Project Description
Scientists have been able to grow self-constructed, multicellular biobots from single cells taken from adult human lung epithelium. They are ciliated and motile and can have diverse morphologies. When placed upon a sheet of scratched neural tissue, they were able to facilitate rapid healing by acting as a bridge between torn pieces.
The goal of this assignment was to use Maya and 2D editing software to create a cover for a scientific journal with a professional look and feel, and to attract viewers’ interest to read the feature article. This cover features a biobot pulling together two pieces of torn tissue in order to allow neurites to grow into and heal the tear. In the background, two more biobots can be seen healing other tears.
Client
Shehryar Saharan (Biomedical Communications
Professor, University of Toronto)
Audience
Educated Lay Audience
Tools
Maya, Clip Studio Paint, Photoshop
Awards
Award of Merit - Student Still Media, 2024 AMI Salon
Drafting and Research
This project began with the creation of many quick thumbnails of possible editorial concepts. The figures from the paper I based this cover on provided a lot of inspiration for elements I wanted to incorporate into my design, such as the colour palette. I decided early on that I wanted to anthropomorphize the bio bot, so after deciding on a thumbnail to further develop, I focused on designing the bio bot, going for a heroic image.
Comprenhensive Sketch
Once I had developed the character design of the bio bot more, I moved on to fleshing out a comprehensive sketch. As previously mentioned, I pulled inspiration for many aspects of this piece from the figure images of the study I referenced. In addition to the colour palette, this includes the “lightning rods” surrounding the bio bot. These are based on the lines seen in a study figure tracing the movement of the bio bot on the tissue.
Rendering
With the comprehensive sketch complete, I moved on to 3D modeling in Maya. I experimented with MASH networks and selection sets to customize the placement of the neurites clinging to the tissue and the cilia on the bio bot. The “lightning rods” were softened to curves, to convey a friendlier, more healing image.
Once I finished modelling my assets, I exported everything in separate, transparent .exr images and colour corrected and added other finishing details in Clip Studio Paint and Photoshop.
Final Render