Jellyfish Identification

Sometimes I get phone calls like this: "Hi, I'm from ISEES (The Israel Society of Ecology and Environmental Studies) Can you create 16 high resolution, highly accurate illustrations of various species of Jellyfish? We have a very limited budget, and we need it in two weeks." Side note: As a freelancer -I get to pick and choose the projects I want to work on, and I LOVE that. I was told once by a seasoned freelancer that when accepting work from clients, there are four factors to consider: Is the Client: 1. Paying Well? 2. Easy to work with? 3. Offering an engaging, fulfilling project? 4. Giving reasonable timelines? Then I was told to get off my high horse and Choose Two!

This project was a beautiful example of a motivating subject that drove me to problem-solve a pipeline that could fit into a humble budget and aggressive timeline. Luckily, many of the jellyfish share a similar body shape, so that shape acted as a foundation point that streamlined the creation process. I also chose to show the jellies from a 30 degree isometric angle which is a useful choice for comparing structures because every specimen uses the same orientation and scale rules, different specimens can be compared easily and objectively. All illustrations were painted digitally in photoshop.

The purpose of these illustrations was to inform the public of these different species which populate the Mediterranean Sea and hopefully invite them to identify any sightings with an app.

Here's the poster with all of the species and descriptions.

Mnempiospsis Leidyl has mesmerizing rainbow colored lights that move up and down the ribs of its walnut shaped body.

Rhizostoma Pulmo with its vivid violet color accents

Rhopilema Nomadica

Porpita Porpita, these are small and lay on the sea floor and come in a variety of colors.

Philorhiza Punctata with polka dots all over its body

Pelagia Noctiluca

Marivagia Stellata, it has a star shaped pattern tattooed onto the dorsal side

Cotylorhiza, looks like a fried egg!

Cestum, this jellyfish glides through the deep waters like an undulating wave with stripes of glowing iridescent rainbow lines lining the sides of its body. It's far out man. This is my favorite jellyfish.

Look at the Cestum in motion, absolutely unbelievable life form.

Salpa, these are individual jellies that appear to have little hands and feet, and they connect with other Salps and form a long line that looks like machine gun ammo and swims coordinated together.

Cotylorhiza Erythraea

Chrysaora Pseudocellata

Casseopeia Andromeda, this one swims upside down!

Aurelis AKA Moon Jelly which many of us are familiar with. It has the recognizable clover shaped organs at the top.

Beroe Comb

Aequorea

And here I discovered by accident a poster with my work at the beautiful Tel Dor beach.

My joy tanks were absolutely filled during this project. I was so surprised by the diversity of jellyfish and their incredible beauty, they literally seduced me and I wish I could spend more and more time studying them. Thanks to ISEES for giving me the opportunity to work with you!