About

Hello! I’m Hailey Shafer (she/her), a passionate scientific illustrator with a deep love for both science and art. From a young age, I was captivated by the ocean and its stories. As a child, I was always sketching, but I was encouraged to pursue a more traditional career in science, as it seemed like the safer and more “successful” route.

After studying science at University of Victoria (UVic), I quickly realized how overwhelming it could be. Feeling a bit out of place, I decided to pivot and pursue a design-focused education at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). While I gained valuable skills and enjoyed my time there, I never quite found my niche. The longing to understand biology and the intricacies of the living world never left me, so I decided to return to UVic to follow my passion for science.

It was during my final year at UVic that I discovered my true calling. I participated in the BMSC Fall Program, where I found a supportive community of like-minded individuals and a space to explore the intersection of science and art. That’s when the lightbulb went off: I discovered scientific illustration. I realized that I could use my design skills to visually communicate complex scientific concepts in an engaging and accessible way.

After graduation, I enjoyed teaching first-year labs, which deepened my appreciation for education. This led me to become a high school teacher, where I continue to share my passion for science and design with students. But one of my core values has always been to add beauty to the world, and I felt that I was missing the creative aspect of visual storytelling that I had discovered in Bamfield. As a result, people began casually reaching out to me for illustration and science communication work, knowing my scientific background gave me the ability to easily understand and convey technical concepts. This empowered me to help scientists more effectively share their amazing research through visuals and public outreach.

I absolutely love the niche I’ve found in science illustration, and I’m excited to continue building it into a full-time career. My goal is to create visuals that not only educate but also inspire. I want to make scientific concepts more accessible through thoughtfully crafted visuals that enhance understanding. I hope to build a career where art and science intersect, helping to bring clarity and beauty to the fascinating world of biology and beyond.

Thank you for visiting! Let’s collaborate and bring your research to life through art.

Territory Acknowledgement

I respectfully acknowledge that I live and work on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Lkwungen peoples, now known as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. I am grateful to be able to live, learn, and work on this land.

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