Principles of Creature Design: Creating Imaginary Animals

Terryl Whitlatch is an accomplished, scientifically and academically trained illustrator who extensively studied vertebrate zoology and animal anatomy. She has worked for various zoos and museums in the United States and as senior consultant on Wildlife Art and Animal Anatomy for the World Wildlife Fund. She is considered to be one of the top creature designers and animal anatomists working in the field today. In a career spanning more than 25 years, Whitlatch has many projects to her credit, including Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: The Special Edition, Jumanji, Men in Black, Brother Bear, Dragonheart, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Curious George, The Polar Express, and Beowulf. For over seven years, she worked for Lucasfilm, Industrial Light & Magic, and George Lucass JAK Films. Her illustration skills and comprehensive knowledge of animal anatomy and movement are essential in the development of believable creature creation.