The botanical or scientific illustrator creates accurate artworks under the close supervision of the scientist or author. Most works are made for publication in books or journals, but some may be for transparencies, charts, maps, diagrams, models, or murals. Curiosity, patience, and precision are required, as well as artistic creativity. This career could be ideal for people who enjoy spending hours looking for minute details on pressed specimens in a museum, or relish the idea of sketching live ones in the wild. Much satisfaction can come from seeing publication of a drawing that is both beautiful and scientifically accurate.

An undated lithograph of Irish moss (right), creeping vine (center), ferns, figs, and other plants found in the American South.

The work of the botanical or scientific illustrator may be found in publications (particularly those dealing with plant taxonomy) and exhibitions of natural...