Editorial Illustration

The Heart Risks That Medicine Kept Missing

Bringing complex medical research to life through visual storytelling that blends science, culture, and clarity.

Client: University of California, San Francisco; UCSF Magazine

An illustration of a human heart filled with images of healthy and unhealthy foods, medical professionals, and people engaging in activities related to heart health, surrounded by Asian-inspired patterns and decorative elements.

The above image is from the UCSF Magazine website. I created the editorial illustration for this article on the MASALA study, which explores cardiovascular risk in South Asians.

Process and Design Approach

I had the opportunity to create an editorial illustration for UCSF Magazine’s article “The Heart Risks That Medicine Kept Missing”, which explores how traditional heart disease research often overlooks South Asian communities. This project was especially meaningful to me as it brought my journey full circle — starting with a bachelor’s in Biomedical Science at the University of Waterloo in 2016 and later pivoting into illustration and visual design. Combining these two worlds allowed me to translate nuanced medical research into visuals that are both accurate and accessible.

The illustration interprets the MASALA study, led by Dr. Alka Kanaya, which examines cardiovascular risk factors unique to South Asians. My approach focused on the intersection of ancestry, culture, and lifestyle. I incorporated visual elements including an anatomical heart, gradient-coloured blocks, food plates, and subtle cultural motifs to reflect familial connections, diet, and elevated cardiovascular risk. Bold graphic patterns and colours were used to make the piece visually engaging while maintaining clarity and storytelling. This combination of research-driven insight and creative interpretation allowed me to communicate complex medical findings in a way that is both informative and visually compelling.

You can find the article here: The Heart Risks That Medicine Kept Missing

Digital artwork of a human heart with pixelated pattern, colored in red and blue, on a textured pink background.
Two bowls of Indian sweets on a pink background, one with orange-colored ladoos and the other with round orange spherical sweets.
A plate of assorted Indian dishes including rice, various curries, and naan bread. There are multiple bowls with different vegetables and sauces, with three pieces of naan bread on the side.
A sketched image of a cooked piece of chicken, a lemon slice, and a spiral of red onion on a blue plate with a beige textured background.
Illustration of a heart in a floral background with people preparing and enjoying traditional Indian foods, including curries, bread, and desserts.
Two bowls of orange-colored curry balls on a pink textured background.
A digitally stylized image of a plate with triangular fried snacks, two small bowls of sauces or condiments, and a single chili pepper on a pink fabric surface.
A bowl containing orange-colored snack rings and rectangular crackers.
Decorative certificate or invitation background with ornate border featuring red and gold patterns, and a blank central area for text.
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