We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Seraphina Sol about their original and creative Botanical Illustration design work. Seraphina Sol is an award-winning communication designer, that makes our world a better place with their original botanical illustration works.
Seraphina Sol ("SS") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Field Notes Botanical Illustration. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
SS : The main principle behind my design work, especially in the Field Notes project, is rooted in deep observation and connection to the natural world. It’s about capturing the subtle details of plants, landscapes, and seasons—like a botanist’s careful study—translating those moments into visual stories that feel both intimate and universal. The inspiration comes from the quiet rhythms of nature and the way it shapes our surroundings, inviting a thoughtful dialogue between environment and design. Ultimately, it’s a practice of noticing—paying attention to what’s often overlooked—and honoring that through each line and texture.
SS : I wanted to bring a sense of calm and awareness through natural elements—inviting quiet moments of reflection in busy spaces. More than just aesthetics, the goal was to inspire a deeper connection to nature that promotes sustainability and care, encouraging people to think about their impact and foster a more mindful relationship with the environment. My main focus in designing this work was to shift how people feel and truly notice the world around them.
SS : My future plans for this award-winning design are to continue developing the botanical illustrations and integrate them more deeply into architecture and the built environment. Right now, I’m collaborating closely with architects and designers to bring these natural elements into their projects, creating spaces that feel alive and connected to the landscape. It’s exciting to see how these illustrations can transform environments and inspire a greater appreciation for nature within design.
SS : The project began with visits to natural history museums and botanical gardens, where I immersed myself in the intricate details and stories of plants. From there, the work naturally expanded into the architectural realm, exploring how these botanical elements could be woven into built environments. It’s been a thoughtful progression, connecting nature’s history with contemporary design over the past five years.
SS : This concept grew entirely from a place of knowledge, research, and inspiration—it wasn’t commissioned at first. Over time, it naturally evolved and expanded into commissioned work focused on public engagement and art, allowing these ideas to reach wider audiences and create meaningful experiences.
SS : I hold all rights to my work, but I also take on commissions of similar scale and scope for other clients. Those commissioned pieces can be licensed or produced by partner companies, depending on the project. This approach allows me to maintain creative control while collaborating with others to bring the work into different spaces and contexts. I’m always open to new projects and connections, working internationally across the design industry. Collaborating with architects, designers, and companies around the world keeps my practice dynamic and allows me to bring botanical illustration and sustainability into various contexts. It’s exciting to explore new ideas and contribute to projects that share a commitment to thoughtful design.
SS : This work grew naturally from my love for the intricate details found in nature and a deep appreciation for how those details connect us to the world around us. I'm also inspired by the power of art to engage and add beauty, creating moments that encourage reflection and care. Combining detail, nature, and the transformative power of art was a driving force behind this project.
SS : Absolutely. My work draws heavily from the rich traditions of botanical illustration and the careful study of natural history collections—especially the dried specimens found in herbaria. These archives offer a timeless dialogue between science and art. I’ve also been inspired by architects who thoughtfully integrate nature into their designs, creating spaces that honor both form and environment. These influences ground my work in a lineage of observation, precision, and respect for the natural world.
SS : The target for this design is really about engaging communities—bringing art and nature into everyday spaces where people live, work, and gather. It’s meant to invite quiet reflection and a deeper connection with the environment, making sustainability and beauty part of daily life for everyone.
SS : What sets this design apart is its thoughtful use of seed paper, which allows the artwork to come full circle—after being enjoyed as art, it can be planted and eventually return to the environment. This cycle of creation, appreciation, and regeneration makes the work not only visually engaging but also deeply connected to nature and sustainability, inviting a living, ongoing relationship between people and the spaces they inhabit.
SS : The name came from the idea of “field notes”—the careful observations scientists make in nature, capturing details that often go unnoticed. It reflects my process of deep noticing and study, as well as the connection between art, science, and place. The name speaks to curiosity and mindfulness, inviting people to slow down and truly observe the world around them.
SS : For this project, I began with hand-pressed plant specimens and detailed drawings created directly from life. These initial sketches were then digitized and refined using Adobe Illustrator on a drawing tablet. This workflow allows for precise control and flexibility, combining the accuracy of traditional botanical illustration with the efficiency and scalability of digital tools. The process ensures that the integrity of the original natural forms is maintained while adapting the work for application in various design contexts.
SS : What sets this design apart is its seamless blend of art and ecology — using seed paper means the artwork isn’t just visual but also living. Over time, it returns to the earth, creating a cycle where design actively participates in regeneration. It’s a deliberate choice to move beyond static objects and invite a deeper connection between people and their environment.
SS : This project was carried out as independent research, drawing extensively from botanical gardens and natural history museums. I referenced scientific collections to ensure accuracy and depth, but the process was largely self-directed rather than a formal collaboration with specialists. This approach allowed me to blend technical precision with personal interpretation.
SS : Technology plays a supportive yet essential role in this design. While the foundation is rooted in hand-drawn illustrations and pressed botanical materials, digital illustration and adobe programs were used to refine and clarify the work. This balance allows for precision and scalability without losing the organic quality of the original drawings, and allows it to be produced in many formats for different contexts.
SS : Yes, the design is deeply informed by careful research. I spent considerable time studying botanical collections, herbaria specimens, and natural history archives to understand the plants’ forms and contexts. This analytical approach ensured accuracy and authenticity, grounding the beauty of art in real scientific observation.
SS : One of the biggest challenges was illustrating live plants and preserved specimens with precision—capturing not just their form, but the subtle details and essence that make each unique. It required a delicate balance between scientific accuracy and artistic interpretation to honor the original while still creating something visually compelling.
SS : I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a thoughtful support system—fellow designers and creative professionals who constantly encourage me to share my work beyond where I live. Their belief in the value of what I create gave me the idea and desire to connect with a broader global audience.
SS : Throughout the process of designing this work, I deepened my patience and attention to detail, especially when translating the subtle complexities of living plants into precise illustrations. It sharpened my ability to balance artistic creativity with scientific accuracy, and reinforced how research and creativity must work hand in hand. This project also strengthened my understanding of how design can support connections—to nature, to history, and to community—this makes the work feel more meaningful beyond just aesthetics.
SS : I encourage others to engage with this practice of noticing nature, to instil a sense of calm, mindfulness, and deeper awareness. In a fast-paced world, taking the time to study and reflect on the natural world can bring balance both to our work and our lives.
