekends
  • Cost: $4,974

Next start date:

October 2018

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About this Program


Natural science illustration combines the beauty of nature with the precision of scientific observation. Working in both traditional and digital formats, science illustrators produce work for publication in textbooks, science journals and online sites, as well as for exhibition in museums and art galleries.

In this certificate program, you’ll learn to render detailed zoological and botanical illustrations using a variety of media. We’ll cover a comprehensive set of nature illustration skills using carbon dust, color pencil, stipple pen and ink, watercolor and gouache. You’ll study principles related to forms, biomechanics and structural diversity found in the animal kingdom. Learn digital illustration and online publishing techniques, and get tips on contracts, copyrights and how to market your work. 

DESIGNED FOR

Artists who want to hone their visual illustration abilities, along with scientists looking to add or improve these skills.

See Requirements

Video Overview

Bart Rulon, one of the instructors of the Certificate in Natural Science Illustration, shares highlights of the program.

Duration: 03:45

what you'll learn

  • Fundamental principles related to anatomical, cellular and physical form and function
  • Techniques to depict form using light, line, measure and perspective
  • Approaches to accurately creating zoological and vertebrate scientific illustrations
  • How to produce wildlife and botanical drawings, including field sketches
  • Methods to enhance the presentation of finished work 

get hands-on experience

  • Study and render biological specimens provided by the program
  • Practice digital illustration techniques in the state-of-the-art Mac computer lab
  • Take field trips to sites such as the Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Aquarium and Skagit River Wildlife Refuge
  • Have the opportunity to publish in a class anthology and submit an illustration to Stratus: Journal of Arts & Writing
  • Create a portfolio of illustrations and exhibit your work at the Burke Museum on the UW campus 

Program Overview

Complete the courses listed below to earn the certificate. You may be able to take individual courses without enrolling in the certificate program; check the course pages for details.

Quarter 1

Principles of Natural Science Illustration

Zoological Illustration

Quarter 2

Vertebrate Illustration

Wildlife Illustration

Quarter 3

Botanical Illustration

Applied Techniques of Natural Science Illustration

Certificate in Natural Science Illustration

Approved by the UW School of Art + Art History + Design.

View this program's advisory board.

Learning Format

Classroom

Attend classes part time at one of our convenient locations in the Puget Sound region. You’ll engage face to face with your classmates and instructors as part of a highly interactive curriculum. Learn More »

Program Sessions

Classroom

Closed Sessions

Cost of Program: $4,974

Divided into quarterly payments – additional fees apply – See Details

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