Art meets science: Sam Mack at Lupine Studios

At the intersection of science and art, Sam Mack has carved out a unique path. A Life Sciences Illustration student at the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA), Sam recently completed an internship at Lupine Studios, a scientific illustration and exhibit design studio run by alumna Evyn Caiazza. The experience was Sam’s first foray into professional illustration, and it offered a challenging, enriching crash course in the world of client-facing creative work.

A Different Kind of Internship

Sam’s internship at Lupine Studios wasn’t your average summer gig. From the start of the semester-long commitment, she was thrown into high-impact projects for real clients like the Belize Zoo and regional nature centers. But instead of feeling overwhelmed, Sam found herself invigorated by the variety and the freedom.

“Lupine was my first experience doing something that would actually be seen by others,” she explained. “That alone was daunting. But Evyn structured everything so well. It made it easy to dive in.”

Evyn’s organizational style, complete with a structured workflow and clear project management, helped Sam feel grounded. “I knew exactly where to find things. And if I didn’t, I knew Evyn would show me how,” she said. That clarity gave her the confidence to experiment creatively.

One such example? A zoo shirt featuring two lesser-known animals: the agouti and the gibnut. With minimal initial guidance, Sam pitched a playful concept that was enthusiastically approved. “That felt like a home run,” she said. “It showed me I could take initiative and still deliver what the client wanted.”

View more of Sam’s work on the Belize Zoo project here

From Pre-Med to Portfolio

Sam didn’t begin her college career in illustration. She originally enrolled at St. Louis University on a pre-med track, studying forensic science (to no one’s surprise, she’s a big fan of Criminal Minds). But something was missing. “My mom was teaching at CIA and she sent me a flyer about the Life Sciences Illustration program,” Sam recalled. “It combined the things I liked: science and the art I did on the side.” She built a portfolio from scratch, applied, and started over in CIA’s four-year program. 

Even with her strong academic foundation, CIA’s arts-focused culture was a shock. “I’ve always been really Type A,” Sam said. “Being around a lot of creative, more Type B people was an adjustment.” But once she got into the life sciences courses, it clicked. “That’s when I knew I made the right decision.

Learning to Let Go—and Grow

One of the biggest takeaways from her internship at Lupine was learning to share work that wasn’t “perfect.” Sam met with Evyn twice a week, and the rhythm of those check-ins helped her shift her mindset. “Before, I never wanted anyone to see my work until it was finished. But showing progress became part of the process,” she said. “It helped me detach and become a better collaborator.”

This also helped her combat imposter syndrome, a challenge many young professionals face. “There’s always a little voice saying, ‘What if this is the one project I can’t do?’” she shared. But regular feedback and mentorship helped her gain confidence in her capabilities and process.

Dreaming of a Forensic Future

While her internship at Lupine emphasized mostly natural science projects, Sam’s long-term ambitions remain rooted in forensic science. “There isn’t really a job called ‘forensic medical illustrator,’ but there are people who do medical-legal illustration—like courtroom visuals or 3D injury reconstructions,” she explained. “That kind of direct, purposeful work appeals to me.”

For her upcoming senior thesis, Sam hopes to return to her forensic roots. She’s in early talks with a researcher involved in a project cataloging 3D skull models for facial reconstruction. “It’s kind of niche, but it’s meaningful,” she said. “And it’s a way to apply my skills to something real.”

View more examples of Sam’s work here

Advice to Fellow Interns

If Sam has one piece of advice for future Lupine interns, it’s this: come in with clear goals. “I told Evyn I wanted portfolio pieces, client experience, and to learn industry workflows. Because I said that upfront, she helped me hit all those goals.”

The internship gave her more than just polished illustrations; it reshaped her workflow, boosted her confidence, and connected her with a mentor who was generous with both guidance and opportunities. “Evyn was so willing to share everything—from file tricks to how to talk to clients. I feel so much more prepared now.”

Final Thoughts

As Sam heads into her final year at CIA, she’s carrying with her the skills, confidence, and curiosity to keep exploring where art and science intersect. Whether she ends up in a courtroom drawing injury diagrams or illustrating medical brochures, one thing is clear: this internship didn’t just give her experience. It gave her direction.

“I would absolutely recommend it,” she said. “It was one of the most helpful things I’ve done—not just for my portfolio, but for my growth as an artist.”

From the team here at Lupine Studios, thank you Sam! We wish you the best and can’t wait to see what’s next for you on your scientific illustration journey.

Interested in an internship with Lupine Studios? Get in touch with Evyn, Founder and Lead Designer, at evyn@lupinestudios.com.