Graphic Communication has helped my work reach audiences within and outside academia learn about night ecology. It is the process of transforming complex ideas into slices of knowledge easier to understand and remember. I illustrate, diagram, and craft storytelling pieces to spark my research work and to make it interesting and accesible. Enjoy the compilation of selected works.
The evolution of night-time illumination
Illustration on the varied approaches of artificial lighting used to deliver illuminated night-time scenarios in built and natural landscapes.
Editorial illustration featured in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
An overview of the extension of urban lighting
Illustration on the extensions of urban lighting in (a) urban, (b) peri-urban, (c) rural, and (d) natural landscapes.
Editorial illustration featured in Sustainability Journal.
RECOMMENDED TECHNIQUES FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING
Graphic communication on recommended techniques depicting the spatial light distribution at angles. Left: globe or spherical luminaire, center: with some cut-off, right: luminaire with full cut-off.
Illustration featured in Leitfaden zur Neugestaltung und Umrüstung von Außenbeleuchtungsanlagen: Anforderungen an eine nachhaltige Außenbeleuchtung. Bundesamt für Naturschutz.
RECOMMENDED TECHNIQUES FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING
Graphic communication on recommended techniques for building and object illumination. Spotlights must illuminate the object precisely and must not shine beyond its boundaries. Where possible, lighting should be directed from top to bottom. Left: A ground-mounted spotlight that shines in all directions causes light pollution. Centre: the illumination of the object remains within the object’s boundaries. Right: Spotlights should be directed from top to bottom with minimal spill.
Illustration featured in Leitfaden zur Neugestaltung und Umrüstung von Außenbeleuchtungsanlagen: Anforderungen an eine nachhaltige Außenbeleuchtung. Bundesamt für Naturschutz.
CONCEPTUAL MODEL ON THE EXPECTED BEHAVIOURS OF MAYFLIES BY NIGHT
Editorial illustration featured in Journal of Limnology
Light polarisation in an incident plane
Diagram illustration and representation of light polarisation in an incident plane featured in Journal of Limnology
Towards insect-friendly lighting
Graphical abstract showing a 4 years approach towards insect friendly lighting. Illustration featured in Insects Journal.
The Expected behavioural responses, light conditions and strategies of European silver eels and Atlantic salmon smolts
Illustrations featured in Basic and Applied Ecology Journal.
Master Thesis Cover Design
Text: Catherine Pérez Vega
Text: Catherine Pérez Vega
Master thesis title: The environmental influence of lighting design on flora and fauna. Recommendations for Lighting Designers.
The potential sources of artificial light at night, biodiversity impacts and complex responses
Commissioned editorial illustration to show potential sources of artificial light at night, biodiversity impacts and complex responses.
© Catherine Pérez Vega 2026