Science of Creature Design: Understanding animal anatomy

During the christmas holidays, I bought two of Terryl Whitlatch's new books. This is the first one, Science of Creature Design: Understanding animal anatomy.
Within this book she shows her life drawing sketches, anatomy studies and illustrations on prehistoric creatures. She maintains that having a strong knowledge on animal anatomy will help creature artists create believable creatures and not get into a creature rut.
To the right is life drawing sketches of a Silverback Gorilla and other ape and monkey creatures. She sketches to learn their anatomy and movement as well as creating a character.  
I really enjoy looking through her sketches and how she develops a character for each animal as well as learning its anatomy.












Whitlatch also studies different breeds and sub-species of animals. Here is a diagram of different breeds of Horses; they are domesticated animals and have been bred to aid man in the fields, war, transport etc. Therefore, man has been the one to natural select these animals. Below is a diagram of different breeds of Zebras. As you can see, these wild creatures have different patterns throughout the continent, this is to blend into their natural environment of each region.  





















Studies of extinct animals such as dinosaurs, can give valuable information to how giant creatures lived, moved and looked.
All of this knowledge and study on animals will help inform my creature design by creature creatures that are able to support their weight, feed and live within their own environment. Below is sketches and final design of one of Terryl Whitlatch's creatures she created by using her knowledge of existing and pre-existing animals.
Underneath I've also included some quotes from the book that I find really helpful and hopefully can incorporate some of Whitlatch's quotes into my dissertation.

“To be the best possible creature designer you must strive first to be an excellent animal artist, which means learning the science of creature design.” – forword by firector Aaron Blaise

“The understanding of animal anatomy is power. The anatomical structure supports and makes possible the lifestyle, roles, and very survival of any animal. And for the entertainment industry, it is the knowledge and application of anatomy that supports the script and makes animation possible.” – foreword by director Aaron Blaise

“The most fundamental concept of creature design is first and foremost the Why of the creature.” Terryl Whitlatch page 9

“In the science-fiction and fantasy worlds, the same rule applies: the story drives the design. This is essential so that the design enables the audience to suspend their disbelief and to become enthralled with the story.” Terryl Whitlatch page 10

“The anatomical design of an animal, regardless of whether it is an actual or invented species, is what allows it to survive in its world and fulfill its role in:

•      Its personal life story (the part it plays as an individual)
•      Its natural history (the story of its species)
•      The overriding story archetype (the tale or legend in which it plays a part and that takes place in its world) Whitlatch page 9

“Horses have the most extreme anatomy of any mammal, including whales.” Whitlatch page 57

“Perceptive and intelligent, horses have the largest eyes of any land animal.” Whitlatch page 57

All images and quotes in this blog post I have scanned/quoted myself from the referenced book below:

 Whitlatch T. Edited by Banducci G. 2015. Science of Creature Design: Understanding Animal Anatomy. Design Studio Press.