Sweat it Out
The fungal pathogen chytridiomycosis is weak to warm temperatures and has driven at least 90 amphibian species to extinction. This article explores the use of sun-heated artificial refuge that attract frogs (L. aurea) and clear infections. Frogs also gain resistance to future growths and could be implemented with other amphibian species down the line (Waddle et al, 2024). This magazine cover aims to visualize this research in an engaging and narrative manner, emphasizing the safety gained under these artificial saunas.
Clients
Shay Saharan (Professor, University of Toronto)
Date
April 2025
Role
Research, Content Development, Visual Development, Layout
Format
Editorial magazine cover
Audience
Lay audience
Tools
Autodesk Maya, Adobe Photoshop & Procreate
Research
The article by Waddle et al (2024) was chosen as it pertains to very new conservation research in the herpetology field.
Preproduction
During this phase, several draft iterations were drawn up to explore the variations ways the research could be depicted. The focus was on clarity of the story and overarching main concepts.
After review final draft was decided upon and comprehensive sketch created (right). This allowed for a clear list of all the required 3D elements to be identified.
Production
At this stage, models were build, texturized and laid out in Autodesk Maya. There were several iterations of organization and feedback. The scene was rendered at various views before deciding on the final which most clearly depicted the story (bottom left). The final 3D scene was rendered using Arnold in Maya, and post processing work was done in both Adobe Photoshop (bottom middle) and Proceate (bottom right).
Waddle, A.W., Clulow, S., Aquilina, A. et al. Hotspot shelters stimulate frog resistance to chytridiomycosis. Nature 631, 344–349 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07582-y
Sketch
Colourized Sketch
Final Render
Post (photoshop)
Post (procreate)