Artwork (C) Amy Holliday 2019
Monday, 13 May 2019
RNA // Somatic Cell Illustration Process
Continued watercolour cell illustrations for bio-engineering company, the wonderful Fluidigm.
This time RNA, (DNA's single stranded-counterpart). I began with some initial concept
sketches, exploring various orientations:
The most linear shape was decided on to be the most instantly recognisable, also so that each end had the potential to link-up in order to create an extended version.
Then followed many colour "test-runs" - to experiment with colour-scheme concepts, and some additional extras to practice technique. Here are a just a few of the tests:
The final RNA strand is a vivid teal with chartreuse-green and fuchsia highlights. As with the previous linear DNA illustrations, there is also an extended, longer version.
Fluidigm (C) www.fluidigm.com
Artwork (C) Amy Holliday 2019
Asymmetrical DNA // Somatic Cell Illustration Process
Continued watercolour cell illustrations for bio-engineering company, the wonderful Fluidigm. An asymmetrical-style DNA helix, including open-ends which allow it to link-up upon itself in order to create an extended, longer version of itself. This one was a little trickier to draw...
Then followed a series of colour tests, using bright greens and rich blues:
The final DNA strand has rich tones, with deep shadows and bright highlights:
Watercolour DNA // Somatic Cell Illustration Process
Continued watercolour cell illustrations for a bio-engineering client. This time to produce organic, fluid and beautiful-looking DNA helices.
Initial concept sketches: To help produce these designs, the creative team continually request additional input from working scientists, who help to ensure the images being portrayed remain somewhat realistic and scientifically-correct.
When the shape and style of the helix had been determined, the next stage was to find the most effective way to add colour.
In addition to a vertical helix, a horizontal design was also suggested:
The final, finished illustrations are... a bold, vertical helix shape in turquoise and purple with chartreuse-green and fuchsia-pink highlights:
...with an accompanying horizontal perspective using a similar colour-theme:
Jekyll Island Bottle-nose Dolphins // Editorial Illustration
Another wildlife illustration for a particular Georgia-based magazine, 31-81 - this time for an article discussing the bottle-nose dolphins within the region.
At the time of this commission I later continued with my sketches of dolphins. I had some fun playing with loose, expressive lines and then later on, some vibrant colours...
View an online version of 31-81 magazine here
Artwork (C) Amy Holliday 2018
Tuesday, 19 February 2019
Raku Pottery Illustration // Painting Process
A little painting to illustrate Japanese style "Raku" pottery-firing event at an annual fair. This illustration was created for Southbound magazine in Atlanta.
"The process of Raku firing differs from other firing methods because the pots are removed from the kiln at their maximum temperature. The unique look of Japanese Raku pottery is achieved by utilizing both smoke and fire in the Raku kiln to create an unpredictable and unique style."
Monday, 11 June 2018
Dinosaur height chart // Talltape
Recently, I was thrilled to work with London-based company "Memories of Growing Up" who asked me to design a tall tower of 30 individual, characterful dinosaurs for their “Talltape” range.
“Talltape, the portable children’s height chart, helps you to keep an on-going record of your child’s height from birth all the way to adulthood. The perfect alternative to recording measurements on a wall or door, Talltape won’t get left behind or painted over – it just stays with you. As featured in the Daily Mail, New York Metro Parents and Baby London Magazine.“
Each dinosaur is unique and annotated by hand with his/her scientific name. I had a lot of fun designing it! I aimed to include a broad variety of dinosaur species, so that children can discover the wide spectrum of different types. They are all (approximately!) sized to scale in comparison to one another.
The dino Talltape is available to buy in my online Etsy shop now. Find it here!
The following are some sections from the finished chart itself.
The actual tape size is 10cm wide and 200cm tall.
Some more stacked dinosaur sections, without the measurements:
Spinosaurus (below) is the largest dino of the bunch - he takes up a lot of space!
To create the design, I first sketched out my idea on a rough sheet of printed-out tape. I then used this as a guide to remind me of the narrow dimensions I was working with. It was a challenge to fit some of the bigger and more shapely dinosaur species into this narrow space - lots of tweaks and adjustments were needed...
When I was happy with the sketched design, I transferred each of the dinosaurs onto watercolour paper. I separated them all to provide me with enough space to paint each individually. This later allowed me to have each dinosaur as a separate piece I could then scan and place within the digital file to be positioned as desired. When all dinosaurs were painted, I then wrote their scientific names in ink...
If you would like to purchase one of these lovely Talltapes you can find them
here in my online Etsy shop now!
Artwork (C) Amy Holliday 2018
Talltape (C) Memories of Growing Up 2018
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