The Importance of Visual Storytelling in Science Marketing: Part One

Creativity drives scientific innovation, and creative marketing methods are vital to communicating new discoveries and technologies. Visual communication methods are essential in any creative marketing strategy; however, digital…

Pharmaceutical Animation Process - Storyboard/Wireframe

Creativity drives scientific innovation, and creative marketing methods are vital to communicating new discoveries and technologies. Visual communication methods are essential in any creative marketing strategy; however, digital visualization methods are even more powerful ways to convey complex biomedical concepts. With the increasing speed at which everyone is inundated with information, it is becoming more and more important to find unique ways to stand out.

In the first post of this two-part guest series, Digital Image Studios will show how captivating 3D visuals are useful throughout a multimedia marketing strategy. The animation below, showing how a novel antibiotic molecule was constructed, is just one example of how digital 3D models can be used to explain detailed structures with clarity and accuracy. Then, in part two, they’ll discuss what the creation process should look like, and how to make an impact and lasting impression.


Why Use Visual Communication?

Visual media is a universal means of communication and is one of the best ways to connect with an audience. Words are useful, yet visuals can convey a vast amount of information instantaneously. Consider this blog post for example; reading about visual marketing is informative, while the visuals themselves prove their efficacy. An object’s form or a sequence of events described in words requires high-level abstract thinking. Visuals serve to clarify complexities and reduce ambiguity, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of complex scientific concepts.

Really Going Digital

New biotechnology, procedures and other advances in science are often difficult to represent using words or even hi-resolution photography. The ability to modify rather than just capture visual information is essential. Digital 3D methods allow complicated anatomical or physiological environments to be recreated in a way that serves to clearly define relevant structures.

As the above video illustrates, when setting up a scene in 3D, spatial relationships between objects can be accounted for and the ways in which objects interact can be determined with great accuracy. Digital 3D representations, whether organic or geometric in form, can be constructed from sketches, verbal descriptions or existing data. These virtual representations can then be viewed from any angle, allowing a deep understanding of the subject in ways that are not possible when relying on descriptions or illustrations alone. These realistic virtual product models are then readily available to use within their intended context.

As seen in these examples, visual imagery is a marketer’s friend in showcasing complex and sophisticated products, but can also illustrate how smaller product components work in the laboratory or larger product ecosystems. These visual tools can be used throughout your website, and as tools for your sales team to help guide leads through the end of the sales funnel. In the next blog post, we take a closer look at the process behind creating digital imagery, so you can get started on your next campaign. Click here to continue reading.


Digital Image Studios is a CGI digital studio and visual technology company. They provide creative solutions for medical marketing using CGI and 3D animation. Learn more about Digital Image Studios’ medical marketing and visualization services at medical.dimage.com.

Start generating more leads today!

Sammi Wang headshot

Sammi Wang

Account Manager
sammi@echinachem.com

Sammi is the General Manager China of eChinaChem, where she has worked since 2005 and previously served as Vice President and Sales Manager. eChinaChem offers news media, conferences and events, as well as education and training services in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors in China. Before eChinaChem, she worked at GlobalSources as an Account Executive. Sammi received her MBA from the University of International Business and Economics and her undergraduate degree from Yantai University.

Sales Territory: China 

Kyra Luttermann Headshot

Kyra Luttermann

Account Manager
kl@intermediapartners.de

Kyra Luttermann is an IT & AI Specialist with a strong academic background, complemented by deep knowledge in Philosophy. She holds advanced training from the University of Oxford in Artificial Intelligence. Kyra excels in AI prompting, consulting, and sales, effectively helping customers reach their target audiences. Since joining IMP and ACS in 2023, she has been instrumental in advancing ACS’s mission, representing the next generation of innovative leaders in the field.

Sales Territories: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Ireland, Scandinavia, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, East Central Europe and The Middle East

Uwe Riemeyer Headshot

Uwe Riemeyer

Uwe Riemeyer is a seasoned Global Media Specialist with over 25 years of experience in media sales, consulting, and planning, primarily for the global chemical industry. Since 1997, he has been affiliated with ACS and operates his own successful media business in Germany. Uwe’s expertise spans all B2B industry segments and related media outlets, supported by a solid foundation in economics and an initial career in the automotive industry. His comprehensive knowledge and strategic insights make him a key player in media planning and consulting.

Sales Territories: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Ireland, Scandinavia, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, East Central Europe and The Middle East

Jim Beckwith Headshot

Jim Beckwith

Account Manager
j.beckwith@jgeco.com

Jim Beckwith brings his skills to ACS after a lengthy media consulting career in both for-profit and non-profit media. He specializes in helping advertising partners “connect the dots” between their marketing/lead generation objectives and the wide range of opportunities in the ACS Media portfolio. Jim works with advertisers based in the Southeast and Eastern U.S.

Sales Territories: US East Coast and Southeast 

Beth Kurup Headshot

Beth Kurup

Beth Kurup is an Account Manager based in Los Angeles, California. She handles marketing programs for clients in the Western United States. Beth’s media and marketing background aid her in creating strategic plans for clients with a focus on details and meeting objectives.  

Sales Territory: US West Coast Sales

Pete Manfre Headshot

Pete Manfre

Account Manager
p_manfre@acs.org

Except for a brief hiatus in 2022, Pete Manfre has been a fixture at ACS since 2015, helping clients navigate the complex B2B digital landscape. Over the years, Pete has gained the trust of many science marketing leaders with his honest and straightforward approach. His unique insights and expertise have benefitted the small companies looking to gain traction with new potential customers and the well-known industry brands looking to elevate their thought leadership and capture bigger market-share.

Sales Territories: ACS Meetings Exhibition and Sponsorships (ACS Spring, ACS Fall and Pacifichem) 

Chris Nolan

Chris Nolan

Chris Nolan has been creating solutions for C&EN and ACS advertisers since 2017. After growing the western US territory to $1.6M from $800k, he was promoted to national sales manager in 2021. He is based in Chicago and covers the central US and Canada. His background in media solutions includes successful production for such well known global media brands as Fortune, INC, Fast Company, The Nikkei, the FT, and The Globe & Mail.

Sales Territories: US Midwest and Northeast East Coast; Canada; Australia; New Zealand and South America

Mariam Agha 

Account & Marketing Manager
CENBrandLab@acs.org

Mariam is an account manager here at C&EN BrandLab. She works with our clients, art and production teams within C&EN to deliver effective ad campaigns. 

Jordan Nutting Ph.D.

Senior Editor
CENBrandLab@acs.org

Jordan is a Senior Editor at C&EN BrandLab. While earning her Ph.D. in chemistry she also pursued her passion for writing and communication, including a stint as a science reporter during the COVID-19 pandemic. She now funnels her love of words and chemistry into creating compelling science stories and content.

Jesse Harris

Senior Editor
CENBrandLab@acs.org

Jesse Harris is a Senior Editor at C&EN BrandLab. He has been creating internet content since 2016, and has Master’s degrees in both chemistry and chemical engineering. He loves helping STEM experts communicate their science more impactfully.

Shane M Hanlon Ph.D.

Executive Editor
CENBrandLab@acs.org

Shane leads BrandLab’s strategic initiatives and projects. As a conservation biologist turned science communicator and storyteller, Shane brings years of creative and relationship-building experience to BrandLab from his work in the federal government, the National Academies, and scientific membership nonprofits. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh, from which he obtained his B.S. in Ecology and Evolution, and holds a Ph.D. in biology from the University of Memphis.

Heather Lockhart-Neff 

Account & Marketing Manager
CENBrandLab@acs.org

Heather co-leads account management at C&EN BrandLab. She utilizes efficiency and strategy when working with our clients and production teams within C&EN to deliver effective and engaging campaigns. Heather has a passion for telling dynamic stories through multimedia communication channels and brings creativity, curiosity, and charisma to BrandLab partnerships. She obtained her B.S. in International Relations from The College of Wooster in Ohio. 

Cynthia Graham-Tappan 

Managing Director, Sales Strategic Partnerships
CENBrandLab@acs.org

Cynthia Graham-Tappan is an accomplished sales leader with over 15+ years’ experience leading global B2B sales teams within the publishing & media industries.  She has held executive positions with The New York Times, Dow Jones, Agence France Presse, Hearst Corporation and currently oversee Sales & Strategic Partnerships for ACS.   Cynthia has a proven expertise in crafting strategic partnerships, steering high-performing sales teams, and propelling revenue growth. Cynthia also has extensive experience in performance management, market research, digital media monetization, and business development.

Cynthia received her B.S. degree from Towson University and recently completed Executive Education courses with The Yale School of Management and London Business School.  Cynthia resides in Maryland with her husband, and she is a proud mom of four kids.

Kenneth Phan 

Creative Director
CENBrandLab@acs.org

Kenneth is a creative leader with 20 years of experience in in-house and boutique design agencies. He is currently senior creative director for the American Chemical Society’s marketing and communications team. Previously, he was senior creative director for ACS Publications, an international scientific publisher that serves chemistry and related sciences. Kenneth is passionate about translating client business goals into impactful and innovative advertising solutions. Under his leadership, ACS has won numerous awards and accolades for its exceptional design work.