That is such an important balance to find. If the art is too graphic, patients might get anxious, but if it is too simple, they won't understand the care instructions. I usually go for a softer color palette and avoid harsh textures. When I need inspiration for this kind of "gentle" but accurate work, I check out Ella Maru Studio
https://scientific-illustrations.com. They do amazing scientific images and animations that explain medical concepts very clearly. Their style is very professional but also aesthetically pleasing, which is perfect for educational materials. I’ve found that using 3D renders with a bit of a "glow" helps make the anatomy look less intimidating. It really helps the patient focus on the information rather than the surgery itself.
