MSc in Human Genetics · Scientific Illustrator

Hi, my name is Miguel

I create unique and engaging custom-made scientific illustrations to make your research stand out.

I'm always open to new projects, so tell me about yours.

Share your idea
A liposome — a spherical phospholipid bilayer, drawn by Miguel Silva
How it works?

The process, start to finish

  1. 1.

    Share your idea

    The more details, the better — and reference figures are appreciated.

  2. 2.

    Get a quote

    I'll analyze it and send a quote plus a timeline for the project (usually 4–5 days).

  3. 3. Max. 5

    Draft rounds

    After your feedback on the first draft, we go back and forth, improving it together.

  4. 4.

    Pay & receive

    Once payment is done, I send over all the final files you need.

How much does it cost?

Clear, tailored pricing

  • Simple figure A single, focused diagram 35€
  • Complex figure Multi-panel or detailed schematic 65€
  • Graphical abstract A full visual summary of your paper 95€
  • Others Posters, slide decks, custom work ?€
Not sure which one fits? Tell me about it and I'll send an exact quote. Get a quote
Feedback I have received

What people say

Rated 5 / 5 by 60+ scientists

João Morais Jerónimo Martins
Miguel developed a series of scientifically accurate species illustrations using an effective layered technique: an outline printed on tracing paper, placed over a watercolour rendering on the page beneath. The result worked particularly well and was featured in several relevant articles for our Feed magazine.
Inês Neves Iniciativa Educação
Miguel is a highly responsive and receptive professional, always attentive to what we're looking for in each image. He replies quickly and meets the agreed deadlines, which keeps the whole process simple and smooth. I'd also highlight how easy he is to communicate with, and his openness to explore different solutions until we reach the result we're after.
Kevin Slote Research Associate, Clarkson University
Miguel’s drawing, design, and creativity are unmatched. I regularly contract with him because his work is such high quality.
Benedita D. PhD Student, University of Bristol
I am beyond thrilled with Miguel's work! He was exceptional in every way — highly professional and incredibly skilled. The scientific diagram he created for me was nothing short of amazing. I can't recommend him enough and will definitely be coming back for future projects. Thank you!
Dr. Boris Sevarika Senior Research Associate, University of Basel, Switzerland
Miguel transformed my complex scientific idea into a clear, visually engaging and publication-ready illustration. He was responsive, professional, and exceeded my expectations. We have been collaborating on other projects ever since.
What have I created lately?

Check out some of my work

The Liposome — a phospholipid bilayer illustration

The Liposome

A stylised cross-section of a phospholipid bilayer — the vesicle that carries molecules across the cell.

Personal work
Editorial infographic on fine and gross motor skills and their link to learning to read, for Iniciativa Educação

Learning to read, by hand

An editorial infographic on how fine and gross motor skills shape children's reading and school learning, created for Iniciativa Educação.

Iniciativa Educação
Mutant CFTR channel Normal CFTR channel Blood Vessel

Cystic Fibrosis mutation

How a mutation in the CFTR gene disrupts the chloride channel at the cell membrane.

Rare diseases
Chromosome Nucleosome (Histone octamer + DNA) Nucleosome DNA Linker DNA H1 H2B H4 DNA H2A H3

Nucleosome structure

Zooming in into the chromosome, DNA is wrapped around an Histone octamer, forming the basic unit of chromatin — the Nucleosome.

Genetics
Botanical illustration of the cacao plant — leaf, pod on the branch, whole tree with roots, beans and chocolate

Cacao, from tree to bar

A botanical plate following cacao from leaf, pod and tree to bean and chocolate — part of a species series for Jerónimo Martins' Feed magazine.

Jerónimo Martins
Neural retina AAV2 vector Retinal PigmentEpithelium

Retinitis Pigmentosa treatment

A gene-therapy schematic showing AAV2 vector delivery to the retinal pigment epithelium.

Rare diseases
Class I 22% Normal Class II Class III Class IV Class V ChlorideIons No channel No channel Closed channel Faulty channel Less channels Folding Proteins Ion Channel % of individualswith Cystic Fibrosiswho have at least 1mutation in that class 88% 6% 6% 5%

Cystic Fibrosis mutations overview

A detailed and intuitive summary of CFTR mutation classes, occurrence %, channel and protein defects.

Rare diseases
A sardine formed from a handwritten page of Camões' Os Lusíadas, with the giant Adamastor in its tail

Lisbon Sardine

My entry for Lisbon's annual Sardine Contest — an international competition that invites artists to reimagine the city's emblematic sardine around a yearly, Lisbon-rooted theme. Mine is formed from a page of Camões' Os Lusíadas, with the giant Adamastor surfacing in the tail.

Personal work
Portrait of Miguel Silva, scientific illustrator
Who am I?

Hi, I'm Miguel — A scientist who draws.

MSc in Human Genetics · Scientific Illustrator

Since I was a kid, I've always been passionate about drawing and science — a passion I followed all the way to an MSc in Human Genetics. During my studies, I became increasingly aware of the importance of how science is communicated, and how it greatly impacts how people perceive and interact with it.

I decided to start exploring this area, using my illustrations to spark curiosity towards my work. I fell in love with that process, and that's why I chose to become a scientific illustrator. I try to make my illustrations as creative and simple as possible, as I believe a clear and engaging image makes a huge impact in the way we communicate science.

I would love to help out on your next project, so let's work together on it.

Start a project