Client: Dr. Jean-Bernard Caron, Curator of Invertebrate Paleontology at the Royal Ontario Museum
Paper: Amiskwia is a large Cambrian gnathiferan with complex gnathostomulid-like jaws
Year: 2019
Media: Adobe Photoshop
Audience: General public, invertebrate paleontologists

Amiskwia sagittiformis is an ancient organism from the middle Cambrian era, which dates back around half a billion years, that was last reconstructed in 1977 from only five fossils. This updated reconstruction was based on 26 specimens and used new imaging technology that revealed crucial details, including internal anatomy. As fossils from this time period are preserved as 2D carbon films, the reconstruction involved translating multiple 2D snapshots into a coherent, believable 3D representation. This illustration posed Amiskwia in a way that emphasized the complex internal head apparatus, which was instrumental in placing this previously-enigmatic animal within gnathiferans, a clade of invertebrates with complex jaws made of chitin.
Funded by: University of Toronto Excellence Award, NSERC Discovery Grant, Royal Ontario Museum Reproductions Funds, Dorothy Strelsin Foundation

Fossil Observations and Line Diagrams

I examined fossils of Amiskwia under direct light, in which the carbon films are reflective, and cross-polarized light, in which the carbon films appear dark and are often clearer. I also observed them using a scanning electron microscope to discern fine details, such as those of the jaw apparatus. I also took measurements from the fossils to create a line diagram of Amiskwia with accurate proportions, which would be the basis of the life reconstruction.

Models and Sketch

Based on line diagram, I made a model using Sculpey polymer clay and thick cardstock for the fins. I then posed the model for the final illustration. I also used Blender to make a 3D model of the head with the oral cavity and complex internal jaw apparatus. These models ensured the final sketch would be proportional and that the orientation of Amiskwia’s tentacles, fines, and jaw apparatus would be believable.

Rendering Process

Because the soft-bodied Amiskwia was translucent, I shaded most of the illustration using a soft brush. The internal organs were first drawn clearly to ensure accuracy and then blurred. To further emphasize translucency and to separate Amiskwia from the background, I used an overlay layer to pick out the edges of the tentacles, body, and fins. I finished by adding texture, such as veins and subtle stippling, and making the thin fins more transparent.