DONGYI
ZHANG
Scientific Illustrations
Though as UXUI designers, it is not required to have illustration skills but I always think it is good to have it. I'd say I could not thanks more for making the decision to pick up this illustration training as it adds extra strength to me as a designer in many ways, such as, a sharper eye on colors, a deeper understanding on texture and lighting, and a new perspective on compositions.
Here I would like to show my illustrations and designs from initial concept sketch to final artworks and poster designs.
Timeline 6 weeks
Role Illustration, Graphic Design, Poster Design, Layout
Methods
Tools Procreate, Photoshop, Indesign
PROJECT BRIEF
This is a scientific illustration project I created to explore the beauty of wildlife animals through art and design to call for public attention to local environment protection.
PROJECT 01
North America River Otter
Lontra canadensis
North American River Otter is one of the most playful creatures living in Washington State, well adapted for semi-aquatic living. They have a pivotal role in Washington river ecosystems. They are predators, meaning they help control the populations of food species they prey upon. This affects the ecosystem as a whole, and as a result, their presence is a signal that the ecosystem is healthy.
I started with field study and observation of the creature in Woodland Park Zoo. After many pose study and sketches, I picked this dynamic pose when the otter is in water, swimming and turning, to show the otter playful personality and incredible flexibility of the body.
PROJECT 02
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Bald eagles nest primarily along marine shorelines and major rivers of western and northeastern Washington. The resident population of bald eagles was about 1,500 breeding pairs as of the last comprehensive census conducted in 2005. This includes up to 4,000 individuals that overwinter in Washington.
This species is considered "climate endangered" (i.e., projected to lose >50% of current global range by 2050) in the Audubon Birds and Climate Change Report, although they may be at less risk in Washington State. Warmer temperatures in Puget Sound could lead to reduced food quality and/or reduced abundance, and may result in prey switching.
Here I captured the eagle in her landing pose with fresh blood on the beak, which indicating her return after a successful prey.
PROJECT 03
Rhinoceros Beetle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Rhinoceros beetles are herbivorous insects named for the horn-like projections on and around the males' heads. Most are black, gray, or greenish in color, and some are covered in soft hairs. Another name given to some of these insects is the Hercules beetle, because they possess a strength of Herculean proportion. Adults of some species can lift objects 850 times their weight.
Here I picked the back view of the beetle with its wings spanned to deliver a more complete view of the body structure.
