A Couple Things…

Hello, friends!  I just have a couple things I want to announce today.

First Thing

Last week, one of my drawings appeared in an article on Live Science.  The article in question was about a species of cave-dwelling beetle named Anophthalmus hitleri.  These beetles were first discovered in the 1930’s by German scientists, who decided to name their discovery in honor of German’s illustrious new leader.  Hence the hitleri part of the name.  And here is the drawing that Live Science used (with my permission, of course):

The article is really interesting and I encourage you all to check it out (click here).  Scientists are habitually reluctant to rename things, but it seems there is finally some hope that these poor beetles will be given a new, less fascistic name.

Regarding the use of my art, I am very open and free about letting people use my art for science education and science outreach purposes.  My art has been used in high schools and colleges.  It’s been used at planetariums.  I’ve had researchers associated with both NASA and E.S.A. ask for permission to use my art in their public presentations.  One person even asked if they could include my art in a peer-reviewed research paper.  And now my art has appeared on Live Science!  I could not be happier about this.

So if you’re interested in using my art, please get in touch.  I do require that you ask permission, because I want to make sure that my art is being used for science education, science outreach, or some other sufficiently sciency purpose.  Also, I just really like knowing where my art goes.  It makes me very happy knowing that my art is being used for so many cool sciency things.

Click here to access my contact form, or you can always click the “contact” link at the top bar of my blog.

Second Thing

Long time friend of the blog Kate Rauner has a new book coming out.  Kate has done some really good hard Sci-Fi (or hard-ish Sci-Fi) series in the past, but she tells me her new book blurs the line between science fiction and fantasy.  I’ve been looking forward to reading this one for a while, and right now you can get a copy for free if (and only if) you promise to give the book a fair and honest review on Amazon.

This offer lasts until September 30, 2023.  Click here for the details and to request your free review copy.