First Hand Research - Ling Zhi Mushrooms

With a bit of shopping yesterday, by chance I found some Ling Zhi mushrooms at a Chinese supermarket. So of course I picked them up for a chance at some first hand research. There are quite fascinating with a solid hard shiny top, and an array of tiny holes on the underside where the spores release. Not only will it be useful as direct reference when modelling, but hopefully I can get some nice textures out of them too.









After the projects over, perhaps I'll even try cooking some... although I have little idea as to how.

The Pitch + Animatic Ling Zhi Mushroom Life Cycle

The animatic of my proposed animation - the life cycle of a Ling Zhi Mushroom.



I was pleased with the response of my pitch today. Not only were the responses reassuring, but I feel more inspired than ever to continue the next steps and bring the animation to life. Now begins the process of production where hopefully everything will come together.

Ling Zhi Mushroom Concept #02

UPDATE: Some tweaks added after feedback.

A second concept piece of the Ling Zhi mushroom



I felt the need to create a second concept piece to better illustrate the ling zhi mushroom and its possible environment, as the previous felt a little hard to read in hindsight. While I want to maintain a dynamism in my animation, a shot like this may perhaps be necessary to establish the scene.



With a good range of concepts, I feel confident to move on with storyboarding next in order.

Ling Zhi Mushroom Concept #01

Ling Zhi (Ganoderma Lucidum) mushroom concept



Attempting the visualise the ling zhi mushroom with a dynamic angle placed at the base of the stem. While I want to maintain a degree of accuracy in respect to the subject material, the emphasis is in capturing a visually engaging aesthetic of a mystical otherworldly quality. As such, I've tried to be expressive in the range of colours to capture the mushroom itself in the act of releasing spores.



Sketches/Thumnails


As usual, feedback/comments are most welcome.

Ling Zhi Mushroom (Ganoderma Lucidum)

Looking at various species of mushrooms to base the life cycle from, I've eventually settled on the Ganoderma Lucidum (alternatively known as Ling Zhi or Reishi) species of fungi. In this way, not only does it sport a visual distinct look away from the typical generic image of a mushroom, it also has a vast history and reputation as the 'King of Herbs' or 'mushroom of immortality' with its amazing nutritional and remedial qualities.



The ling zhi mushroom tends to grow on trees or the base of the stumps, and releases it's spores on the underside pores with a smoke like effect.