Neuroanatomical Self-Portrait
Self-portrait in profile with brain in situ. This illustration can be used in editorial or patient-education contexts.
Client
Shelley Wall (Biomedical Communications Professor, University of Toronto)
Role
Research, Digital Illustration
Tools
Adobe Photoshop
Sketchbook®
Reference photos
The main challenge at this stage was to avoid perspective distortion of the head and facial features, for which the photo was taken from a distance and at right angles and then cropped.
Research
The key task was to correctly orient the brain relative to the skull and exterior features of the head and face. To accomplish this, I integrated various elements, such as MRI scans, a 3D maquette, a plastic model, and information sourced from relevant literature. For visual guidance, I photographed the animal's recently dissected brain and plastinated specimens.
Sketching
I made initial sketches and received feedback from Professor Wall (who also acted as the art director), the anatomist, and fellow students. During this phase, I specifically sought input on accurately portraying the brain and its placement in the skull.
Rendering
I began by focusing on the brain to ensure precision and detail in its rendering. At this stage, I received feedback regarding the accuracy of the rendering and identified areas for improvement.
References:
Agur, A. M., & Dalley, A. F. (2017). Grant's Atlas of Anatomy (14th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
Agur, A. M., & Dalley, A. F. (2019). Moore's Essential Clinical Anatomy (6th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
Crossman, A. R., & Neary, D. (2018). Neuroanatomy: An Illustrated Colour Text (6th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.
Nieuwenhuys, R., Voogd, J., & Van Huijzen, C. (2008). The Human Central Nervous System (4th ed.). Springer Science & Business Media.
Rohen, J. W., Yokochi, C., & Lütjen-Drecoll, E. (2016). Anatomy: A Photographic Atlas (8th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.