Craig Foster — 3D Medical Illustrator, New York

The human body is one of nature’s great wonders, and no artist brings it to life with the accuracy, attention to detail and verve of New York-based medical illustrator Craig Foster. From capillaries to neurones, and from blood cells to biotech implants, his medical illustrations communicate the science in a clear way, fascinating viewers while meeting the objectives of his clients.

Craig’s experience is an asset on any scientific or medical illustration project. He refined his cardiovascular knowledge working at the Arizona Heart Institute for several years, and later developed his 3D modelling and animation skills working for Time Life Medical on major video projects. He has a BA in Fine Arts from the University of Michigan and an MSc in Medical Illustration from the Medical College of Georgia. Growing up Craig loved airbrush art, and early influences include Mark Fredrickson and Hajime Sorayama, as well as fantasy illustrators like Roger Dean and Frank Frazetta.

Approach

These days, Craig works almost exclusively digitally, using 3D modelling to build up images that take us right inside the scene. Medical illustration usually involves a realistic colour palette, but Craig pushes the boundaries, using saturation to focus the viewer’s attention.

Key Software

3D modelling

Styles

Craig’s style is clean, clear and concise, and he always works hard to communicate the core message – which is often very complicated – in the best way possible.

Awards

Between 2000 and 2008, Craig won 10 awards and certificates of merit from the Association of Medical Illustrators.

Client list

Some of Craig’s clients include Janssen Biotherapeutics, US Pharmacist, Sports Illustrated, the American museum of Natural history, Sloan-Ketting Cancer Center and PTC Therapeutics.