Scientific Illustration

Scientific Illustrations is a service provided to researchers on request to help translate complex scientific ideas into clear, compelling visuals.

Earth shown in cross-section with glowing core and overlaid molecular structures, representing connections between the planet and scientific research.

Nicoletta (Niki) Barolini is an Art Director and Science Visualizer at Columbia University. She collaborates with researchers to develop illustrations, digital imagery, animations, and infographics that translate complex scientific ideas into clear, compelling visuals.

Prior to Columbia, she worked with Raven Press, Wolters Kluwer Health, and Oxford University Press. Her work focuses on shaping research into images that communicate effectively across disciplines and to broader audiences.

For inquiries about graphics, illustration, or explainer animation, contact: [email protected] 

“Niki Barolini quickly understands complex scientific concepts and communicates them clearly through high-quality illustrations. I highly recommend her for any biomedical visualization work.”— Julian Abrams, Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology, Columbia University Medical Center
Four scientific journal covers featuring colorful, conceptual illustrations: a lipid membrane, a deep Earth lattice structure, a global sustainability system, and a molecular mechanism depicted with rockets and cellular imagery.
Two scientific diagrams: one showing immunologic mechanisms of myocarditis with labeled pathways and cell types, and another illustrating brain regions affected by propofol with annotated neural pathways.
Composite of medical illustrations showing a step-by-step urologic procedure, heart catheter positioning labeled “challenging” and “ideal,” and spinal fixation with hardware along the vertebrae.

PRICING

Projects are priced based on scope, complexity, and level of development required.

Typical ranges:

  • Infographics & Conceptual Illustrations: $600–$900
     
  • Clear, simplified visuals for communicating ideas, data, or processes.n Moderate Illustrations: $900–$1,500
     
  • Multi-element compositions with depth, structure, and refined detail. Complex Illustrations: $1,500–$3,000+
     
  • Animation (Short Explainers / Motion Graphics) $1,500–$4,000+


Highly detailed, publication-quality work involving intricate scientific content. Each project is scoped individually to ensure the most effective visual approach.

For a custom quote, please get in touch with a brief description of your project.

Payment: Columbia internal billing (chartstring)