Science Visualized - 3D Editorial Cover
Building a Backbone
Client
Shehryar Saharan (Prof. University of Toronto)
Year
2025
Audience
General with an interest in science
Tools
Maya, Procreate, Photoshop
Type of Work
Coursework
Approach
Editorial Cover
Description
This project involved creating an editorial cover inspired by a recently published research paper. My chosen paper was on the replication of trunk development in vitro through the mimicry of notochord signalling. This journal cover visualises the notochord as the central "conductor" orchestrating trunk development and patterning. The cover features two renderings.
The final composition serves to visually communicate the complex interplay of biological factors that underpin trunk development, thereby enhancing the understanding of the research findings.
Exhibited in:
TRPEx Innovation in Action 2025
AMI Annual Salon 2025
Research and Ideation
After selecting my topic, I conducted thorough research, gathering relevant scientific literature and data to establish a solid foundation. I engaged in multiple ideation sessions, revisiting and refining concepts to enhance clarity and accuracy. Throughout this process, I consulted with peers and content experts to gain diverse perspectives and ensure the visual representations aligned with current scientific understanding. This iterative approach allowed me to develop visuals that effectively communicate complex information while maintaining scientific integrity.
Production
After finalizing the design, I modelled the assets using Maya, ensuring precise detail and accuracy aligned with the scientific requirements. Once the 3D models were completed, I composited the final piece in Photoshop and Illustrator, integrating all elements seamlessly to produce a clear and visually compelling illustration. This workflow allowed for precise control over texture, lighting, and layout, resulting in a polished and informative visual representation suitable for scientific and medical communication.
References
Rito, T., Libby, A.R.G., Demuth, M. et al. Timely TGFβ signalling inhibition induces notochord. Nature (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08332-w