Zia graduated with a master’s certificate in Science Illustration from California State University, Monterey Bay. During this time, she perfected her skill in drawing bugs, arachnids and flowers in realistic fashion for scientific illustrations. From then on she had grown to love illustrative work in Entomology and Botany, focusing on the intricate detail that goes into creating an anatomically correct diagram of whichever specimen she set her sights on. By specializing in visual communication and creating academic visuals for k-12 use, she hopes her illustrations spark curiosity in those viewing to learn more about the subjects she presents. Her favorite media to use falls between prismacolor pencils, digital and gouache.