Fiona Martin

I attribute my success to a combination of curiosity, persistence, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Early in my career, I was inspired by a medical illustrator and decided to pursue formal training in scientific illustration, even when some people questioned whether it was a practical career path. That experience taught me the importance of trusting my instincts and pursuing work that genuinely interests me.

Since founding Visualizing Science in 2005, I've continually expanded my skills to meet the changing needs of visual communication. I started as an illustrator, but over the years I've added data visualization, mapping, publication design, reporting, and front-end development to my toolkit. Some of my most rewarding projects have come from being willing to learn something new and step outside my comfort zone.

I've also been fortunate to build strong, long-term relationships with colleagues and clients, including organizations such as NOAA, NPS, and, more recently, collaborative teams at The Seattle Times. The best work happens when talented people bring different perspectives together to solve communication challenges.

Most importantly, I've never lost sight of the goal behind the work: helping people understand complex topics and see the world in a new way. Whether I'm illustrating ocean ecosystems, visualizing climate data, or creating graphics for investigative journalism, that sense of purpose continues to motivate me every day.

Early in my career, while interning at a company that created illustrations for science textbooks, I had the opportunity to show my portfolio to Ed Bell, then an editor at Scientific American. I was hoping to work there someday, so I was eager to hear his feedback.

He told me my illustrations were strong, but one piece stood out to him: a chart I had created about childhood vaccines. He encouraged me to do more work with data because, in his view, that was where visual communication was headed. This was nearly 20 years ago, long before "data visualization" became a common term.

Looking back, his advice was remarkably prescient. Today, data-driven storytelling is everywhere—from interactive graphics in major national publications to maps and charts in local newsrooms. That conversation taught me the importance of paying attention to emerging trends and being willing to expand your skill set.

Don’t underestimate the value of your perspective. Journalism and visual communication are strongest when people with different backgrounds and experiences have a seat at the table. Women bring important viewpoints, empathy, and insight that can help stories resonate with audiences in meaningful ways.

I would also encourage young women to think beyond simply presenting information and consider how people connect with it. Whether you're communicating science, public policy, or community issues, facts matter—but so do emotion, representation, and trust. Some of the most effective communication creates a dialogue, helps people see themselves in the story, and meets audiences where they are.

Finally, be willing to experiment and take creative risks. Some of my most rewarding projects have come from exploring new approaches, including climate-themed comics developed through a fellowship project. Humor, storytelling, and creativity can open doors to conversations that data alone sometimes cannot. We recently launched early prototypes at www.itsgettinghotinhere.com and hope to continue developing the series. The field is constantly evolving, and there is plenty of room for new voices and fresh ideas.

One of the greatest opportunities in visual journalism is collaborating with talented reporters to help audiences understand complex topics. Visual storytelling can make difficult concepts more accessible, engaging, and memorable. I recently contributed to the Pulitzer Finalist series Tunnel Vision, which examined Washington state's efforts to restore salmon habitat in urban waterways. By allowing readers to follow a salmon's journey through an interactive stream environment, we transformed a complex infrastructure and environmental story into an experience that was intuitive and relatable.

A continuing challenge is helping people recognize the value of visual communication as an essential part of journalism, not simply a supplement to the written story. Graphics, illustrations, maps, and data visualizations can reveal patterns, provide context, and make information easier to grasp at a glance. As information becomes increasingly complex and audiences have less time, visual journalism plays an increasingly important role in helping people understand the issues that affect their communities.

I believe in curiosity, transparency, and helping others understand the world around them. The motto at UC Santa Cruz, Fiat Lux—“let there be light”—captures much of what motivates me. I’m fascinated by what lies beneath the surface, both literally and figuratively. Whether I’m illustrating ocean ecosystems, visualizing geological processes, or explaining a complex policy issue, I enjoy uncovering hidden layers and making complicated ideas more accessible. There’s something deeply rewarding about helping people see and understand something they hadn’t before.