Each year, the Annual Conference of the Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI) brings together the brightest minds in medical illustration, animation, and science communication to share ideas, showcase new work, and explore the future of the profession.
This year’s conference in Madison, Wisconsin offered our team the opportunity to learn, contribute, and reconnect with colleagues across the industry. Read on for reflections from members of the MadMicrobe team on the conversations, inspiration, and experiences they brought home from AMI 2026.
Senior Medical Animator, Eric Small weighs in:
“Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the 2026 AMI Annual Conference in Wisconsin alongside fellow MadMicrobe colleagues Alexa D. and Hannah Koffman. This year, the conference included small roundtable discussions. In the past, seats were assigned to balance experienced professionals with younger professionals. Discussion questions are usually guided by one lead moderator, however, this year, the format was revised: professionals volunteered to lead table discussions based on their areas of expertise and anyone could join a table of a topic that interested them.”
“I led a discussion on the principles of animation, exploring what makes an animation truly effective and how those principles apply to the past, present, and future of the field. While animation techniques will undoubtedly continue to evolve—just as the medium transitioned from hand-drawn animation to computer-generated imagery—animation itself has endured. We also discussed how the foundational principles of animation remain central to what distinguishes animation from truly great animation.
As in recent years at the AMI Conference, AI was a major topic of discussion—but this year felt distinctly different. The conversation carried less uncertainty and far more optimism, reflecting both the rapid advancement of available tools and the growing ability of artists to create customized tools of their own. At the same time, several presentations celebrated the power of traditional artistic skill through the creation of physical media. These works supported a wide range of applications, from surgical simulations to patient education models. In a fitting full-circle moment, one of the Tech Showcases demonstrated traditional media in medical illustration, giving the current generation a firsthand look at the craft of producing professional work with pen and ink, carbon dust, and watercolor.
This year’s conference was a reminder that while our tools continue to evolve, the fundamentals of great visual communication remain constant. It was inspiring to see the medical illustration community embracing both innovation and craftsmanship as we shape the future of science communication.”
Alexa D. and Hannah Koffman, who both joined our team this past October as Medical Animators, had this to say:
Alexa: “As a newer professional, it was a great opportunity to meet and connect with other professionals while learning about different approaches to medical illustration and science communication. I appreciated hearing perspectives from working scientists and fellow illustrators on effective storytelling and communication strategies.
The medical illustration and animation community has embraced a wide range of modalities to communicate science effectively, and it was exciting to see the variety of projects, tools, and technologies shaping the field. Overall, the conference was a wonderful opportunity to stay connected with the medical illustration community and see the many ways professionals are continuing to advance science communication.”
Hannah: “Attending the AMI Conference is always an inspiring and eye-opening experience. This year was especially meaningful because I had the opportunity to serve on the program committee, where I helped review and facilitate conference sessions. It was incredibly rewarding to contribute behind the scenes and see everything come together. I always leave the conference feeling humbled by the talent, creativity, and dedication within the medical illustration community. From technique demonstrations, creative problem-solving approaches, and discovering new software and workflows, I came away energized with countless ideas on how to continue growing as an artist.
One of my favorite parts of the conference was reconnecting with the wonderful people that make it so great- my coworkers, peers, mentors, and alumni. So much of my inspiration comes from hearing about the passion behind people’s work and the personal projects they are tackling. I am so grateful for the opportunity to attend this year’s AMI Conference in Madison, and especially proud to represent MadMicrobe Studios while reconnecting with such an incredible community.”
“It was inspiring to see the medical illustration community embracing both innovation and craftsmanship”
The 2026 AMI Annual Conference was an inspiring reminder of the creativity, innovation, and collaboration that drive the medical illustration community forward. We’re proud to have had our team represented this year and look forward to bringing even more members of the MadMicrobe team to next year’s conference to continue learning, sharing, and connecting with our peers!
