We spoke with Patricia Bondia,
Hablamos con Patricia Bondia
Patricia Bondia, illustrator and scientific communicator who claims to be happy at the intersection between science and art.
A biologist with a PhD in biophysics, Patricia began creating her own illustrations while working in the laboratory, being aware of the importance of the visual in communicating her work.
You recently stated that communication is required that makes us all visualize the beauty hidden in science and that we scientists are so passionate about. At designce we affirm that The aesthetic beauty of science is everywhere Do you think this statement is too ambitious?
P.B. I like your statement and I completely agree with it. We just need to look around us with curiosity to start discovering that beauty everywhere. From looking at the starry sky to feeling the beating of our heart, beauty manifests itself in the things we often overlook. We just need to stop and appreciate it. And, what’s more, the more we investigate and learn, the more capable we are of doing so.
You create illustrations and animations that highlight science and spark people’s interest and curiosity. Do you think that bringing science closer to society needs these tools?
P.B. Absolutely. The technical and complex language often used in science can make it inaccessible to those who are not familiar with the field. Illustrations and animations are key because they allow people to visualize the concepts being explained, making it easier to understand complex ideas. Additionally, these visual tools are very effective in capturing the audience’s attention and establishing a deeper connection with them.
“We just need to look around us with curiosity to start discovering that beauty everywhere”
You use software from the film and video game industry. Gamifying science… What does that entail?
P.B. During my PhD, I started exploring 3D programs to create illustrations that would help explain my work in the lab. This interest gradually led me towards the audiovisual field, where I discovered the enormous potential of these tools for scientific communication. This curiosity prompted me to study a higher degree in 3D animation, games and interactive environments, where I specialized in the use of different animation software, video game engines, design…
For me, gamifying science means using these tools and techniques to communicate science in an interactive way, making the audience the real protagonist of what is being explained. In this way, the message is not only conveyed more effectively, but also has a more lasting impact on the audience. I believe that in order to effectively bring science closer to society, we need to present it in a fun and interesting way.
Do you still consider yourself a scientist? Do you think you will be one forever?
P.B. Yes, definitely. For me, being a scientist goes beyond working in the laboratory, it is an attitude towards life. It is that insatiable curiosity, the desire to constantly learn and maintain a critical spirit in everything I do. Whether facing a new project or exploring a hobby, a scientific approach can be applied to everything. I hope to never lose this perspective, as it has been fundamental not only in my career, but in how I see and relate to the world.
How do you approach the creative process?
P.B. My creative process when I face a new project begins with looking for information about the topic I am going to deal with. Sometimes they are very abstract topics, physics or biology processes that are not yet clear. Therefore, the first thing is to understand the concepts and become familiar with the ways that the scientific community uses to represent these ideas. And also to think, are we looking to represent a specific experiment or can we convey the idea in a more creative way, for example, using an analogy? From this, I create a sketch and discuss with the scientist how I would like to represent it. Once they give me the go-ahead, I model it in 3D. Then, it is time to place them in space, look for different perspectives and compositions. Once I find something that can work, I try different lights and materials, since they can totally change the sensation that the image produces. Finally, I render it, that is, the computer creates the final image. Then, I pass it to an image editing program and I finish adjusting the lights, colors, brightness… and it is finished.
These are images that must convey scientific concepts in a precise way, and that is why clients are usually very involved in the process, and I try to maintain a very fluid communication with them. I want them to feel their project 100% captured in the image. At the same time, I convey my aesthetic vision to them with the aim of achieving an impressive image.
In my case, the flow of creativity is closely related to continually training myself. It is when I am learning, even if it is not something directly related to my work, when I broaden my vision and open my mind. That is why I give a lot of importance to training, even if it is in very different things. I have a feeling I’ll be able to use it in one way or another in the future.
I have a feeling I’ll be able to use it in one way or another in the future.
P.B. Yes, in certain cases. That is, the scientific concept must be conveyed clearly and precisely. However, there are certain times when I can take some liberties. For example, when something is not yet known, and we can imagine it in many ways based on the knowledge we have now. Or perhaps we are trying to explain a complex process and in order to understand the main idea, we must simplify it and stick to the essentials. Or we can even consider whether it might be more effective to use an analogy to convey an idea.
The balance between being scientifically precise and conveying an idea in a simple way is sometimes not easy to find. That is why it is very important for me to work hand in hand with clients, to be very clear about the audience we are addressing, and what the intention of the image or animation is. An image for the cover of a scientific journal is not the same as a figure from a textbook to explain a complex process.
“I attach great importance to training, even if it is in very different things, I have the feeling that I will be able to use it in one way or another in the future..
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You have won the National Competition for Young Entrepreneurs. Is entrepreneurship as hard as a scientific career? Do you find any similarities?
P.B. Entrepreneurship, like a scientific career, can sometimes be hard and frustrating, and at other times, very satisfying. Indeed, I see many similarities: you have to think of a project, look for funding and know how to give it continuity to see it grow. As in a scientific career, in my entrepreneurship I seek innovation and continuous training to be able to carry it forward. In addition, in both it is crucial to learn to deal with failure and use it to learn and try again. Perseverance, the ability to adapt and critical thinking are key skills in both fields. In my case, the scientific methodology, with its focus on experimentation, analysis and constant review, has been a solid foundation for addressing the challenges of entrepreneurship.
You have moved from the lab to the studio; do you miss the lab coat? What message would you give to those who want to explore opportunities other than research?
P.B. The truth is that that was my fear when I started, missing the laboratory. But so far it hasn’t happened to me, I am completely in love with my current project. I feel that I am constantly growing professionally and personally, and that makes me proud of having taken the plunge into entrepreneurship.
For those who want to explore different opportunities, I would say to make a plan, set realistic goals and take the risk. As they say, “we came to play,” and I believe that, whether it goes well or not, you will learn things that will make you grow professionally and personally.
Thank you very much for your collaboration Patricia
Thank you very much for your collaboration Patricia