Hey there! Welcome to the Reef Studio blog — a little corner of the internet where I’ll be sharing my art process, ocean inspiration, and whatever else bubbles to the surface.
For my first post, I thought I’d kick things off with a doodle study of one of the ocean’s most fascinating little creatures — the Frilled Pygmy Octopus.
If you haven’t heard of these guys, imagine an octopus that looks like it’s wearing a fancy collar, straight out of a Renaissance portrait. They’re tiny, delicate, and full of personality. But what really caught my attention is the way their tentacles spiral and flow. There’s something both elegant and chaotic about them — like a ribbon in a breeze, but underwater.
Why a Study?
When I’m working on ocean-inspired designs, I like to dig a little deeper (pun intended) and really understand the creatures I’m drawing. This isn’t just about making it look “cool” — it’s about getting a feel for how they move, how they’re built, and what makes them unique.
The Frilled Pygmy Octopus has these intricate, almost architectural frills along its arms. I wanted to explore how those frills might twist and turn, and how the body might fold and curl. Honestly, figuring out the tentacle topography is like trying to follow a tangle of headphones — but in the most rewarding way.
The Process
For this study, I kept things loose. It’s less about perfection and more about observation. I sketched out the basic shapes first, focusing on the silhouette. Then I started adding details — the frills, the eyes, and those signature spirals. I’m trying to capture the natural rhythm of their movement.
I’ll probably refine these concepts further, maybe even turn one into a sticker design down the line. But for now, it’s just about learning and appreciating how weirdly wonderful these creatures are.
What’s Next?
More doodles, more studies, and plenty more ocean-inspired art. If you’re into cephalopods, coral reefs, or just appreciate the oddball beauty of the deep sea, stick around. And if you’ve got a favorite marine creature you think I should draw next, let me know!
Until then, I’ll be untangling more imaginary tentacles.
Back to the drawing board — or the reef.
— Bryant