Bear with me! (A 3D Tardigrade Sculpt)

2026

3D Freeform Tardigrade Sculpt and Infographic

Created using Maxon ZBrush, Cinema 4D, Photoshop, Procreate

Supervisor: Nick Woolridge

Audience: General audience

Format: Mini Infographic

Project Description

Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are a diverse group of microscopic species found across all biomes around the world. Their unique adaptations to environments have allowed species to survive in many harsh environments such as extreme temperatures, pressure, osmolarity, and oxygen levels.

Inspired by the way tardigrades appear under light microscopy, this 3D illustration was initially developed as a 3D sculpt before it was transformed into an infographic to introduce these creatures to a general audience.

Jump To:

I. Concept Design

II. Sketch

III. Production Process

IV. Compositing

V. Infographic Layout

Background

During my undergraduate studies at McMaster University, I developed an independent research project examining various tardigrade survival mechanisms on the physiological, anatomical, and cellular level. I was fascinated by how interconnected these systems were when survival was on the line so I wanted to create a piece that honoured these attributes.

This inspired the concept design of this sculpt.

Concept Design

Many popular tardigrade images you see online are taken using electron microscopy. This is great for showing detailed forms and surface textures, but sacrifices colour information — to which, light microscopy excels at (as shown in the comparison).

Thus, my goal became to create something that shares the unique visual qualities of both electron and light microscopy.

Sketch

Based on the reference photos collected, the general composition of the 3D sculpt was sketched using Procreate.

For the rendering style, I wanted to emulate the translucency of the tardigrade’s body as seen under a light microscope so I needed to consider which internal organs to sculpt as well. I used scan images from this research article as reference for the internal anatomy to gain accurate proportions.

Production Process

In ZBrush, the general form of the tardigrade was first built using ZSpheres to define each body segment and limbs. Once I was satisfied with the proportions, I used the Adaptive Skin tool to generate a rough mesh.

In ZBrush, the general form of the tardigrade was first built using ZSpheres to define each body segment and limbs. Once I was satisfied with the proportions, I used the Adaptive Skin tool to generate a rough mesh.

I refined the organic contours on the tardigrade body using DynaMesh. Then, I retopologized (ZRemesher) and subdivided the mesh to carve out the finer details such as the face.

I refined the organic contours on the tardigrade body using DynaMesh. Then, I retopologized (ZRemesher) and subdivided the mesh to carve out the finer details such as the face.

Meanwhile, I created additional SubTools for different internal structures visible through the body such as the digestive tract (red).

Meanwhile, I created additional SubTools for different internal structures visible through the body such as the digestive tract (red).

What does a soft-bodied object look like when it stretches or folds? Close-up of the tardigrade exterior sculpt with claws visible. I studied various SEM images of tardigrades to sculpt the body segments accurately.

What does a soft-bodied object look like when it stretches or folds? Close-up of the tardigrade exterior sculpt with claws visible. I studied various SEM images of tardigrades to sculpt the body segments accurately.

The internal structures that will be visible when rendered include the buccal ring, stylets, digestive tract, malpighian tubes, storage cells, and eggs.

The internal structures that will be visible when rendered include the buccal ring, stylets, digestive tract, malpighian tubes, storage cells, and eggs.

After importing the model into Cinema 4D, I experimented with material nodes to create a glowing chromatic aberration/refractive effect for the internal objects.

After importing the model into Cinema 4D, I experimented with material nodes to create a glowing chromatic aberration/refractive effect for the internal objects.

I assigned a frosted glass material to the tardigrade body to make the insides look visible, yet hazy.

I assigned a frosted glass material to the tardigrade body to make the insides look visible, yet hazy.

Initial test render (Redshift) to see how the translucency effect looks. I adjusted emission intensities for different internal structures — reflecting how bright they appear under a light microscope.

Initial test render (Redshift) to see how the translucency effect looks. I adjusted emission intensities for different internal structures — reflecting how bright they appear under a light microscope.

For the environment, I used the default landscape primitive in C4D with a simple grass texture. I used a bokeh depth-of-field effect to simulate a microscopic marine setting.

For the environment, I used the default landscape primitive in C4D with a simple grass texture. I used a bokeh depth-of-field effect to simulate a microscopic marine setting.

Compositing (Post-Production)

Raw render output for the tardigrade infographic hero image from C4D.

Raw render output for the tardigrade infographic hero image from C4D.

I imported the image into Photoshop to begin making colour adjustments and edits.

I imported the image into Photoshop to begin making colour adjustments and edits.

I also masked out the tardigrade to make additional colour adjustments and restore its brightness while keeping the overall hues in harmony with the rest of the image.

I also masked out the tardigrade to make additional colour adjustments and restore its brightness while keeping the overall hues in harmony with the rest of the image.

I wanted to make the scene appear ethereal, dreamy, and dynamic. In Procreate, I airbrushed wave textures onto the background to add motion. I added white edge lighting to specific contours on the subject to make it pop out more.

I wanted to make the scene appear ethereal, dreamy, and dynamic. In Procreate, I airbrushed wave textures onto the background to add motion. I added white edge lighting to specific contours on the subject to make it pop out more.

"What would an underwater setting look like if I was shrunk down to

"What would an underwater setting look like if I was shrunk down to <1 mm?" was the question on my mind when finishing this piece. I intensified the rays illuminating the subject and added dust particles to immerse the tardigrade into its environment.

Infographic Layout

The information featured on the infographic was developed based on my undergraduate research on the subject. While many people know tardigrades for their ability to survive harsh conditions, fewer know about what’s actually going on inside them.

I curated the content to highlight their unique anatomy, and give readers a glimpse into what survival looks like on the microscopic scale. Bright, contrasting colours were used on secondary graphics to stand out against the muted background and provide additional context for the tardigrade’s general body plan.

To make this project accessible, the infographic design is optimized for a 4:3 postcard format. Of which, were distributed to attendees at the 2026 Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI) Conference.