~Hello, it’s nice to meet you~

Hi! My name is Chandra. I am a medical illustrator and fine artist, as well as a graduate student at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. My work is rooted in the belief that visual communication can reshape how people understand their world, using art and science together to make information more accessible, inclusive, and equitable.

Who am I?

I’m a 30-year-old mom, Navy veteran, and corgi lover based in the Pacific Northwest. My work sits at the intersection of science, art, and communication, where I aim to make complex health information more accessible, engaging, and equitable. I earned my Bachelor of Science from Arizona State University, where my academic path evolved from pre-medical sciences to Biology & Society, reflecting a growing commitment to public health. I am currently a full-time graduate student at the OHSU–PSU School of Public Health, pursuing a Master of Public Health in Health Promotion. A minor in Studio Arts complements my background in science, years of formal fine arts training, and over 25 years of personal art practice. Through my work, I combine detailed illustration with visual storytelling to translate complex medical and public health concepts into clear, human-centered imagery.

What Do I Do?

I’m a multimedia artist, which means I don’t limit myself to a single medium, subject, or style. While my work is rooted in medical illustration, I also explore supportive graphics and narrative-driven illustration as part of an evolving creative practice. I’m particularly drawn to blending anatomical accuracy with contemporary, semi-realistic approaches, creating work that is both visually engaging and scientifically grounded. I also enjoy working with acrylic paint, which allows me to expand beyond digital formats and experiment with texture and form. As I continue to grow, I’m developing a more stylized visual language influenced by artists like Carla Grace to create work that is not only informative but also distinct and expressive.

When Have I Done This?

I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember, beginning at just four years old. Like many artists, my path hasn’t been linear. I stepped away from my work at times in my late teens and early twenties, shaped by life circumstances and discouragement from those who didn’t see art as a viable pursuit in life. That experience continues to inform my work today. If there’s one thing I carry forward, it’s this: your creativity is yours to keep. It deserves space, growth, and expression. With over 25 years of experience, my artistic journey has evolved from early anime influences to detailed medical illustration and expressive fine art. It’s a path that continues to grow alongside me, shaped by both discipline and curiosity.

Where Have I Done Things?

I’ve been making art since before grade school. My formal training started and continued throughout elementary, middle, and high school, including AP-level coursework with one of my favorite art teachers of all time, Kim Short (may he rest in paradise). After graduating, I continued my studies in fine arts at Portland Community College, further developing my technical foundation. During my time in the Navy, art became an essential, life-saving, creative outlet. I leaned into self-directed learning, building my skills wherever and whenever I could. In late 2019 and early 2020, I began teaching myself digital art, expanding my practice into new mediums and techniques. Along the way, I was fortunate to receive mentorship from industry-certified medical illustrators, such as Emilie Hempstead, a remarkable Certified Medical Illustrator (CMI), multimedia artist, astrologer, and friend. With her help, and others, I had the opportunity to shape both my technical skills and professional direction. Over time, I’ve intentionally refined and expanded my artistic practice, and I look forward to continuing that growth in the years ahead.

Why Am I Doing This?

Why does anyone do anything, really? Jokes aside—my work is grounded in a commitment to equity, clarity, and connection. As I continue my practice in medical illustration and visual art, alongside my MPH in Health Promotion, I’m focused on exploring how more equitable visual representation can impact healthcare, science, and public health. There are persistent gaps in how information is illustrated and who is represented, particularly within BIPOC communities. My goal is to help close those gaps through intentional, inclusive visual communication. In a world shaped by misinformation and disinformation, I believe effective communication requires more than just accurate information—it requires empathy. It means meeting people where they are, not where we expect them to be. As I move forward in my graduate training and professional work, I aim to contribute to spaces where visual communication can amplify research, support community understanding, and strengthen the impact of public health efforts. At the same time, I remain committed to continuously refining my own creative practice and growing my work as an artist.

How Am I Doing This?

Honestly? If there’s a will, there’s a way. I’ve been described as someone who “gets sh*t done,” though even I’m not always sure how I keep everything moving. I balance many roles: mom, disabled veteran, artist, and proud dog mom of two, and life rarely slows down. What makes it possible isn’t doing it all alone. It’s the community I’ve built; friends who have become chosen family, who support me, ground me, and keep me going. (And yes, coffee helps.) At the end of the day, it’s a mix of persistence, planning, and a little bit of grace for myself.

We thrive when we’re connected, not isolated—especially when we’re chasing big dreams. Keep running.