Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ezra Edwards. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Ezra, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I have always been passionate about learning and science communication, and for me, as a science illustrator, the love of this creative field started off firstly in that scientific sector. In undergrad I studied cognitive neuroscience and was focused on a pre-medicine course load. I would study by sketching what I was seeing during my dissection classes, and through that practice I got a glimpse into what art can do to help with accessibility and understanding in sometimes very complicated scientific fields.

Outside of school I spent all my free time outside, communing with nature. Trying to look closely at the often overlooked plants and animals that make our world what it is. I started to seriously consider pursuing a creative professional path in science illustration when I began to understand all that it could offer in terms of spreading awareness about the importance of the natural world in our lives. As a science illustrator, using art, I am not only able to visually represent all the important research happening in our scientific communities, but I am also able to bring the beauty, complexity, and fragility of nature to the forefront of people’s lives and attention. That is when I knew this was something worth pursuing.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an artist, science illustrator, naturalist, and avid outdoors person currently living in Denver, Colorado. My background is in biological and anatomical illustration, and I am dedicated to advancing public understanding of science through visual storytelling. I recently graduated from the California State University, Monterey Bay Science Illustration Program, where I received comprehensive training in both traditional mediums, including colored pencil, watercolor, graphite, and pen & ink, as well as digital techniques to communicate complex scientific concepts. After graduation, I worked as a science illustration intern at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. In this role, I was able to collaborate closely with aquarium biologists and veterinary staff to produce a range of detailed anatomical illustrations, supporting both internal documentation and public education initiatives.

I consider illustration to be a tool that can be leveraged to inspire curiosity and promote environmental awareness. Through my work I have been fortunate enough to have illustrated pieces for medical journals, aquariums, veterinary journals, ecology publications, and more, and I have worked with live animals, preserved specimens, and microscopic material to create accurate, research-driven illustrations. My practice is grounded in careful observation and scientific rigor, with a focus on enhancing accessibility and engagement in conservation science. I am deeply intrigued by the complexity of interspecific ecosystems, and am excited to explore how I will continue to build upon my career to make science more visible and approachable—bridging the gap between scientific research and public interpretation, and ultimately illuminating our shared responsibility in sustaining the ecosystems that support life on Earth.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I think starting out as a freelance creative, it is hard to shake the expectation of what work should look like especially when you compare it to folks who have more regular 9 to 5 jobs. Going into this field I had to shift my mindset around jobs and cash-flow, learn not to compare myself to others and their career paths, and really learn how to balance timelines for work and budgets. Sometimes you will get a bunch of work and other times things will feel slower. But, as creatives, our work is so important, and to me it is worth it to learn how to deal with the challenging aspects in order to get to do work you love and work that hopefully really changes the world.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Some of the most important resources for creatives are other creatives. I am, and have always been, a slightly reserved person, and sometimes it feels hard to put myself out there, to network, and make connections, and I wish I had pushed myself a little further on this when I was younger. However, it is never too late! It is so vital to lean on your communities, in life and in work, but I think especially for creatives. I wish I had understood right away just how beneficial this is, how much you can gain with just communicating and reaching out to others. The goal of my work as a science illustrator is to increase accessibility and awareness about the world, and that is, and always has been, rooted in kinship and community with each other and nature.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.EzEdwardsArt.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parts_of_ez
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ezraedwards13/
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/EzraEdwardsArt

Image Credits

Ezra Edwards