The graphs, plots, and figures used in scientific publications and advertisements are rightly considered artwork. When designing your next figure, don’t settle for anything less than an appealing graphic! With the vast array of computer programs available to grad students, your scientific artwork can look as professional as you want.
Below are some examples of scientific artwork. These images are intended to offer some examples of different visual and stylistic features available through different programs.
Use the right tool for the job: many programs offer more options and control over the output graphic than Microsoft Excel. While Excel has it’s place in every researcher’s toolbox, it’s not often the best solution for producing attractive graphics. Programs like gnuplot offer a highly customizable and reproducible script based approach. More info on script based plotting can be found in these meeting notes.
See a figure you’d like to know how to make? Check out the Grad Student Specialties page to contact the creator of the artwork you’re interested in.
These two images were contributed to the collection at a later date. The first was used as a back cover image for a peer reviewed research journal, and the second was used as a table of contents graphic for a peer reviewed publication.
