About

Zia graduated with a master’s certificate in Science Illustration from California State University, Monterey Bay. During this time, she perfected her skill in drawing bugs, arachnids and flowers in realistic fashion for scientific illustrations. From then on she had grown to love illustrative work in Entomology and Botany, focusing on the intricate detail that goes into creating  an anatomically correct diagram of whichever specimen she set her sights on. By specializing in visual communication and creating academic visuals for k-12 use, she hopes her illustrations spark curiosity in those viewing to learn more about the subjects she presents. Her favorite media to use falls between prismacolor pencils, digital and gouache.

EDUCATION

B.A. Geology, University of California, Davis

Master's in Science Illustration, California State University, Monterey Bay.

SHOWS

The Art of Nature: An Exhibition of Science Illustration. March 11 - May 14 2023. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. Selected piece: "'Little Bear' Leaf Chafer". Digital

GNSI Juried Members’ Exhibit. 2024. Selected piece: “Wolf spider dorsal and ventral body diagram”. Digital

GNSI Juried Members’ Exhibit: Engaging the Young Mind. 2025. Selected piece: “The Garden Eel”. Digital

CopperWolf: EQUINOX Art Show. March 26 - June 13, 2026. Selected piece: “Anna’s Flower”. Colored Pencil.

CopperWolf: SOL Art Show. June 25 - August 27, 2026. Selected piece: “Sun Drop Blossom”. Colored Pencil.

PUBLICATIONS

UC Santa Cruz Graduate students, Collaborative work for Science Notes publication, October 2021. https://ucscsciencenotes.com/feature/how-noise-affects-greenlands-gentle-giants/

Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI) in Journal of Natural Science Illustration vol. 53 No. 2. 2021, pg. 19. “Wolf Spider Life Cycle”.

Dallas Zoo, Interpretive Panel "Spider Silk: A Fascination Adaptation" for BugU Exhibit publication, January 2022

Dallas Zoo, Collaborative illustration work for "Dino Safari" map finder publication, March 2022

Graham Cabrey’s “Addie’s Adventures”. Illustrator for ebook and print copies.

AWARDS

2022 American Advertising Award, Dallas Chapter.

INTERNSHIPS

Smithsonian - Entomology Department

Dallas Zoo - Graphic Design

CLIENTS

FreshCut Paper

University of Texas, Austin

Graham Cabrey - Children’s book author

80% What you Eat Hawaii

Betty’s Children Academy