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.
"Where/how do you sell your work?"
Currently, the primary avenue for selling my artwork is via my website. In addition to direct sales, I also engage in wholesale partnerships with a few select businesses.
I aspire to expand this side of my business further when I have the time to properly research and promote myself within the wholesale market.
I am considering resuming this aspect of my business as I do genuinely enjoy interacting with people and discussing my artwork, but I recognise the need to strike a balance that preserves my energy and well-being!
"How long does it take you typically to complete an illustration?"
Everyone asks me this question! Various factors come into play here... Firstly, the piece's size and level of detail play a significant role.
The medium employed also affects the speed of completion; for example, oil paintings typically require more time than acrylics, while digital work can be relatively quick or time-consuming, depending on the complexity.
Another factor that affects the duration is the artist's state of flow.
There are instances when the creative process flows effortlessly, and the vision for the artwork is clear, resulting in a smoother and faster execution.
However, there are also times when I experience uncertainty or creative blocks, and the process is more challenging.
"What has been your greatest challenge with Stick Figure Fish & business?"
The greatest challenge I have faced with Stick Figure Fish and my business is primarily internal, stemming from my own nature and personality.
As an introvert and deep thinker, I tend to be reserved and hesitant to put myself out there!
"Which has been your favourite sea creature to draw?"
If I were to highlight a few creatures that particularly captivate me, the Wedgefish holds a special place in my heart.
Their unique anatomy and characteristics make them fascinating subjects to depict.
Additionally, I have a deep fondness for crustaceans.
Drawing crabs and crayfish brings me immense joy, perhaps because their segmented bodies somehow resonate with my thought process.
"What are your dreams for the future of Stick Figure Fish?"
I would like more time to do what I love: paint my fish!
So to do that, I would like to earn some more passive income to support myself and buy myself more time to paint. I would love to get involved in more guidebooks.
I love painting a set of related species and showcasing their subtle but important differences. That is my passion.
I would love to get enough work together for a gallery exhibition and to enter a few art prizes.
I have also experimented with paper sculpture; again, my subjects are fish, so I would love to explore that further.
"What are your greatest concerns for the health of our oceans?"
My greatest concerns regarding the health of our oceans revolve around the issues of ignorance and inaction.
It is disheartening to witness the disregard for the insights and expertise of the scientific community.
The consequences of climate change, overfishing, pollution, plastic waste, habitat destruction, and loss of biodiversity are undeniable and have far-reaching impacts.
To safeguard the health of our oceans, it is imperative that we recognise the importance of listening to and valuing the scientific community's knowledge and expertise.
Excitingly, Lindsay has just had the honour of a shark being named after her!
Heterodontus Marshallae is a new species of Hornshark recently discovered in Northern Australia. Amazing!
Thank you so much Lindsay!
Find our range of Lindsay's prints HERE.
