Dr Lindsay Marshall

Jo sat down for a chat with Dr Lindsay Marshall, a marine biologist and natural history artist.

"Hi Lindsay! How did you get started with illustrating?"

"I have always had a passion for drawing and sketching, which I developed as a self-taught artist. 

During high school, I subscribed to National Geographic and received a wonderful gift on my birthday—a magnificent box of Faber Castel pencils. 

Each month, I would eagerly flip through the magazine and draw pictures of all the animals I encountered. 

In my senior year of high school, I took art as a Tertiary Entrance Examination subject."

~

"Where/what did you study at University?"

"I studied Marine Science and Conservation Biology at Murdoch University. During a practical lab class, we were assigned to draw our study animal, which happened to be a herring.

In this moment, I caught the attention of my instructor, Howard Gill—an apt name for a fish biologist! 

Impressed by my drawing, he approached me and offered an exciting opportunity to undertake an independent study project in his Freshwater Fish Lab. 

Undertaking an independent study contract was like a dream come true for someone like me, who thoroughly enjoys research and being a nerd."

~

"What was your next step after Uni?"

"Following my Ph.D. studies, which focused on shark fin morphology and illegal fishing, my attention to illustration took a backseat. 

Nonetheless, I would occasionally create paintings for friends and produce digital artwork for the figures in my thesis.

As I reached the end of my doctoral journey, my supervisor, Peter Last, the esteemed author of the book "Sharks and Rays of Australia", shared an exciting opportunity with me.

Peter informed me about the upcoming launch of a massive undertaking called The Chondrichthyan Tree of Life project and asked me to 'audition' for the role of project illustrator.

`

The project's scope was staggering—I would be responsible for illustrating every known living species of sharks and rays worldwide, totaling around 1,200 to 1,300 species!

 Looking back, this audacious leap propelled me to where I am today. By embracing the challenge, I embarked on a transformative journey. 

Despite the steep learning curve and the significant pressures, I grew as an artist, refining my skills and gaining invaluable experience."

~

"Wow! What an amazing opportunity that was for you! So, when/how did your illustrating become a business?"

"The transition of my artistic passion into a business began around 2005.

People had been expressing interest in purchasing my artwork and inquiring about prices. At the time, I had no clue about the business side of things or how to determine appropriate pricing! 

Meanwhile, I was working in a Fish Lab alongside like-minded individuals who shared my enthusiasm for fish and appreciated the artistic and accurate way I captured them. 

I recall sitting with my colleagues in the lab at Murdoch University, brainstorming potential names for my business. I settled on "Stick Figure Fish," an ironic homage to my art's painstakingly detailed and accurate nature.