Hi, I'm Sonja Saraei, a scientific illustrator and visual communicator with a passion for transforming complex ideas into clear, engaging, and memorable visuals. I create accurate, research-informed illustrations that help audiences understand topics across science, healthcare, education, technology, and innovation. Whether explaining an anatomical structure, biological process, visualizing research findings, developing educational materials, or creating compelling visual content, I combine scientific understanding with thoughtful design to communicate information effectively. My background spans academia, scientific research, pharmaceutical consulting, and science communication, giving me the ability to work comfortably with subject-matter experts while translating complex concepts for broader audiences. Through years of experience in research environments, educational projects, and industry collaborations, I have developed a deep appreciation for the power of visual storytelling to make knowledge more accessible. I hold a Master of Arts in Scientific Illustration from Maastricht University and ZUYD University of Applied Sciences, as well as a Master of Science in Biomedical Imaging from the University of Turku. This combination of scientific training and artistic practice allows me to create visuals that are both aesthetically engaging and scientifically accurate. I enjoy collaborating with researchers, educators, publishers, healthcare organizations, startups, and businesses that want to communicate complex ideas with clarity and impact.…

Sonja Saraei

Hi, I'm Sonja Saraei, a scientific illustrator and visual communicator with a passion for transforming complex ideas into clear, engaging, and memorable visuals. I create accurate, research-informed illustrations that help audiences understand topics across science, healthcare, education, technology, and innovation. Whether explaining an anatomical structure, biological process, visualizing research findings, developing educational materials, or creating compelling visual content, I combine scientific understanding with thoughtful design to communicate information effectively. My background spans academia, scientific research, pharmaceutical consulting, and science communication, giving me the ability to work comfortably with subject-matter experts while translating complex concepts for broader audiences. Through years of experience in research environments, educational projects, and industry collaborations, I have developed a deep appreciation for the power of visual storytelling to make knowledge more accessible. I hold a Master of Arts in Scientific Illustration from Maastricht University and ZUYD University of Applied Sciences, as well as a Master of Science in Biomedical Imaging from the University of Turku. This combination of scientific training and artistic practice allows me to create visuals that are both aesthetically engaging and scientifically accurate. I enjoy collaborating with researchers, educators, publishers, healthcare organizations, startups, and businesses that want to communicate complex ideas with clarity and impact.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Sonja Saraei, a scientific illustrator and visual communicator with a passion for transforming complex ideas into clear, engaging, and memorable visuals.

I create accurate, research-informed illustrations that help audiences understand topics across science, healthcare, education, technology, and innovation. Whether explaining an anatomical structure, biological process, visualizing research findings, developing educational materials, or creating compelling visual content, I combine scientific understanding with thoughtful design to communicate information effectively.

My background spans academia, scientific research, pharmaceutical consulting, and science communication, giving me the ability to work comfortably with subject-matter experts while translating complex concepts for broader audiences. Through years of experience in research environments, educational projects, and industry collaborations, I have developed a deep appreciation for the power of visual storytelling to make knowledge more accessible.

I hold a Master of Arts in Scientific Illustration from Maastricht University and ZUYD University of Applied Sciences, as well as a Master of Science in Biomedical Imaging from the University of Turku. This combination of scientific training and artistic practice allows me to create visuals that are both aesthetically engaging and scientifically accurate.

I enjoy collaborating with researchers, educators, publishers, healthcare organizations, startups, and businesses that want to communicate complex ideas with clarity and impact.

See more

Language

English
Fluent
Finnish
Fluent
Swedish
Intermediate

Work Experience

Moyamoya Scientific Communication Thesis Project Worker at Maastricht University / Zuyd University of Applied Sciences / Children's Hospital Zurich / University Hospital Tuebingen
October 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026
As part of my master's thesis, I developed a patient-focused medical illustration project exploring how visual communication can improve understanding of rare diseases. The work investigated methods for translating complex pathophysiological mechanisms into clear, accessible illustrations that help patients connect underlying disease processes with their symptoms. The project combined scientific research, visual storytelling, and medical illustration principles to create educational graphics designed for non-specialist audiences. Particular attention was given to simplifying complex biomedical information while maintaining scientific accuracy, improving patient comprehension, and supporting communication between healthcare professionals and patients. Deliverables included concept development, scientific research synthesis, information design, and the creation of explanatory medical illustrations that visualise disease mechanisms, symptom development, and biological processes in an engaging and understandable format.
Scientific Consultant in Scientific Content Creation at MedEngine
January 1, 2021 - August 31, 2024
Managed scientific communication projects and client relationships for pharmaceutical and healthcare clients. Focused on visual scientific material production and created for example presentation decks, flyers, social media campaigns, and infographics.

Education

Master of Science at University of Turku
August 1, 2018 - June 30, 2020
Major: Biomedical Imaging Minor subject studies and courses: Programming, Biomedical image analysis, Human neuroscience, Drug discovery and development
Master of Arts at University of Maastricht / ZUYD University of Applied Sciences
September 1, 2024 - June 26, 2026
Major: Scientific Illustration

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Life Sciences, Professional Services, Healthcare, Education
    Human Brain Arterial Territories: Multi-View Neuroanatomical Illustrations
    This anatomical illustration series presents the human brain from four distinct perspectives, providing a comprehensive visual reference of its external morphology and vascular supply. The project was developed to communicate complex neuroanatomical concepts through clean, precise line work while maintaining clarity for educational and clinical audiences. Each view was carefully constructed as vector line art in Adobe Illustrator, emphasising key anatomical landmarks, sulci, and gyri through a consistent and highly readable visual language. Colour was subsequently added in Adobe Photoshop to delineate the cortical perfusion territories supplied by the three major cerebral arteries: the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and posterior cerebral artery (PCA). The colour coding enables rapid visual identification of arterial supply zones and supports the understanding of clinically relevant stroke patterns and vascular anatomy. The project demonstrates the integration of neuroanatomical knowledge, scientific accuracy, and digital illustration techniques to create educational resources suitable for medical teaching, healthcare communication, and scientific publishing.…
    Canine Musculoskeletal System Illustration for Veterinary Book Cover
    This cover illustration presents the musculoskeletal anatomy of a Hungarian Vizsla through a layered visual approach that reveals the relationship between the skeletal framework and surrounding musculature. The skeleton was rendered as detailed ink line art, while the muscular system was illustrated in pencil to create a clear visual distinction between anatomical structures. By delicately overlaying both systems, the illustration highlights muscle attachment points and demonstrates how skeletal and muscular anatomy function together. Following the traditional drawing phase, the artwork was digitally refined and composed into a final publication-ready cover design in Adobe Photoshop. The project required close attention to anatomical accuracy while maintaining a visually elegant and accessible presentation suitable for both veterinary professionals and students.…
    Medical Education Infographics for the MedDigi Project
    Created as part of the MedDigi project, an initiative focused on improving digital learning resources for medical education in Finnish universities, this series of educational infographics translated complex biochemical concepts into clear and visually engaging learning materials. The featured illustration explains the logic behind fatty acid nomenclature, a topic that many students find abstract and difficult to memorise. Through the use of structured visual hierarchies, colour coding, and explanatory text, the infographic transforms technical terminology into an intuitive learning tool that supports both self-study and classroom teaching. The project required close collaboration with medical education professors to ensure scientific accuracy while applying information design principles that enhance comprehension and retention.…
    Nipple Reconstruction Patient Information Leaflet
    Developed for the Department of Plastic Surgery at Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), this patient information leaflet was designed to support communication with breast cancer patients undergoing nipple reconstruction surgery. To ensure both medical accuracy and patient relevance, the project began with direct observation of the surgical procedure. The resulting illustrations explain how local skin flaps are folded and shaped to create a reconstructed nipple, translating a complex surgical technique into a sequence of clear and accessible visual steps. The illustrations were created in pencil and subsequently colourised and refined in Adobe Photoshop. Particular attention was given to maintaining anatomical clarity while presenting the procedure in a reassuring and patient-friendly manner. The final leaflet was designed to help patients better understand their treatment, reduce uncertainty, and facilitate informed discussions with healthcare professionals.…
    Frog Anatomy Poster for Primary School Science Education
    Designed as an educational biology poster for primary school students, this project aimed to make amphibian anatomy engaging, accessible, and memorable for young learners. The illustrations were developed following the dissection and study of a real frog specimen, with particular focus on the buccal cavity and the unique mechanics of frog tongue movement. The frog and internal anatomical structures were illustrated using a combination of watercolour and ink, creating an inviting visual style suited to educational environments. To explain the dynamic movement of the tongue during feeding, additional vector graphics were created in Adobe Illustrator. These diagrams helped transform a complex biological process into a clear and engaging visual narrative. The final poster layout was designed in Illustrator, integrating scientific content with child-friendly educational design principles.…
    Human Skeletal Torso: Observational Anatomical Illustration
    This anatomical study was created through direct observation of a real human skeleton, focusing on the skeletal structures of the torso. The drawing was rendered entirely in pencil, with particular attention given to proportion, form, spatial relationships, and the subtle variations in skeletal texture. The project combines traditional observational drawing techniques with digital post-production. After completing the graphite rendering, the artwork was colourised and enhanced in Adobe Photoshop to increase clarity and visual impact while preserving the qualities of the original hand-drawn illustration. The work demonstrates a strong foundation in anatomical observation and scientific illustration, bridging traditional draftsmanship with contemporary digital workflows.…
    Patient-Centred Medical Illustration Thesis: Visualising Rare Disease Pathophysiology
    As part of my master's thesis, I developed a patient-focused medical illustration project exploring how visual communication can improve understanding of rare diseases. The work investigated methods for translating complex pathophysiological mechanisms into clear, accessible illustrations that help patients connect underlying disease processes with their symptoms. The project combined scientific research, visual storytelling, and medical illustration principles to create educational graphics designed for non-specialist audiences. Particular attention was given to simplifying complex biomedical information while maintaining scientific accuracy, improving patient comprehension, and supporting communication between healthcare professionals and patients. Deliverables included concept development, scientific research synthesis, information design, and the creation of explanatory medical illustrations that visualise disease mechanisms, symptom development, and biological processes in an engaging and understandable format.…

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