When you look at the traditional Tsimshian designs you see some nice shapes that look like geometrical wallpaper or floor tile designs, which with a closer look can resemble strange mythological fantasy creatures. They really do have a purpose for composing a story that flows and connects delicately to each other.

The main composition or outline of the creature is called 'formline'. There are the ever important 'ovoid's', which form heads, eye sockets and eyeballs. 'S' , 'U' and 'split U'  shapes that can for bodies and wings and or feathers. Ovoids form main wing, hand, foot and limb sockets for strength and movement, plus they can contain other creatures and shapes within them. Tsimshian design is known for it's detailed human substance, displaying the importance of family and tribal members. It was their only language, in the art forms.

Animals have different features that set them a part naturally and mythologically. I as an artist can see this because I have learned it all my life. I still like for people to see some familiarity in the mythological creatures, so that the eagle has a sharp hooked beak, raven has a big strong sharp beak but less defined hook and shorter but very sharp claws.

Bear has shorter ears than the wolf and has bigger paws and claws, and as the 'crest designs' section best explains for most of the requested animal Life Crests.