My illustrations and interpretive projects illuminate lesser-known aspects of history and the natural world.
Hi! I’m Angela—an interpretive planner and scientific illustrator.
I’m the co-founder of an interpretive planning, exhibits, and illustration company called Studio Understory. I also tackle most illustration projects that come my way, from philosophy book covers to moss-themed murals.
Unfamiliar with the field of interpretation? Picture your favorite museum exhibit, or an educational trail sign that really made you stop and think. Interpreters weave themes, stories, images, illustrations, artifacts, and many other things into compelling experiences for specific sites and audiences. It’s an art form that connects people more deeply with the world around them, and—ideally—makes the world a better place.
Illustration and Scientific Illustration
I interpret scientists’ research through hand-rendered, digitally-perfected illustrations.
Murals
Designed to illuminate lesser-known aspects of your site’s history or environment.
Exhibit and Graphic Design
Trail signage, wall-graphics, or 3D spaces and structures that tell your story—my collaborators and I have got you covered.
Interpretive Planning and Writing
Big Ideas, clear goals, and a cohesive storyline emerge through research and conversation.
Audience Research
Whether you’re planning a new interpretive trail or want to revise an outdated exhibit, I’ll help align your goals with your community’s interests.
Grant Writing
With plans and goals in place, I can help you win funding to support your next project.
Coordination with Fabricators
I have a nationwide network of trusted printers, builders, and makers.
These are some of the talented people I call on to help make projects the best they can be.
Amity Femia, Exhibit & Graphic Designer
Amity is a graphic designer with 20 years of experience in the exhibit world and a passion for clear, playful learning opportunities. From concept boards to complete digital files, she has created graphics for clients nationwide, including museums, national parks, and discovery centers. Addressing the unique needs of exhibit teams has made Amity an efficient and flexible super-collaborator.
Abigail Sarver-Verhey, Exhibit Designer
Abbey is a content-driven exhibit designer passionate about transforming complex stories into engaging exhibitions. Her experience gained at design firms, science centers, and history museums spans from hands-on interactive development to art direction and 3D modeling. This diverse background prepares her for enthusiastic and effective collaboration with clients at all levels of a project.
Chris Lucas, Exhibit Designer & Fabricator
A fabricator and designer of hi-fi exhibits and lo-fi jokes, Chris has spent more than 25 years in the museum industry, touching everything from spaceships to dinosaurs in order to contribute to the collective interpretation of our world. As a curator of extraordinary music and playful three dimensional explorations, he spends his days bringing learning spaces to life and building understanding and creative energy for future generations.
This website was designed in collaboration with Kirsten O’Loughlin.