Discover essential design principles for effective scientific communication in this 58-minute workshop from the 2021 AAAS Annual Meeting. Learn from presenters Shiz Aoki and Joseph Zeppa as they share top figure-making tips to enhance peer-to-peer communication and public engagement. Explore easy-to-implement techniques for optimizing information flow, using color effectively, choosing appropriate fonts, and saving space in your visuals. Gain insights into current trends in visual science communication, including free software and resources. Apply universally applicable design tips to improve your scientific illustrations, regardless of your preferred software. Topics covered include general concepts, sketching, Photoshop techniques, color theory, arrow and line usage, and decluttering strategies.