Neuroanatomy Self-Portrait: Vasculature of the Hippocampus

Purpose

Sea level rise caused by climate change is a major disruption to coastal communities, and is increasing at a faster rate in the South Pacific compared to the rest of the world. In 2022, 42 Fijian villages were marked for relocation in the next five to ten years, which involves moving everything from basic infrastructure to burial grounds.

I created this journal cover illustration to draw the general public's attention to this issue and to read its corresponding research article. I depicted upside-down floating houses to show how Fijian ways of life are being turned upside down due to climate change. I also wanted to show a sea of houses to reference the landmark "Our Sea of Islands" paper by Epeli Hau'ofa, as a reminder that South Pacific Islanders are united in their efforts in combatting the effects of climate change. The marine life demonstrates that despite its threats, the ocean is at the heart of South Pacific identity and remains something to be celebrated.

Audience

Client

Research journal readers

Intended format

Tools used

Academic journal cover

Maya, Zbrush, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop

Shehryar Saharan, University of Toronto

Thumbnails

I already felt settled by the content (floating houses), so I used thumbnail to explore different actions and camera angles.

Colour test

Before beginning modelling, I created a more detailed draft that established the specific camera angle and details I wanted to achieve. I ended up slightly adjusting the angle for a more dynamic composition.

Modelling

I used Zbrush, and Maya to create the various models in my composition. UV maps, extruded SVGs, pattern brushes, and MASHes were especially useful. Since I was using a variety of techniques, I found that Zotero was helpful in keeping track of the tutorials I was using.

Water effects and rendering

Some techniques I used to get a water texture:

  • Caustic lighting effect: spotlight with aiGobo

  • Light beams: compositing with atmospherevolume and meshlights

  • Compositing with different levels of of atmosphericvolume

To create even more depth, I rendered a number of AOVs to composite in Photoshop.

Final Composite

I used Photoshop and eventually Procreate to composite. I found the water depth to be a challenge, and ended up redoing the compositing to arrive at something closer to my initial comprehensive draft.

Interested in working together? Let’s talk about it.

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