I am an illustrator and graphic designer with a strong scientific background, specializing in transforming complex topics into engaging and accessible visuals. My work ranges from children’s picture books that make science fun for young readers, to brochures and campaigns that simplify intricate policies for the general public. With over 15 years of freelance experience, I bring both creativity and structure: developing unique visual identities, logos, and layouts from scratch, while ensuring clarity and consistency. I thrive on creating illustrations that spark curiosity, connect with audiences, and make information not only understandable but delightful.

habaalisa

I am an illustrator and graphic designer with a strong scientific background, specializing in transforming complex topics into engaging and accessible visuals. My work ranges from children’s picture books that make science fun for young readers, to brochures and campaigns that simplify intricate policies for the general public. With over 15 years of freelance experience, I bring both creativity and structure: developing unique visual identities, logos, and layouts from scratch, while ensuring clarity and consistency. I thrive on creating illustrations that spark curiosity, connect with audiences, and make information not only understandable but delightful.

Available to hire

I am an illustrator and graphic designer with a strong scientific background, specializing in transforming complex topics into engaging and accessible visuals. My work ranges from children’s picture books that make science fun for young readers, to brochures and campaigns that simplify intricate policies for the general public. With over 15 years of freelance experience, I bring both creativity and structure: developing unique visual identities, logos, and layouts from scratch, while ensuring clarity and consistency. I thrive on creating illustrations that spark curiosity, connect with audiences, and make information not only understandable but delightful.

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Language

English
Fluent
Dutch
Intermediate
Japanese
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Illustrator & Content Support Specialist at freelance
September 1, 2007 - Present
Illustrated, designed, and coordinated visual content for science publishers, educational institutions, and local governments.
Director & Planner at Elephant Communications (Design Agancy in Tokyo)
April 1, 2006 - August 31, 2007
Managed client communication, coordinated design teams, and proposed creative solutions for web and print media.

Education

M. Sc. in Astronomy at University of Tokyo
April 1, 2003 - March 31, 2005
Master’s thesis on Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN); conducted research on black holes at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.
B. Sc. in Physics at Hokkaido University
April 1, 1999 - March 1, 2003
Completed a broad program in General Physics, gaining strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

M. Sc. in Astronomy
April 1, 2003 - March 31, 2005
B. Sc. in Physics
April 1, 1999 - March 31, 2003

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Other, Software & Internet, Professional Services
    uniE621 Tenugui Design for Nobeyama Telescope Anniversary
    Design commemorating the 30th anniversary of the 45m millimeter-wave radio telescope at Nobeyama Radio Observatory. graphicdesigner
    uniE621 Logo for the 10th Anniversary of the Ogasawara World Heritage Site
    Commissioned by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. A spinning wheel motif using a native snail represents the concept: "spinning from past to future." logo
    uniE621 Illustration of Symbols for a Delft City Map
    Created in collaboration with Like A Local City Guide Delft. Distributed in cafés and museums around Delft. illustrator
    uniE621 Book: One Way Ticket to the Black Hole
    A book about black holes, published in 2008. Written using the astronomical knowledge gained in graduate school. writer illustrator
    uniE621 Watercolor Illustration of a School Library
    An illustration created by layering individually painted watercolor elements. illustrator
    uniE621 Alphabet Poster
    A poster featuring 26 letters riding a tuk-tuk-style train. graphicdesigner
    uniE621 Watercolor Illustration of Zodiac
    Illustrations of the twelve zodiac animals. What’s your zodiac sign? illustrator
    uniE621 My Journey Book of Turkey
    A visual travel journal of my reflective solo journey through Turkey, blending drawings and comics to tell the story. illustrator graphicdesigner writer
    uniE621 Black & White Illustration of Creatures
    Creatures illustrated in the spirit of traditional Japanese sumi-e ink painting. illustrator
    paper Science Book writing (target: upper elementary and junior high school students)

    I am currently writing and illustrating a science book for upper primary and middle school students. The project takes about thirteen topics from physics, astronomy, and mathematics, and explains them in a highly accessible way. Through a child protagonist and narrative style (partly in comic format), complex university-level concepts are transformed into engaging stories that young readers can easily understand.