Inside a Proton Particle: The Proton Sea

Animated 3D Editorial / Science Illustration • Quanta Magazine • 2021

FOR
Quanta Magazine, 2021. Reuse prohibited.

WORK
Art direction, concept, 3D animation

TOOLS
Cinema 4D, Redshift, X-Particles

INFO
I conceptualized of and created this proton particle animation for an article by Natalie Wolchover on Quanta Magazine: Decades-Long Quest Reveals Details of the Proton’s Inner Antimatter.

From a distance, a proton appears to be made out of three particles called quarks. But look closer, and a sea of particles pops in and out of existence.

3D art: A proton particle on a dark background with FUI.

Still

A proton particle on a dark background.

Proton close-up, hinting at the turbulence inside

An abstract, iridescent visual created by millions of colorful particles flying through space.
An abstract, iridescent visual created by millions of colorful particles flying through space.
An abstract, iridescent visual created by millions of colorful particles flying through space.

A roiling sea of particles

Sketches of FUI

FUI (Fantasy UI) sketches. In the end I opted for a more minimalistic design.

© Olena Shmahalo