About
I’m a science illustrator, graphic designer, and lettering artist based in Monterey, California.
Fueled by a deep personal interest in art, design and nature, my work dances across the disciplines of traditional illustration, science communication, hand lettering, graphic design, and fine art. Cultivating a dynamic skill set has brought opportunities to work with clients in a wide range of industries while focusing on the subject matter I most enjoy: science and nature.
In addition to freelance work, I support our local arts and culture as an Art Mentor for the Western Flyer Foundation, Community Organizer (and occasional dance instructor) for Cannery Row Jump, and Lecturer in the Science Illustration Graduate Certificate Program at California State University, Monterey Bay.
Outside of all that you’ll find me reading a memoir, wandering around an antique shop or museum, dancing to an old timey tune, riding my bicycle or cruising for cute plants.
Photo: Ryan Chard Smith
Selected Clients
• California Institute of Technology
• The Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Chronicle Books
• California State Parks
• University of California Santa Cruz
• Williams-Sonoma
• Wildsam Travel Guides
• Ten Speed Press
Exhibitions & Recognition
• Carl Cherry Center for the Arts Look Closer
• Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI) Annual Juried Exhibit
• Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History Art of Nature
• The North Carolina Arboretum Art in the Azaleas
• Communication Arts Typography Annual
• Print Regional Design Annual
• Applied Arts Design Awards
• Applied Arts Photography & Illustration Awards
COLOPHON
This site was created using the Squarespace theme Avenue. The Ellis nameplate is hand lettered by me.
Bio portrait shot in Pacific Grove, CA by Ryan Chard Smith.
The typeface used throughout this site is Maiola by Veronika Burian and José Scaglione at TypeTogether.
Many of the documentation photographs on this site appear with credit; those without are taken by me
