A good brief is the difference between a figure that’s right on the first draft and one that takes four rounds of revisions. You don’t need a polished concept. You just need to answer a few questions. Here is what I ask every client for, and why.
1. The one-sentence message
If a reader remembers only one thing from the figure, what should it be? For example: “CIK cells outperform LAK cells with fewer complications.” Everything in the layout is built around that sentence.
2. Where it’s going
- Target journal and figure type (graphical abstract, main figure, cover, poster, grant)
- Size limits, if you know them (see the graphical abstract size guide)
- Your submission deadline, so the schedule works backwards from it
3. The science
- The abstract, or the relevant manuscript section
- Elements that must appear (cell types, molecules, steps) and anything that must not
- Exact terms and abbreviations, so the figure matches the text
4. A sketch, if you have one
A whiteboard photo, a napkin drawing or a rough BioRender or PowerPoint draft is plenty. It shows how you think about the order of events. No sketch? That’s fine too. I can work from the manuscript text and draw the layout myself, as I did for the circRNA-in-stroke figure.
5. Style references
Two or three figures you like (from any paper) and one you don’t. Mention any existing figures in the paper the new one should match, and whether you need colour-blind-safe colours.
6. Who approves it
If the PI or co-authors will review the draft, say so up front. Collecting everyone’s feedback into one round saves time and revision costs.
What happens next
- I reply within 24 hours with questions, a plan and a fixed quote.
- A 50% deposit starts the project.
- You get a first draft within your tier’s turnaround (4–14 days).
- Included revision rounds, then journal-ready files plus the editable Illustrator source.
Ready to brief me?
The contact form asks exactly these questions. Fill in what you know; I’ll ask about the rest.
