Zodiac Mosaic: Piecing it Together

At the end of the Securvig Displayface project I created three zodiac mosaics as a test. I liked outcome so I expanded it to a full project.

For the expansion, I wanted to be able to display the information pictorially when possible. So the layout was modified, to include more than just text.

The zodiacs in astrology and the zodiacs in the constellation sometimes differed in origin. Ruling planet changed based on classic vs modern school of thought so it took some cross-referencing the ascertain the accepted doctrine.

Zodiacs span two months while birthstones are tied to a single month; so the decision was made in most cases to choose the stone based on the month the zodiac started.

Colors were sampled from the birthstones and the palette was then modified for contrast and harmony.

Sketches of the Zodiac were based on composites of various animals and poses. I then made rough vectors blocking out shadow, fur and clothing.

Color values were applied to the separated parts. I then fit the shapes within the confines of the borders. To maintain consistency shapes were not allowed to be resized.