3D EDITORIAL COVER

Wiring the Perfect Mask

CHALLENGE

create editorial cover art using a visual metaphor to communicate a key message about a scientific concept

COURSE

Visualization Methods

CLIENT

Professor Marc Dryer,

University of Toronto

DATE

December, 2020

MEDIUM

Autodesk Maya, Adobe Illustrator

AUDIENCE

Lay Audience

DESCRIPTION

Despite wearing personal protective equipment, there is still a lingering risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 if a contaminated surface, like a hand touching the mask, comes in contact with areas of the fabric. To solve this problem, scientists are using electroceutial materials that wirelessly generate electric fields across the surface of fabrics to repel pathogens.

This technology works by printing polyester material with silver and zinc dots, and when dampened (like in the event of a cough), the ions in the liquid trigger an electrochemical reaction that activates the electric field and in turn, zaps pathogens off the surface.

PROCESS WORK

1

Ideate

I played around with different visual metaphors showing the concept of constructing the perfect mask.

Comprehensive Sketches

At first, I wanted to exaggerate the 'zapping' technology behind the mask. However, this produced too much of an 'apocalyptic' vibe that began to stray away form the original idea. Instead, I cleaned all the loose wiring up, going for a 'futuristic' look that was more in line with new mask technology.

Modelling

I used this James Taylor tutorial to begin constructing the mannequin head. I then modelled the mask on top of the head model and added the circuit texture to the material. I chose teal and pink colours for the lighting to echo the futuristic vibe of the mask technology. The wiring colours were kept yellow and red to be more easily identifiable and stand out to the eye.