Journal Cover Illustration

Eric Smoldt

Illustrator
Visual Designer
Digital illustrator
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Photoshop
Purdue University
Purdue University College of Engineering

Objective: The goal of creating the cover illustration for the PCCP (Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics) journal was to visually represent complex scientific concepts in a way that was both engaging and accessible, aligning with the high standards of an internationally recognized scientific publication.

Context: PCCP required a visually striking cover that could capture the essence of cutting-edge research in physical chemistry and chemical physics while appealing to a wide range of readers within the scientific community. The illustration needed to simplify complex ideas without sacrificing scientific accuracy, enhancing the journal's appeal and impact.

Challenges: One of the main challenges was distilling highly technical subject matter into a clear, eye-catching visual that communicated the core themes of the featured research. Balancing aesthetic appeal with precise representation of scientific concepts required close attention to detail and a deep understanding of the subject matter.

Process: I began by working closely with the researchers and journal editors to fully understand the scientific content that needed to be represented. From there, I developed initial sketches that translated these ideas into visual metaphors and simplified representations. I used a combination of digital tools to create a polished, high-resolution illustration that highlighted the key themes while capturing the energy and innovation of the research. Throughout the process, I iterated based on feedback from the editorial team to ensure both scientific accuracy and visual impact.

Learnings: This project enhanced my skills in translating complex scientific ideas into compelling visuals, a balance that requires precision and creativity. I gained valuable experience in collaborative design, working with experts to refine an illustration that met both scientific and aesthetic expectations.

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