A professional member of the Association of Medical Illustrators and Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, Tess graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design where she earned her degree in Medical Illustration. In part of Kendall's collaboration with Michigan State University, Tess spent much of her time studying the human anatomy in MSU's Gross Anatomy and Prossection Lab. As a Medical Illustrator she collaborates with healthcare professionals to develop visual language supporting patient education, surgical research, acute pathology, medical-legal, and life sciences.