Hi, my name is Azuravesta Rastan! But you can call me Avesta. I’m a freelance Science Communicator & Medical Illustrator, and the founder of Biophile Media.
I use illustration, animation, and design to visually communicate complex science. I love the challenge of breaking down tough topics into understandable visuals. It's been said that "science is not finished until it’s communicated," and I couldn't agree more.
I have extensive experience in the medical communications field, previously working as an Associate Art Director at Real Chemistry, and currently working as a freelance artist. My most recent venture is Biophile Media—a creative storytelling platform at the intersection of climate and health. You can find my work on the cover of popular science journals like Nature and Cell, as well as featured by NASA, BBC, UNESCO, World Economic Forum, and Discover Magazine.
I hold an MSc in Biomedical Communications from the University of Toronto (MScBMC) and a BSc with Honours in Life Sciences from Queen's University, with a minor in World Language Studies.
Outside of work, I’m a creature of many hobbies. You can find me rock climbing, DJing, scuba-diving, forest bathing, practicing photography, or attending too many concerts!
I use illustration, animation, and design to visually communicate complex science. I love the challenge of breaking down tough topics into understandable visuals. It's been said that "science is not finished until it’s communicated," and I couldn't agree more.
I have extensive experience in the medical communications field, previously working as an Associate Art Director at Real Chemistry, and currently working as a freelance artist. My most recent venture is Biophile Media—a creative storytelling platform at the intersection of climate and health. You can find my work on the cover of popular science journals like Nature and Cell, as well as featured by NASA, BBC, UNESCO, World Economic Forum, and Discover Magazine.
I hold an MSc in Biomedical Communications from the University of Toronto (MScBMC) and a BSc with Honours in Life Sciences from Queen's University, with a minor in World Language Studies.
Outside of work, I’m a creature of many hobbies. You can find me rock climbing, DJing, scuba-diving, forest bathing, practicing photography, or attending too many concerts!
Substack
Media & Press
Art the Science - Creators: Avesta Rastan
University of Toronto - BMC graduate answers the call to fight COVID-19
Visual Capitalist - Visualizing what COVID-19 does to your body
Discover Magazine - COVID-19: How does it affect you?
World Economic Forum - What COVID-19 does to your body
NASA JPL Infographics - Planetary Satellites
Interviews & Speaking
ChatGPD Podcast, Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto (2025): Science, Creatively: From Sketches to Science Communication
The Mentorship Podcast (2023): Merging Art and Science through Science Visualization
Loyla Univeristy (2022): Let’s Talk SciComm
BiomedX SciComm Panel (2022): Alternative careers in science
Pfizer Lunch & Learn (2021): Visual storytelling for science communication
Max-Planck Institute (2020): Science Visualization Workshop
Learn Medical Art Podcast (2020): An Interview with Medical Illustrator, Avesta Rastan
BMCAA UnCon 2020: Perspectives on Freelancing as a Medical Illustrator
PreparationTech Interview (2020): Communicating Complex Science
LiveAI (2020): The Art and Science of Data Visualization
University of Toronto (2020): Effective Academic Poster Design
University of Toronto (2019): Intro to Science Visualization using Adobe Illustrator
Awards
People’s Choice Award, 'The Social Determinants of Health' - AMI* (2023)
Award of Excellence, 'The Complement System' - AMI (2023)
Award of Merit, 'Illuminating Medulloblastoma' - AMI (2020)
Top Talent, 'Planetary Satellites' - Adobe Design Achievement Awards (2019)
Award of Merit, 'The Cancer Paradox' - Association of Medical Illustrators (2019)
Stephen Gilbert Award for Excellence in Biomedical Visualization - University of Toronto, Biomedical Communications Program (2018)
Ontario Graduate Scholarship for Academic Achievement and Research Potential - University of Toronto (2018)
*AMI = Association of Medical Illustrators
Creative Services
While my background is in medical illustration, I love branching outside of the field and getting involved in creative projects that push me to think outside the box. Don't hesitate to contact me with any project requests or questions! Currently I'm seeking projects with a strong focus on editorial illustration (infographics, journal covers, graphical abstracts) and creative 2D animation (science explainers, motion graphics). My skills include:
• Science Communication
• Art Direction
• Motion Graphics
• 2D Animation
• Illustration
• Graphic Design
• Medical Writing
• Data Visualization
• 3D Art