# Humanized Germ Drawings Travis Louie's 'GERMS' Puts a Face on the Things That Ail Us By Michael Hines | Published 2011-03-02 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/travis-louie References: [laughingsquid](http://laughingsquid.com/germs-by-travis-louie/) & [travislouie.blogspot](http://travislouie.blogspot.com/2011/02/germs.html) Travis Louie is putting a human face on the microscopic organisms that make us sick in his latest sketch series. 'GERMS' is filled with [black and white sketches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shiyuan-xu) of [germs with human features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/germ-zone) like mustaches and mouths. Personally, when I see Travis Louie's 'GERMS,' I can't help but be reminded of a 1920s and 30s criminal. The slick suits, the facial hair and the ties all contribute to making the germs of 'GERMS' look more like two-bit gangsters and less like invisible organisms. Travis Louie's decision to go with a black and white color scheme for 'GERMS' was a great choice. Often times when germs are rendered in [human form](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-monsters) they are extremely colorful. Even a pink germ with a full beard still looks childish more often than not. Travis Louie's black and white coloring adds a nice level of maturity to these drawings. I almost wouldn't mind picking these guys up on a bathroom doorknob and taking them home with me. Almost. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 56% | Activity: 32% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Humanization of Microscopic Organisms:** Opportunity to create similar artistic representations of other microscopic entities, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that could be used in educational or scientific settings. - **Black and White Sketch Art:** Opportunity to introduce a modern take on traditional sketch art, using black and white techniques to create unique pieces of art that could be displayed in homes or businesses. - **Merging of Art and Science:** Opportunity to collaborate with artists and scientists to create visually appealing representations of microscopic organisms that can be used to aid in scientific research and education. ### Who This Affects Most - **Microbiology:** Opportunity to use artistic representations of germs and other microscopic organisms to educate the public about the importance of hygiene and disease prevention. - **Art and Design:** Opportunity to create unique art pieces using black and white sketch techniques that could be sold to art enthusiasts or displayed in galleries. - **Medical Illustration:** Opportunity to use the humanization of germs and other microorganisms in medical publications and textbooks to engage students and medical professionals. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Traveling Virus-Themed Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/traveling-exhibition-for-children.md) - [Thought-Provoking Interactive Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antibodies-installation.md) - [Educational Plush Clips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plagues-from-history-backpack-clips.md) - [Limited Humorous Art Prints](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/david-shrigley-1.md) - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Art Doodle-Collaborative Napkins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tissue-box-collection.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Health Object Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/out-of-orifice.md) - [Insect-Inspired Bronze Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/insect-bronze-sculptures.md)