Medical Illustrator — Anatomy & Fascia Figures for a Trade Book (Body of Water)

About the Project
Body of Water is a science-grounded trade book arguing that hydrostatic pressure is the central organizing principle of human structure and function. It's written for coaches, movement professionals, and curious non-specialists, and is currently in copyediting. I'm looking for a medical illustrator to create the book's figure program: anatomically accurate line art that carries real explanatory weight, not decoration.

Scope of Work
Approximately 30 core figures, plus two instructional series (postural/palpation assessments and a corrective-exercise library) still being scoped. Subjects include the ribcage as a pressure system, the intra-abdominal pressure chamber, rib-movement mechanics, spinal geometry and alignment, bone microstructure, and several conceptual/analogy diagrams. Each figure comes with a written brief; I maintain a full illustration punch list with per-figure descriptions and callout copy, so you won't be guessing at intent.

Visual Approach
Grayscale anatomical line art with a restricted, meaningful color system: black/grayscale for anatomy, blue for fluid and hydrostatic pressure, gold (#FFBD58) for the fascial container, and a reserved warm red/orange for force vectors. Color carries information, not mood. I'm after clean, confident, teaching-quality figures in a consistent style across the whole book.

What I'm Looking For

• A medical illustrator with strong anatomical accuracy and a portfolio of clear, editorial/instructional line work
• Comfort collaborating with a subject-matter expert through sketch-and-review rounds
• Ability to hold a consistent visual system across a large figure set
• AMI membership and/or CMI certification a plus, but portfolio and fit matter most

Process
I'd like to begin with one paid pilot figure (likely the intra-abdominal pressure chamber) so we can confirm style, working rhythm, and fit before committing to the full set. This is paid work, not spec. If it's a good match, we move to the full commission.

Rights
I'm seeking an unlimited, exclusive, perpetual, worldwide license covering all media, formats, and derivative works, including the right to modify, adapt, and reuse the artwork for any purpose (book, ebook, translations, marketing, courses, future products). Fee should reflect the scope of these rights.

Timeline
Pilot figure: mid-August 2026. Full figure set: targeting completion by September–October 2026, though this will depend on pace after the pilot round — open to discussing a realistic schedule with the right illustrator.

Budget
Competitive, negotiable based on scope and rights.

To Apply
Please email a portfolio (or Sourcebook/website link), a brief note on relevant anatomical/editorial work, and your general rate structure to [email protected]. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.