What is the Medical Artists' Association (MAA), and why is it significant?

The Medical Artists' Association (MAA) is a professional organization that recognizes and celebrates outstanding contributions in the field of medical illustration. The annual conference showcases the best talent, providing a platform for medical artists to share their work and learn from each other. The MAA's Gold Award is a prestigious honor, and winning it signifies excellence in the intersection of art and anatomical science.

What tools did Matt Briggs use to create his award-winning illustration?

Matt Briggs used Blender, a free and open-source 3D application, alongside Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Blender allowed him to create 3D models without the financial burden of expensive software. His illustration showcased a deep understanding of anatomy and artistic technique, and he used shaders to create diverse textures and materials, and HDRI maps for refined shadows and lighting.

What does the Gold Award represent in the context of medical art?

The Gold Award signifies exceptional artistic skill and scientific accuracy in the field of medical illustration. Matt Briggs' work was recognized for its depiction of hand anatomy, demonstrating his ability to combine artistic skill with anatomical knowledge. The award highlights the importance of visual communication in medicine and the value of medical artists in conveying complex information.

What is the role of art in medical communication?

Medical art combines artistic skill with scientific accuracy to visualize complex medical concepts. It plays a crucial role in education, communication, and research within the medical field. The work of Matt Briggs, which won the Gold Award, shows how art can make anatomical information more accessible and understandable. This helps in patient education, medical training, and scientific publications.

What specific anatomical subject did Matt Briggs illustrate, and what makes his work stand out?

Matt Briggs' illustration focused on the hand anatomy, revealing the intricate details of its complex structure. His work exemplifies how medical illustrations can go beyond simple representations to show complex anatomical structures with accuracy and artistic skill. Briggs' work demonstrates a mastery of 3D modeling, shading techniques, and rendering, allowing him to create a visually stunning and scientifically informative piece.

3D illustration of a dissected human hand.

Celebrating Art in Medicine: The Medical Artists' Association's Gold Award Winner

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the stunning 3D illustration by Matt Briggs that won the Medical Artists' Association's prestigious Gold Award, showcasing the intersection of art and anatomical science."

The intersection of art and medicine offers a unique perspective on understanding the human body. The Medical Artists' Association (MAA) recognizes outstanding contributions in this field, and their annual conference showcases the best talent in medical illustration.

At the 66th annual MAA conference, one piece stood out: a stunning 3D illustration by Matt Briggs. This illustration was not only visually impressive, but also demonstrated a deep understanding of anatomy and artistic technique, earning it the Gold Award in the members' exhibition.

This article delves into Briggs' award-winning illustration, exploring his artistic journey, the tools he employed, and the intricate details that made his work a standout example of medical art. We will uncover how Briggs seamlessly blends artistic skill with scientific accuracy.

Matt Briggs: Crafting Art from Anatomy

3D illustration of a dissected human hand.

Matt Briggs is an accomplished designer and illustrator with a background in scientific illustration. He honed his skills at Blackpool and the Fylde College. Briggs embraced Blender, a free and open-source 3D application, around 10 years ago. This allowed him to explore 3D animation without the financial burden of expensive mainstream software.

Briggs combined his existing expertise in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator with Blender's capabilities. This led him to create the hand dissection illustration as an exercise, mastering Blender's rendering engine. The illustration demonstrates how he used shaders to create diverse textures and materials, and HDRI maps for refined shadows and lighting.

Years of experience as a designer and illustrator
Formal training in scientific illustration
Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
Extensive use of Blender for 3D modelling
Mastery of rendering engines and shading techniques

Briggs' illustration reveals a fascination with hand anatomy, uncovering the finer details of its complex structure. You can find more information about Matt Briggs and his work at http://maa.org.uk/index.php/icons/matthew-briggs.

The Enduring Appeal of Medical Art

Matt Briggs' Gold Award-winning illustration exemplifies the power of art in medical communication. By combining artistic skill with anatomical knowledge, he has created a work that is both visually stunning and scientifically informative.

Medical illustrations like this play a crucial role in education, research, and patient understanding. They offer a clear and engaging way to visualize complex anatomical structures and medical procedures.

As technology advances, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of 3D art and animation in medicine, further enhancing our understanding of the human body and improving healthcare outcomes.