Overview
I am an illustrator and information graphics specialist with 20 years experience in the print industry. My illustrations can take complex subjects and elevate them to a level that draws the reader in and helps guide them towards that magical ‘oh, now I get it!’ moment.National newspapers, magazines, publishers and research institutions all trust me to present complex subjects in a way that is both eye-catching and accurate.As the author of four books myself, I intuitively know what you need to communicate your ideas to your target audience – whether that be to young children, to the general public or to academics.As a science journalist, I have an intimate knowledge of the sciences that allows me to communicate concepts that would cause many illustrators to break out in a cold sweat.As an editor, I can ensure that captions are not only fun to read, but are also factually and grammatically accurate.
Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Earth, Space, & Environmental Sciences
Education & Reference
Engineering
History
Nature
Physics & Chemistry
Languages
English
Awards
- Sir Arthur Clarke Award
Work experience
Self-employed
Sep, 2010 —
Present
I am a information graphic artist and writer for hire – specialising in science communication, but no subject is out of bounds. I have almost 20 years experience working in journalism and print media.
After ten years as graphics editor for the Metro Newspaper, I became a freelance writer and illustrator.
Since then... (deep breath)... I have written and illustrated four books; won a Sir Arthur Clarke Award for my MetroCosm science column (and been nominated for two others); enjoyed a brief stint as the editor of Astronomy Now magazine; and written articles and created information graphics for the likes of Sky at Night Magazine, New Scientist,, the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Institute of Physics (IoP)
Metro Newspaper
Jan, 1999 —
Sep, 2010
(over 11 years)
As Graphics Editor, I was in charge of creating information graphics for publication. Managing the graphics department’s staff and budgets and reporting to the Editor. Attending a twice-daily conference and presenting ideas for news-worthy graphics..
I was also involved in the earliest designs for the newspaper and several redesigns over the years.
Running alongside my responsibilities as Graphics Editor, I launched a weekly science column, which I
edited, wrote and illustrated, called MetroCosm.
MetroCosm ran until 2014 and was one of paper’s most popular columns. It garnered me three award
nominations and one award (Sir Arthur Clarke Award).
Portfolio
Meet the people who helped shape the world we know today.100 People Who Made History is no ordinary history book. Inventors and explorers rub shoulders with political leaders, sports stars, and entertainers. From Marco Polo to Marie Curie via Pele, this top 10... read more
Cutting-edge concepts made simple, it's not rocket scienceThe media reports on the latest scientific discoveries and breakthroughs can seem like a foreign language, from black holes, to dark matter and exoplanets to leap seconds. Finally get to grips with thes... read more
The universe—demystified! Using a combination of eye-catching graphics, humor, and erudite storytelling, science illustrator Ben Gilliland shows us how the cosmos came to be, from the formation of the first particles in the Big Bang to the development of the s... read more
