RONALD "DANIEL" PETTIT
BIOGRAPHY
"Daniel" is a first-generation college student and received his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a Studio Art minor in 2018 from California State University Sacramento. He is a recent graduate of the Augusta University Master of Science in
Medical Illustration program.
Daniel has a strong desire to help others through education and is passionate about medicine and public health. Prior to his education at Augusta University, Daniel gained experience in diverse environments, including interning in a stem cell research lab, working as a medical scribe, and serving as a rural health educator with the Peace Corps in Belize, Central America.
Daniel was inspired at an early age to learn about science and health after witnessing disparities in his family's healthcare. As a result, he is dedicated to bridging the gap in patient education through visual storytelling, combining two of his favorite things: science and art. He has created a brochure that is currently being used in the Augusta University Digestive Health Center and developed images for a video to explain a new technique to cardiac surgeons.
For his master’s thesis, Daniel developed a 3D interactive larynx model using Cinema 4D (C4D) and Unity, creating a VR-based learning module for speech-language pathology students. This module allowed users to explore, assemble, and interact with the larynx, offering quizzes and detailed anatomical descriptions, enhancing both engagement and immersive learning.
Currently, at Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Daniel collaborates with medical professionals to create digital illustrations and multimedia content. His proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects, enables him to produce dynamic, visually compelling educational media.
SERVICES AND DESCRIPTIONS
My process consists of a free consultation with the client that will help me understand how I can meet the needs of the project. Then, I will send an invoice with how long I think it will take me to accomplish the work, the hourly rate and estimated total and deadlines and copyright contract. Once I have signed approval I will create preliminary sketches, final sketches, and color versions and consult with the client after each step and have them sign off on every iteration before the final piece is completed. Any additional revisions will cost extra. I will deliver final images after payment is sent. I will retain my copyright unless discussed in the initial consultation.
Types of 2D illustrations:
Anatomical, Scientific, Didactic, Surgical, Medical Legal, Patient Education: designed to educate a lay or scientific audience.
Editorial: Creative and conceptional pieces designed to capture attention, describe key points of a journal article that generally appears on the cover and online with the ability to be animated. These can define/ simplify complex science to be more easily understood.
Characteristics of 2D illustrations:
Tonal: Grayscale illustrations do not use color, but range in tones from black to white that are easily reproduced by lowering the cost of production (time, printing, ink) compared to full color illustrations.
Line: Further lower the cost of production because these are only black and white and can usually be scaled easily without losing resolution. Typically “Pen and Ink” style that looks like a drawing done with a calligraphic pen.
Full color: Using two or more vibrant realistic or didactic colors, these 2D illustrations take longer to produce than grayscale or line work because of the color study and additional revision process, additional time may be needed for additional details.
2D animations: can use flat color(solid color without shading) and also be stylized. They can use less realistic but still accurately show the concept. They are created with multiple full color illustrations that need to be consistent for a fluid animation.
Types of 3D work:
3D models: can be created with 3d modeling and animating software and can be static(not moving) models that can be 3d printed or used for teaching or learning or other applications.
3D illustrations: are created using 3d modeling and animating software. It is expensive to have just the license. I have used these before to create posters for drugs, and pharmaceutical companies that include a 3d representation of the chemical structure of the drug in additional to 2D work. These are not as expensive as a full 3D animation because they are in essence, one image, while an animation is multiple images displayed sequentially.
3D animations: are created using 3D modeling and animating software. The use of this software is helpful for generating accurate cellular or molecular assets like proteins or cell receptors however, having this software (Cinema 4D) can cost $1000+ for a yearly license. These take the most time to create.