Profile

Tawatha T. Elguero

Based in Oslo, Norway.

Contact: collab.tawatha@proton.me

Instagram

I create research-led visuals that make biological structures, ecological relationships, and environmental processes clear and engaging.

I work with researchers, conservationists, and environmental organisations to translate scientific knowledge into visual narratives that support the understanding, restoration, and protection of ecosystems and nature.

Background

My background combines self-directed study with formal training in scientific illustration through specialised courses, and the Illustraciencia Academy. I have worked with students, researchers, and environmental organisations, including the Roots & Shoots educational program of the Jane Goodall Institute in Spain.

Since 2018, I have been active in citizen science, contributing species observations across Europe through iNaturalist and supporting research projects through Zooniverse. I am also a member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators and DNT: The Norwegian Trekking Association.

Testimonials

“Ms. Elguero’s work is always carried out with great professionalism, commitment, attention to detail, talent, and care, which is evident in the final results.”

Marisa Mariñán, Coordinator of Roots & Shoots, Jane Goodall Institute Spain

”As a primatologist and researcher, I deeply value Tawatha’s work and perspective as a scientific illustrator. She has a remarkable ability to combine scientific rigor with artistic sensitivity, creating illustrations that are not only beautiful, but also meaningful and highly effective for science communication. Over the years, I have always been impressed by her professionalism, curiosity, and genuine passion for nature and science. I specially appreciate people capable of building such a strong bridge between art and science.”

Dr. Miquel Llorente

Director, Master’s Degree in Scientific Illustration in Natural Sciences, Universitat de Girona

Director, Master’s Degree in Primatology, Universitat de Barcelona

“I came across Tawatha’s work by chance, and it was an amazing find. I needed highly specific hyperrealistic illustrations for a scientific article, and the result exceeded all my expectations. Even though the subjects were almost indistinguishable from one another, she captured each individual’s uniqueness perfectly while staying in close contact with me throughout the process for feedback. She was an abdolute pleasure to work with.”

Carla Pascual, Primatologist, UdG (Universidad de Girona)

Skills

Visual Communication
Scientific Illustration
Graphics
Research & Information Synthesis
Ecological Storytelling
Field Observation
Creativity and Innovation

Software

Adobe Creative Suite
QGIS
Blender

Tawatha T. Elguero

Scientific Illustration

Visual Communication

Making the
Invisible Visible

Revealing the structures, processes, and relationships
of the natural world through scientific illustration, and
visual communication.

Field Notes

Blog

CS-2

Nyckelharpa & Hardanger fiddle
Vector illustration
Hsiang-Yin Hsiao · 2026

A technical illustration featuring the nyckelharpa and the Hardanger fiddle, two Scandinavian string instruments simplified for concert poster design.

Collaboration

Hsiang-Yin Hsin
Violinist
Taiwan

Nyckelharpa & Hardanger fiddle
Hsiang-Yin Hsin
Technical Illustration
Vector · Adobe Illustrator
Oslo, Norway
2026

Context

This monochrome technical illustration was commissioned by Hsiang-Yin, a Taiwanese violinist. The instrument details were simplified, including the removal of decorative wood patterns and aesthetic elements, to create a versatile design that could be adapted and reused for concert posters.

The Hardanger fiddle (hardingfele) is a traditional Norwegian violin with sympathetic strings that add resonance and a rich sound. The nyckelharpa is a Swedish bowed instrument with keys and resonant strings that give it a unique layered tone. Both instruments are important parts of Scandinavian musical heritage.

Hardanger fiddle technical close-up, showing the pegbox and tuning pegs. Illustration by Tawatha T. Elguero

Research & Development

The vector design was created in Adobe Illustrator, combining photographic references of Hsiang-Yin’s handcrafted instrument with a standardized technical illustration style.

Close-up details of a nyckelharpa (left) and a Hardanger fiddle (right). Illustration by Tawatha T. Elguero.

Hsiang-Yin provided the Norwegian and Swedish terminology, ensuring grammatical accuracy and selecting the words that best conveyed her personal connection to the instruments.