This is an illustration I submitted for a for-charity zine, Polar Lights. The publication focused on Arctic and Antarctic flora and fauna, and proceeds are donated to an Arctic environmental charity.
Each participant submitted plants or animals for consideration; I was approved for the Giant Phantom Jellyfish.
This was a humbling experience, let me tell you… I think I was the least talented artist of the group. The stuff everyone produced is so gorgeous, it should be in a museum. It made me want to rise to the occasion and make something equally amazing.
I am not usually frightened by sea animals, but to be perfectly honest, this thing freaks me out haha! I think it’s because it’s just SO BIG. The Giant Phantom Jellyfish can get as long as 33 ft/10m…
That’s just too big, especially when it looks like a UFO. Happily I will never see it, because it’s only been spotted about 100 times, in the last 100 years. I haven’t seen proof that it’s ever been sighted near the surface either– all sources describe it around the 5,000 ft/m depth. I’m safe!
Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore (Monterey Bay Aquarium)
I initially had a papercraft idea for this piece, which I eventually scrapped. I think it could have worked as a standalone piece, but not against the other submissions in this particular publication. I need more practice with this style before it’s ready for human consumption!
If you want to see all the gorgeous art and see your purchase go towards a good cause, you can download the full zine Here for $2USD. Enjoy!
Open Water Saga 