November 8, 2013

Google Logo Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAm

A Fishy Feast

I love my Twitter feed. Sometimes it’s those little serendipitous conversations that lead to something delightful. Here’s how the cartoon above, by comic artist Talcott Starr, came about.

By Glendon Mellow

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

I love my Twitter feed. Sometimes it's those little serendipitous conversations that lead to something delightful.

Here's how the cartoon above, by comic artist Talcott Starr, came about.

It starts with paleontology author and National Geographic Phenomena blogger Brian Switek tweeting from the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Meeting:

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

Then Starr came back with this:

I think this is wonderful not only because of the drawing itself which is frickin' adorable, and not only because it's an instance of a science communicator and visual artist interacting in an unexpected, fun way, but also because it is instructive.

Brian Switek is an incredible narrative writer. His talent has earned him a huge number of followers, both on Twitter and off. His science communication skills are way up there (full disclosure amongst this praise, I've done some contract tattoo design work for Brian). So don't take the following point as a reflection of Switek's writing capability, in 140 characters or more.

But in a microcosm, we learn something from the way Twitter reactions.

LOOK AT HOW MANY MORE FAVES THE CARTOON GOT

Talcott Starr also has immense talent, as well as a history of drawing dinosaurs. A doodle that great doesn't come from lack of experience. But this little anecdote demonstrates two things, I suspect:

1. The public loves visuals about dinosaurs, and science communication without them just doesn't have the same legs.

2. This lesson can probably, over time, be applied to science communication about other sciences as well. Stronger collaborations (spontaneous or not) between artists and scientists will be better for the education of everyone.

Am I wrong?

_____________

Find more work by Talcott Starr:

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Subscribe