Paper Zoo

DMA 179: Sketching for Communication

Purpose: To create selected line art animals and place them in stock backgrounds created by groups using watercolours. The animals are to be placed in their respective biological backgrounds. In addition to the selected animals.

The first step was to create the backgrounds. We were placed in six groups and were each assigned a bio-area. Each group has to create a background using watercolours. The only requirement for this step was that each member of the group had to contribute to the painting. Our group was assigned the Savannah. To accomplish this we researched and discussed some ideas. In the end, we decided to have the Lion King look, where there was tall grass of yellow and green in the front, scattered trees, and the sunset in the background.

Our water color painting of the Savannah bio-area

The second step was to draw the animals. Using just a pencil or pen, we had to draw six selected animals: Penguins, Bush Baby, Lion, Squid, Desert Tortoise, and Buffalo.  In addition to the six animals, we had to sketch six additional animals of our choice, one for each bio-area. The additional animals I chose were orca whale for polar, shark for ocean, jackal for plains, elephant for savannah, panther for rainforest, and camel for desert. The extra animals were chosen to best represent that specific bio-area. I wanted to choose an animal that instantly comes to mind when that area is mentioned. I also wanted to choose an animal that I can relate to. This wasn’t easy for some. 

For the desert I chose camel for obvious reasons. It’s the first animal that comes to mind when I think of desert. 

Rough Sketch for Desert

For ocean, I automatically though of sharks and dolphins. I chose sharks because I’m a bit more aggressive. 

Rough Sketch for Ocean

Plains were a bit difficult since buffalo was the only animal that came to mind and was already selected. I had to do some research for this one. With not too many options I chose jackal, once again for the same reason I chose shark. 

Rough Sketch for Plains

For polar I chose orca, because water animals are the first thing that come to mind for arctic regions other than penguins, and orca whales are well-known. 

Rough Sketch for Polar

I chose panther for rainforest. Once again there were many options available for rainforest. I chose panthers because like them I’m a carnivore. I hate eating vegetables. 

Rough Sketch for Rainforest

Finally, for savannah I chose elephants. There are many animals that come to mind for savannah but like elephants, I have a very good long term memory. 

Rough Sketch for Savannah

The last step was to incorporate the sketches into the background. I simply scanned each image, and used Photoshop to blend the two. Finally, we then had to create an information badge for each animal. And with everything completed we had our paper zoo.

Desert

Ocean

Plains

Polar

Rainforest

Savannah