Grey Matters Journal artwork
Starting in Fall 2023, I have been working as an artist for an organization at Temple University called the Grey Matters where we all are put into groups with specific roles to help construct neuroscience journal articles. From there, I have to make typically 3 art pieces based off what article I am chosen for.
Fall 2023: Cognitive Enhancement
For the Fall 2023 semester, I did art for an article about Cognitive Enhancement. It discussed topics about the kinds of neural devices used for brain stimulation like micro chips in donor rats to test its effectiveness on the rat’s brain or transcranial electrical stimulation. The layout of the book was modeled after the original copy of the layout for the book version released in 2024.
Spring 2024: The Brain Locked up
In the Spring 2024 semester, I made artwork for an article called The Brain Locked Up. It discussed topics about how the prison system affects your brain and life after getting out of prison. The book layout was modeled after the original copy of the layout for the book version released in late 2024/early 2025.
Fall 2024 (Feature column): Anomalies in Articulation
In Fall of 2024, I was required to only make one art piece to represent the feature column. This article was titled “Anomalies in Articulation” where it discuses speech impairment and dives into struggling with speaking and stuttering. The book layout was made to showcase how the artwork would appear in a feature column in a hard copy of a book. The hard copy of the article containing the art piece for the feature column was given out in 2025.
Spring 2025: DMT Unveiled: Exploring its Biological Origin, Mind-Altering Effects, and Therapeutic Potential
For the Spring 2025 semester, I created art pieces for an article about DMT. It discussed how it alters your brain during and after usage and its origins. I had attached the original layout made for the physical copy of the DMT article, sent by the layout designer for the article, to show how it would look like in the article.
Fall 2025: Neuroscience of Loneliness: How Social Isolation Reshapes the Brain
In the Fall 2025 semester, I made artwork for an article about the Neuroscience of Loneliness. The article discusses how loneliness affects and forms the brain in times of isolation. I made a book layout to showcase how the artwork would potentially look like in the physical copy of the Loneliness article.
Spring 2026: Neuroscience of Procrastination: Understanding the Brain's Battle Between Now and Later
For the Spring 2026 semester, I made artwork for an article about the Neuroscience of Procrastination. The article discusses what how the brain functions and is affected when a person is procrastinating. I created a book layout to show how the artwork would potentially look like in the physical copy of the Procrastination article.
Conclusion
My experience creating artwork for Grey Matters has been very rewarding because it reflects my growth as both a designer and illustrator. Early on, I had little experience with software like Photoshop and Illustrator, which made it difficult to produce the pieces I envisioned. Over time, I improved my design skills and learned how to better integrate them into my art. Since 2023, that growth has been visible across each issue, and seeing that progression has been fulfilling. My goal was to create artwork that captures viewers’ attention and encourages them to explore the articles, something I gradually learned to do. The experience also helped me become more proficient at meeting deadlines and managing my work. Overall, I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute artwork that helps highlight important scientific topics.
Credits
Collaborations: Grey Matters Journal Article team
School: Tyler School of Art and Architecture