In collaboration with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), I created large-scale nature illustrations to transform their office space into a wildlife-inspired environment. Drawing inspiration from my Caledonian forest artwork, I redesigned and scaled up illustrations of iconic Scottish species, including the capercaillie, beaver, pine marten, and pine hoverfly.
The challenge was ensuring the designs could be magnified without losing detail, as they would be professionally printed as wall decals. The final installation featured the illustrations strategically placed to appear in the background of virtual meetings, with plans to expand the display in the future.
Working with RZSS, a leader in wildlife conservation, was an incredibly rewarding experience. Their enthusiasm for nature illustration and dedication to protecting Scotland’s rare species made this project even more meaningful.
A Dream Nature Illustration Collaboration
As a nature illustration artist, nothing brings me greater joy and excitement than receiving a message from wildlife organisations, especially big ones!
I was contacted by The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, and it truly was a fangirl moment. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is a leading conservation charity dedicated to protecting wildlife in Scotland and around the world. They manage Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park, both of which play a vital role in conservation breeding programs and education. I have visited their Highland Wildlife Park in the Cairngorms before, and it was an unforgettable experience seeing native and endangered species in such a breathtaking setting. Being able to collaborate with them on this project made it even more special!
Bringing the Caledonian Forest to Life Through Art
They envisioned transforming their office wall into a vibrant backdrop for meetings, drawing inspiration from my Caledonian forest wildlife print. This illustration was originally created for my Wildlife Habitats Wall Calendar, where each piece highlights the fauna and flora found in a unique UK habitat.
Caledonian forests are a rare and ancient ecosystem that once covered much of Scotland. Today, only fragments remain, providing a vital home for rare and endangered species, such as the Scottish wildcat, red squirrels, and capercaillie.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) plays a crucial role in conserving these species, particularly through its Scottish wildcat breeding and reintroduction programme. By supporting breeding initiatives and habitat restoration, RZSS is helping to protect the future of Scotland’s most elusive predators. Being able to reflect this incredible landscape and its wildlife in my artwork made this project even more meaningful.
Creating a Nature Illustration Mural for RZSS
The challenge for this project was to design large-scale nature illustrations of iconic Scottish wildlife that the charity could have professionally printed as decals and arrange themselves on their office wall. The goal was to create a visually striking yet flexible design that would bring the spirit of Scotland’s wild landscapes into their workspace.
They requested three feature illustrations showcasing the capercaillie, beaver, and pine marten, along with smaller decals of the pine hoverfly, a critically endangered species. To tie everything together, they also wanted a collection of tiny leaves, plants, and other flora, which could be printed multiple times and arranged freely to create a seamless, natural flow throughout the space. This approach allowed for a dynamic and immersive nature illustration, celebrating Scotland’s rich biodiversity while enhancing their working environment.
I began the process by redrawing elements from my original Caledonian forest illustration, scaling them up while preserving their intricate details. Some pieces required simple adjustments, while others needed to be completely reimagined from scratch to ensure they worked as large-scale illustrations. It was essential that every design could be magnified without losing its clarity or impact—an exciting yet nerve-wracking challenge. Knowing that the final decals would be printed and arranged by the RZSS team meant I had to ensure every detail was perfect before handing over the artwork, as I wouldn’t have control over the final application.
Seeing the Final Decals in Place
Once the decals were printed and installed, the team shared photos of the transformed office wall. The illustrations were thoughtfully spaced out to appear as a natural backdrop for virtual meetings, subtly reinforcing the charity’s conservation mission. There were even discussions about expanding the design in the future, filling the space with more Scottish wildlife and flora over time.
Collaboration with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland was a truly rewarding experience. I love working with organisations that share my passion for wildlife, and seeing their enthusiasm for my work made this project even more special. Creating nature illustrations that not only celebrate Scotland’s biodiversity but also enhance an everyday workspace was a unique and fulfilling challenge—one I hope to take on again in the future!
Client Testimonial
"Having seen Ferne’s print of Scottish wildlife, I knew she would be the perfect artist to create several drawings of Scottish species for us. Ferne was really helpful throughout and generous with her time. When we asked for some minor adjustments Ferne took these on and altered them perfectly for us really quickly. I would happily recommend Ferne, she is really skilled and a pleasure to work with."
The Author: Ferne Glannan-MacRae
Ferne Glannan-MacRae is a wildlife illustrator and designer with a passion for British wildlife and conservation. She creates intricate digital artwork on her iPad, capturing the beauty and diversity of the natural world. Before going freelance in 2022, Ferne honed her skills during six years in the print industry as a designer. With a background in wildlife photography, her work is deeply rooted in a love for nature and a commitment to raising awareness for wildlife on our doorstep.
How can I commission a wildlife-inspired design?
If you're interested in a custom wildlife design, simply reach out via my contact page or email ferne@fernecreative.com. Share your ideas, and we’ll discuss the best way to bring them to life!
Do you only work with wildlife organizations?
No! While I love collaborating with wildlife organisations and conservation groups, I’m also open to working with independent artists, brands, and businesses that share a passion for nature and sustainability.
How much does a wildlife commission cost?
The cost varies depending on complexity, materials, and production requirements. As I am so busy custom designs start from £100 but are quoted based on the time it will take to draw and design your project. I can provide a personalised quote after discussing your project.