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FIRST IN FLY: DROSOPHILA RESEARCH AND BIOLOGICAL DISCOVERY

Cover of First in Fly: Drosophila Research and Biological Discovery, by Stephanie E. Mohr.

For this project, I created a series of black-and-white, digital pen-and-ink illustrations for First in Fly, a science book exploring the outsized impact of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, on modern biology.

Used in research for over a century, this tiny organism has helped scientists uncover fundamental insights into genetics, cell behavior, immunity, and even aging—many of which translate directly to human health and disease. My illustrations were designed to support and clarify these concepts, visualizing everything from Drosophila anatomy to experimental systems in a precise, accessible style.

The book, written by leading genetics researcher Stephanie Elizabeth Mohr, was recognized as a Smithsonian Top 10 Science Book of 2018.

I’m happy to have found ways to incorporate traditional styles in digital media. For this project, I used Adobe Illustrator to render the illustrations in a timeless, classic pen-and-ink style—with editable, vector linework for production needs.

Click on any thumbnail to see a larger view.

Anatomy of Drosophila. Illustration by Fiona Martin.
Anatomy of Drosophila. Illustration by Fiona Martin.
An illustration shows a fly-pushing station used by geneticists to study mutations in fruit flies. Flies are anesthetized with carbon dioxide, then gently poured from the vial onto the fly pad under bright white lights, where they can be viewed through the microscope. Illustration by Fiona Martin.
A fly-pushing station is used by geneticists to study mutations in fruit flies. The flies are first anesthetized with carbon dioxide, then gently poured from the vial onto the fly pad under bright white lights, where they can be viewed through the microscope. Illustration by Fiona Martin.
Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image
A black-and-white illustration of death cap mushrooms. These mushrooms contain a deadly toxin called alpha-amanitin. Researchers have found that some wild strains of Drosophila are resistant to the toxin. Illustration by Fiona Martin.
Death cap mushrooms contain a deadly toxin called alpha-amanitin. Researchers have found that some wild strains of Drosophila are resistant to the toxin. Illustration by Fiona Martin.

After the book was published, the author asked if I could create a banner for social media, and I happily obliged. The following illustration is drawn in traditional pen-and-ink using a croquille pen on illustration board, just for the fun if it.

Illustration of three fruit flies, Drosoophila melanogaster, in midair. Illustration by Fiona Martin.
Illustration of three fruit flies, Drosoophila melanogaster, in midair. Illustration by Fiona Martin.

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