Artist Best Practices

Professional Standards for Science Communicators

image credit: Ying Wang, 2020

As a professional community of Natural Science Illustrators, GNSI is committed to upholding ethical and professional best practices in the field.


This page provides an overview of common work types, professional guidelines, and resources to help you succeed in your career.

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Types of Work

Contract Work

Contract Work (or Freelance Work) is made by an Artist, for a Client. The terms of payment, authorship/copyright, and usage of the Work are negotiated in a contract between the two parties.

Staff Work

When Work is made by an Artist as a staff member of an organization, the organization is typically considered the legal author of the Work instead of the Artist.

Work for Hire (WFH)

When Work is made "for hire," the Client will pay the Artist for completed Work, but the Client is then considered the legal author of the Work instead of the Artist.

Speculative Work

When Work is made "on spec," the Artist is betting that the Client will want the Work (and pay for it) when they see it completed. But the Client is under no obligation to accept the Work, nor must they pay a "cancellation fee" if they reject it.

image credits: Rebecca Gelernter (member since 2012), Carrie Carlson (member since 2005), Tara Dalton Bensen, Astolfo Mata (member since 2019)

Quick Tips:

  • Contract Work: Always use written contracts; clarify copyright, payment terms, deadlines.


  • Work for Hire: Understand you’re giving up copyright and price accordingly.


  • Staff Work: Clarify employer ownership of work and rights to use in your portfolio.



  • Spec Work: Generally discouraged; if you do it, set clear boundaries.

Professional & Ethical Best Practices

As science communicators, illustrators carry both creative and ethical responsibilities. The following best practices will help you maintain professionalism, safeguard your rights, and ensure that the work you create supports scientific integrity.

Contracts & Negotiation

Clear agreements protect both you and your clients.


  • Always work with a written contract that outlines scope, timeline, payment terms, and usage rights.


  • Be specific about how the artwork can be used (e.g., print, digital, one-time use, or ongoing).



  • Adjust your pricing according to rights granted. More extensive usage warrants higher fees.

Copyright & Intellectual Property

Understanding copyright is central to your professional practice.


  • Unless you sign a “Work for Hire” agreement, you retain copyright ownership of your work.


  • Licensing is often preferable to transferring copyright, as it allows you to retain authorship while giving the client the rights they need.



  • Protect your work by registering it with the U.S. Copyright Office when possible, and always keep thorough records.

Publication Ethics

Accuracy and honesty are essential in scientific illustration.


  • Represent scientific subjects faithfully, avoid embellishing or altering details in ways that could mislead.


  • Credit sources and references when they inform your work (such as photographs, specimens, or data).



  • Follow ethical standards in collaboration with scientists, authors, and publishers to maintain the integrity of the research being illustrated.

Professional Conduct

Professionalism builds trust and lasting relationships.


  • Communicate clearly and promptly with clients, colleagues, and collaborators.


  • Respect deadlines and deliverables, or communicate early if challenges arise.


  • Approach every project with a spirit of collaboration and respect, honoring diverse perspectives and accessibility needs.

AI & Emerging Tools

New technologies are reshaping creative industries.


  • Be transparent about the tools you use, and stay informed about ethical issues surrounding AI-generated imagery.


  • Consider the implications of training datasets, copyright concerns, and client expectations before incorporating AI in your workflow.


  • Uphold standards of originality and authorship that reflect the values of GNSI and the wider scientific illustration community.

image credit: B. Strauch

Resources

image credit: Inna-Marie Strazhnik (member since 2013)