We had the good fortune of connecting with Clancy Weaver and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Clancy, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. I was one of those kids who was always sketching something, animals, imaginary creatures, or whatever was on my mind that day. But what really shaped my creative path was my love of animals and natural science. I was always drawn to ecosystems, evolution, and the connections we find in nature. I would always get excited in my science class whenever we covered those units. I even remember flipping ahead in my textbooks just to admire the illustrations—those detailed diagrams and images made the concepts come alive for me. I have ADHD and other obstacles that make academic environments difficult for me to navigate, and as a visual learner, these infographics and posters engaged me in ways that verbal lecture never did and communicated to me concepts I couldn’t quite grasp through worksheets and tests.
When I was young, my uncle gifted me this massive illustrated encyclopedia that had almost every fish, mammal, bird, and animal on the planet. I would spend hours reading it, amazed by the artwork and the way it conveyed so much information visually. I read it so much that the spine was falling apart and the pages were loose. That book, along with my interest in science, gave me the idea that art could be a tool for education and storytelling. Eventually, I realized I wanted to do the same thing: create art that helps people understand not only the natural world but other academic information where tests and lectures can fail. Combining my passion for art with my curiosity about nature led me to scientific illustration, it just felt like the perfect fit for me.
I am now in my final year as an illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Based out of Savannah, I am able to not only minor in scientific illustration here, but my minor allows me to interact with the community around me. I have been blessed with the opportunities to sketch and collaborate at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography at the University of Georgia’s coastal grant, as well as have my illustrations hang beside interactive and educational exhibits at the Grey’s Reef Ocean Discovery Center. My networking has allowed me to travel and meet incredible artists at the Systematic Entomology Lab at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC as well as others alongside our eastern coast.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a scientific illustrator, what sets me apart from other artists is that much of my material comes directly from observing the world around me, especially animals. I believe one of the greatest strengths of scientific illustration is its ability to to bring viewers close to the fine details of things they might never see up close or are too afraid to approach. I aim tp illustrate infographics and posters that can be found in our textbooks and on the posters in our classrooms. I believe it’s essential to talk about the importance of ecosystems and their preservation, especially in the face of climate change and habitat destruction. Through my work, I want to showcase the intricate details of plants and animals found not only in our backyards but all over the planet. Most of my focus is on insects and birds, as I’ve always been fascinated by both. With my illustrations, I aim to reveal the tiny, often overlooked details of these organisms that can’t be appreciated from a distance.
As a student, I’m still exploring the professional world, but I feel ready and excited to step into academic and educational work. I’m fortunate to be a member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI), a professional organization dedicated to advancing and promoting scientific illustration. Many of the members are illustrators, educators, and researchers who use art to communicate scientific knowledge. Their community has been invaluable, offering guidance, answering my questions, and helping me build connections within the field.
It can honestly be intimidating to look at the creative industry today, with AI and photography increasingly taking over the niche of scientific illustration. But I find comfort and strength in my community and our shared ability to adapt. No matter what, I want to continue to advocate for the role of illustration in educating others about natural science and emphasizing the importance of our ecosystems, plants, and animals. Scientific illustration was essential to my education as a child and I would like to play a role in the same way for others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I were bringing a friend to Atlanta, the first stop would definitely be the Georgia Aquarium, it’s always been my go-to. If I could, I’d spend every day there sketching and illustrating the incredible marine life. I’m naturally drawn to creative spaces, so the High Museum of Art would also be high on the list. Not only is the building itself stunning, but I’ve always loved their exhibitions and the work they bring in. I was fortunate to be part of a youth art exhibition there in 2018, which made it an even more special place for me.
We’d also visit SCAD’s Atlanta campus to explore the SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film. SCAD’s rotating exhibits are always worth the time and give great inspiration. I don’t think a trip would be complete without stopping at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and also exploring Piedmont Park. For something closer to my hometown, Roswell, we’d head to the Chattahoochee Nature Center. That area, including Alpharetta and Johns Creek, has plenty to explore and makes for a great week

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As I approach graduation from SCAD, I can’t help but feel really sentimental and grateful for the professors and community I’ve found here. They’ve become more like family to me. Everyone I’ve met has encouraged me to dive deeper into my passions, pushed me to work harder than ever, and inspired me in ways I didn’t think was possible. My classmates have given me valuable ideas and feedback, while my professors have created a supportive and constructive environment that’s helped me illustrate some of my best portfolio pieces and refine my skills.
The people at SCAD have truly made me fall in love with this community, the university, and the city of Savannah. I’m so so thankful for the role they’ve played in helping me grow as an artist and for becoming my creative family here on the coast. Their influence and encouragement will stay with me long after I leave.

Website: https://clancyweaver.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiramisoou?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clancy-weaver-044786223/

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