Illustrations made for Dig the Dirt project, a commission (2026) from Dr. Elze Hesse (University of Exeter) at my studio Then Try This.

The project needs to attract growers to sign up to provide soil samples, for a research study on soil microbes. I used a muted earthy palette as this is for an audience who spend most of their time outdoors, and to sit well alongside the branding colours of both organisations. I chose to make layered isometric ink drawings to give it a distinctive look and emphasise the different levels of the project - above-ground crops and the soil microbiome beneath.

The project also involved making the overall design and wireframing for the web portal, as well as helping with the research design, finding and handling participants, and ensuring the scientific data is presented accurately and accessibly. This project is typical of the crossover between my illustration work and my background in scientific research.