Science Communication:
Toby & Siouxsie
From 2020 to 2022 I collaborated with Dr Siouxsie Wiles on a series of more than 70 animated graphics explaining the science of COVID-19, how people could help themselves and those around them stay safe and how and why certain measures were used.
These graphics were commissioned and published by The Spinoff and shared widely on social media, with many of them seen by millions of people, translated and repurposed around the world.
I received the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science Communication for this work, Gold and Purple pins at NZ’s Best Design Awards, and Siouxsie went on to win New Zealander of the Year in 2021.
World Health Organization
In addition to the collaboration with Siouxsie, I was also contracted by the World Health Organization in 2020 to create animated graphics, articles, comics and videos for their communication channels too. Some of these I wrote and illustrated, and later on I moved into the role of Creative Director, conceiving or writing and then directing a team of illustrators working on the graphics. This team evolved into the creation of Daylight Creative.
Explainer Comics
I also love using comics to help explain complex messages in a clear and appealing way. Often these involve translating academic research or technically specific information into more publicly-accessible language and imagery. I’ve created comics for academics, government departments and community advocates. Here are a few examples:
Big Blue Ocean:
Sustainable seas
A comic for Sustainable Seas about how our ocean connects us, and why we need to protect it.
Five (realistic) food policy ideas for a healthier NZ
A comic I did for Healthier Lives NZ, summarising some of their research into ideas for possible sustainable health policies that would have positive big-picture impacts on the health of the New Zealand population and our environment
Enabling Participation
A comic co-created with Massey University’s SHORE & Whāriki Research Centre, presenting a summary of their research into the lived experiences of young people with disabilities in New Zealand.