https://monicaserrano.com Monica Serrano Tue, 21 May 2024 11:43:06 +0000 https://monicaserrano.com en https://monicaserrano.com/Home Thu, 18 Mar 2021 21:10:36 +0000 Monica Serrano https://monicaserrano.com/Home https://monicaserrano.com/The-Dome-of-the-Rock Tue, 21 May 2024 11:43:06 +0000 Monica Serrano https://monicaserrano.com/The-Dome-of-the-Rock The Dome of the Rock One of Jerusalem’s holiest and most controversial sites, a shrine shaped by generations of restoration and craftsmanship. Award of Execellence, SND 2024. Information Graphics.<img width="1080" height="1080" width_o="1080" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/bc189f63c77ba102234f4f0539259ec10302ed00370ec1c7da6aac2f32ba0d8d/Photoroom_20260429_225947-2_Grey.jpeg" data-mid="247719060" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/bc189f63c77ba102234f4f0539259ec10302ed00370ec1c7da6aac2f32ba0d8d/Photoroom_20260429_225947-2_Grey.jpeg" />This four-page print graphic was conceived as an interactive experience, using the flap to present the building’s exterior as it appears today and revealing its interior, both past and present, when opened. <img width="5813" height="3000" width_o="5813" height_o="3000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b216d674788377856f602a5a028f011af424b5ca1abba0acf07c95c1821771e2/Dome-of-the-Rock_MM9647_10025024-84_View_July06.jpg" data-mid="211343891" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b216d674788377856f602a5a028f011af424b5ca1abba0acf07c95c1821771e2/Dome-of-the-Rock_MM9647_10025024-84_View_July06.jpg" /> <img width="1400" height="632" width_o="1400" height_o="632" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/895077b63ac039846354b264c73764cab973aabef50c419d7dd14f0bd53e08f8/Photos_Dr_StLaurent_Black_small.jpg" data-mid="247718280" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/895077b63ac039846354b264c73764cab973aabef50c419d7dd14f0bd53e08f8/Photos_Dr_StLaurent_Black_small.jpg" />Photos by&nbsp;Dr. Beatrice St. Laurent The Dome of the Rock and the Dome of the Chain were meticulously recreated over several months informed by interviews and archival photographs provided by Dr. Beatrice St. Laurent, along with hundreds of photos and videos by photographer Ziyah Gafic and additional historical sources. <img width="2254" height="1434" width_o="2254" height_o="1434" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b16cefd6ce2970ad8742ff6aafda58d9d8cfa9692a339862086f8fa65e6729bc/DOR_blender_wire_v02.jpg" data-mid="247719343" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b16cefd6ce2970ad8742ff6aafda58d9d8cfa9692a339862086f8fa65e6729bc/DOR_blender_wire_v02.jpg" /> One of the world’s largest collections of Islamic mosaics spans approximately 13,000 square feet of the shrine’s interior. I created an accurate model in Blender using architectural blueprint measurements, with particular attention to the precise reproduction of tiles and mosaics.&nbsp; See the digital version here.Concept and art: Monica Serrano;Research: Patricia Healy. National Geographic Magazine, September 2023. https://monicaserrano.com/Earth-House-Evolution Fri, 17 May 2024 18:18:34 +0000 Monica Serrano https://monicaserrano.com/Earth-House-Evolution Earth House Evolution Thick walls, small windows, and efficient designs have for centuries been part of Burkina Faso’s cooling architecture. Today, they’re a modern way to beat the heat. Webby Honoree, 2024. Websites and Mobile Sites, Best Use of Animation or Motion Graphics. <img width="2500" height="1818" width_o="2500" height_o="1818" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/dac032f05cd09d905410740de345e03aaaf9d1c84f95f0adf1eedc4f589471a4/MENA-Architecture_MM9645_Nov_06_Website.jpg" data-mid="211153032" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/dac032f05cd09d905410740de345e03aaaf9d1c84f95f0adf1eedc4f589471a4/MENA-Architecture_MM9645_Nov_06_Website.jpg" /> For this project, I developed two distinct models to capture the essence of traditional houses in Burkina Faso. The first model was a 3D version created using precise measurements taken from existing structures. This digital model ensures accuracy and provides a detailed representation of the architectural features and dimensions typical of these houses. The second model was handmade using polymer clay to add realism to the illustration. This tactile approach allows for a more nuanced depiction of the texture and aesthetic qualities of the houses, offering a tangible connection to the craftsmanship and materials used in their construction. By combining these two methods, the project balances technical precision with artistic interpretation. <img width="3024" height="2239" width_o="3024" height_o="2239" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/27e69330926abc744606c021d950a4595a78cf3d9c88cf00ab2f0c931a88820c/MENA-Clay-model.jpg" data-mid="211379890" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/27e69330926abc744606c021d950a4595a78cf3d9c88cf00ab2f0c931a88820c/MENA-Clay-model.jpg" /> For the digital version I collaborated with Ronald Paniagua, who enhanced and animated the 3D models. Visit the digital version here.&nbsp; Concept and art: Monica Serrano;&nbsp;3D animation: Ronald Paniagua; Research: Alexander Stegmaier.National Geographic Magazine, February 2023. https://monicaserrano.com/Aretha-Franklin Fri, 19 Mar 2021 02:16:16 +0000 Monica Serrano https://monicaserrano.com/Aretha-Franklin Aretha Franklin Her genius redefined music and spanned genres, helping her amass 73 hits— songs ranked in a week’s 100 most popular by Billboard—over her 60-year career. Today her timeless talent still shines bright among the top seven female hitmakers of all time. See the digital version here. <img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/82bdae6fa2979cd91ce7fedf943a6b605226d23639a87bb66f19c85b1b25e912/Aretha_Interactive_NatGeo_01.jpg" data-mid="102531642" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/82bdae6fa2979cd91ce7fedf943a6b605226d23639a87bb66f19c85b1b25e912/Aretha_Interactive_NatGeo_01.jpg" /> <img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/eee494109742e03f7f59ee6ff63d4dd1970ca0f69315cc58f068302cc4593a34/Aretha_Interactive_NatGeo_02-copy.jpg" data-mid="102592467" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/eee494109742e03f7f59ee6ff63d4dd1970ca0f69315cc58f068302cc4593a34/Aretha_Interactive_NatGeo_02-copy.jpg" /> <img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/efc4edf1eaf4fc12ff0a9609c58ab209f6824e00257c226c20821139de525ee7/Aretha_Interactive_NatGeo_03.jpg" data-mid="102592373" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/efc4edf1eaf4fc12ff0a9609c58ab209f6824e00257c226c20821139de525ee7/Aretha_Interactive_NatGeo_03.jpg" /> <img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7143f3c0191e4dd11602560c87f71fe12ec9afe09b731ab6b9159e7f74ad2751/Aretha_Interactive_NatGeo_04.jpg" data-mid="102592374" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/7143f3c0191e4dd11602560c87f71fe12ec9afe09b731ab6b9159e7f74ad2751/Aretha_Interactive_NatGeo_04.jpg" />Design: Monica Serrano; Developing: Oscar Santamarina; Research: Alexander Stegmaier.National Geographic Magazine, March 2021. https://monicaserrano.com/Tales-of-a-Giant Fri, 16 Apr 2021 13:46:04 +0000 Monica Serrano https://monicaserrano.com/Tales-of-a-Giant Tales of a Giant In the South American savanna of the Pleistocene epoch, the saber-toothed big cat Smilodon survived by ambushing resident megafauna. A fossilized skull from Uruguay shows that some Smilodon were giants. It’s not clear if this cat hunted solo or in a pack—but studies reveal that its bite, bone structure, and limb strength made it a formidable predator. In this project I worked on the motion graphics, special effects, transitions, color correction and labeling. National Geographic Magazine, December 2020. https://monicaserrano.com/Dressed-for-the-Summit Fri, 19 Mar 2021 00:30:29 +0000 Monica Serrano https://monicaserrano.com/Dressed-for-the-Summit Dressed for the Summit Nearly a century ago, Sandy Irvine and his climbing partner, George Mallory, vanished on a high ridge of Everest. Were they the first to scale the world's highest peak? This graphic compares the gear they used in 1924 and the equipment used by the expedition looking for Sandy's remains. Read the digital version here. <img width="2063" height="3000" width_o="2063" height_o="3000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7abd1e77ba67e11ef8e36eb65383a37170612f08a85f673e47021a5f764f4e7b/Everest_Gear.jpg" data-mid="211195008" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/7abd1e77ba67e11ef8e36eb65383a37170612f08a85f673e47021a5f764f4e7b/Everest_Gear.jpg" /> <img width="1419" height="946" width_o="1419" height_o="946" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/134fc1c573da2c760c95489879f242c0c037105eb7035e7d3a2ae2eec63399e6/DSC_2295_MS_03.jpg" data-mid="102526221" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/134fc1c573da2c760c95489879f242c0c037105eb7035e7d3a2ae2eec63399e6/DSC_2295_MS_03.jpg" /> Design and illustration: Monica Serrano. Research: Scott Elder. National Geographic Magazine, July 2020. https://monicaserrano.com/The-Science-of-Hummingbirds Mon, 27 Jul 2020 01:12:33 +0000 Monica Serrano https://monicaserrano.com/The-Science-of-Hummingbirds National Geographic, July 2017. The Science of Hummingbirds Best of Show Award in the online category at Malofiej 26 (2018), SNDE.See the interactive here. <img width="1312" height="968" width_o="1312" height_o="968" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/db51f5a12e8bd0038e32c56bb721996063dd35ddb96835607fd87a5122503d18/humming03.gif" data-mid="78548037" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/db51f5a12e8bd0038e32c56bb721996063dd35ddb96835607fd87a5122503d18/humming03.gif" /> <img width="1312" height="968" width_o="1312" height_o="968" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/313c7cb3b6ac6f93c485bfc9616167d61dca47d02702d0fc42f227f9a1f49402/humming02.jpg" data-mid="102625767" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/313c7cb3b6ac6f93c485bfc9616167d61dca47d02702d0fc42f227f9a1f49402/humming02.jpg" /> <img width="1312" height="968" width_o="1312" height_o="968" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d39823b9c1669b6e77a1f0e7f90ee18d9dbf342af8743292c241c82d0e68aaad/humming03.jpg" data-mid="102625768" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d39823b9c1669b6e77a1f0e7f90ee18d9dbf342af8743292c241c82d0e68aaad/humming03.jpg" /> This piece is based on a graphic on the same topic published in National Geographic Magazine.&nbsp; <img width="1176" height="859" width_o="1176" height_o="859" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/da3934f2ac9831cc927903590f93b219c74951ae5d40e42931a64b4dba6d9572/July_2017_hummingbirds_graphic.png" data-mid="78548038" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/da3934f2ac9831cc927903590f93b219c74951ae5d40e42931a64b4dba6d9572/July_2017_hummingbirds_graphic.png" />National Geographic Magazine, July 2017. https://monicaserrano.com/Maternal-Mortality Mon, 27 Jul 2020 01:35:59 +0000 Monica Serrano https://monicaserrano.com/Maternal-Mortality Maternal Mortality The United States is one of the few developed countries where pregnancy-related deaths have not declined in the last two decades. This graphic shows where the U.S. stands, and who is being more affected.Equality and Women’s Promotion Best Graphic Award at Malofiej 28.National Geographic, January 2019. <img width="2000" height="1510" width_o="2000" height_o="1510" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2f5f22edb9b43a54f933e5e6dc013eb2bc0eb463914b33c4a414d75986cd77c0/Maternal-Mortality04.jpg" data-mid="102526313" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2f5f22edb9b43a54f933e5e6dc013eb2bc0eb463914b33c4a414d75986cd77c0/Maternal-Mortality04.jpg" /> <img width="853" height="629" width_o="853" height_o="629" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/94cfb3791973625e976159949bfa025efd1fa53bfd29943982491c44ef8aca7d/Maternal-Mortality_detail03.jpg" data-mid="102526314" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/853/i/94cfb3791973625e976159949bfa025efd1fa53bfd29943982491c44ef8aca7d/Maternal-Mortality_detail03.jpg" /> https://monicaserrano.com/Helicoprion-Animation Wed, 20 May 2020 16:46:20 +0000 Monica Serrano https://monicaserrano.com/Helicoprion-Animation Helicoprion Animation The sharklike Helicoprion lived 275 million years ago and could slice its prey in two with its buzz saw jaw. For this project I created a photogrametry using Agisoft Metashape Pro. A hundred forty six photos of a polymer clay model were taken to recreate its geometry in a 3D environment. Light, details, backgrounds, diagrams and movement were then added in Blender and After Effects. Watch the full video here <img width="1922" height="1014" width_o="1922" height_o="1014" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5bec6f2a24996ba3e4bea70a8d763c204e5d908fff3ce86be6cd5a85e456a9fb/Screen-Shot-2019-11-19-at-3.17.22-PM.png" data-mid="78548041" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5bec6f2a24996ba3e4bea70a8d763c204e5d908fff3ce86be6cd5a85e456a9fb/Screen-Shot-2019-11-19-at-3.17.22-PM.png" /> <img width="1443" height="799" width_o="1443" height_o="799" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/db2460087b63c47d00338dd7084142c808369acb1306dce87c17b8abf0504311/Screen-Shot-2019-11-19-at-10.55.04-AM.png" data-mid="78548042" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/db2460087b63c47d00338dd7084142c808369acb1306dce87c17b8abf0504311/Screen-Shot-2019-11-19-at-10.55.04-AM.png" /> <img width="1920" height="1033" width_o="1920" height_o="1033" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c8884d932d76c1ca9e9a47ec9daeaf496c8e663e6e56d9038d14d17335e30392/Screen-Shot-2019-11-21-at-4.34.38-PM.png" data-mid="78548043" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c8884d932d76c1ca9e9a47ec9daeaf496c8e663e6e56d9038d14d17335e30392/Screen-Shot-2019-11-21-at-4.34.38-PM.png" /> <img width="1350" height="776" width_o="1350" height_o="776" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/22230e1d3046193728ec3bebdee2c83902cc121b0c4614fd75e7e1a6337a3f89/Screen-Shot-2019-11-23-at-4.53.09-PM.png" data-mid="78548044" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/22230e1d3046193728ec3bebdee2c83902cc121b0c4614fd75e7e1a6337a3f89/Screen-Shot-2019-11-23-at-4.53.09-PM.png" /> <img width="3686" height="1970" width_o="3686" height_o="1970" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f6b02dc08126932912b19067109f3dbaf844d60b5719ba81a20cdea42a466c86/Screen-Shot-2019-11-12-at-11.16.08-AM.png" data-mid="78548047" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f6b02dc08126932912b19067109f3dbaf844d60b5719ba81a20cdea42a466c86/Screen-Shot-2019-11-12-at-11.16.08-AM.png" /> <img width="3690" height="1968" width_o="3690" height_o="1968" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0cbe72e82cfe6ebdf6b29d2b6c5f26535b93e7b8617b271fb7b5f236c8fcb74b/Screen-Shot-2019-11-12-at-11.17.16-AM.png" data-mid="78548048" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/0cbe72e82cfe6ebdf6b29d2b6c5f26535b93e7b8617b271fb7b5f236c8fcb74b/Screen-Shot-2019-11-12-at-11.17.16-AM.png" /> Animation produced in collaboration with Fernando Baptista, Oscar Santamarina and Diana Marques. Typography by Tal Leming. National Geographic, December 2019. Original sculpture by Fernando Baptista <img width="5000" height="3279" width_o="5000" height_o="3279" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4efea33678415c1c0222f0049204abbc004a715089221b80460fd59e20c19efe/Shark-Photogrammetry_B_191031_207_o.jpg" data-mid="78548046" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4efea33678415c1c0222f0049204abbc004a715089221b80460fd59e20c19efe/Shark-Photogrammetry_B_191031_207_o.jpg" /> https://monicaserrano.com/The-Holy-Days Sun, 25 Aug 2019 02:19:14 +0000 Monica Serrano https://monicaserrano.com/The-Holy-Days The Holy Days Which religions celebrate the most? Research Kelsey Nowakowsky, text Nina Strochlic. This story appears in the December 2017 issue of National Geographic magazine. See a digital version here. <img width="4265" height="3103" width_o="4265" height_o="3103" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/80041215f52da77ea5f2ac0f3fc951dd81e800df733247db79669c8967a4ab37/dec_2017_religious_holidays-2.jpg" data-mid="78548049" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/80041215f52da77ea5f2ac0f3fc951dd81e800df733247db79669c8967a4ab37/dec_2017_religious_holidays-2.jpg" />