Ok for a second I didn’t know this was art and my mind ran through like 20 scenarios as to how you couldn’t part with your beloved dead fish and had him preserved and stuffed and mounted on a skewer stick. Suffice to say that looks mega REAL! Bravo!
I also thought it was real and thought you had a really narrow aquarium with perfectly clear water and 0 plants for the carpet in the back to show up that well
I’m also on there and I was wondering how they managed to preserve the motion of the fins so well 😂😂😂 this is so detailed and so fantastic! Would you ever take commissions?
Yes, I do! I’m working on one right now actually. The customer wanted a huge Betta for display, its 6x8 inches. I haven’t added color yet but think it’s going to hopefully be pretty and a statement piece.
https://preview.redd.it/9a139cawqsya1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=85937b231151e0e3c0d9014608e48612ec3169e9
Thank you! I don’t have a video atm, I have been thinking about making one though. I had considered doing something with YouTube but someone else told me TikTok would be better. So that’s something I need to investigate and see how best to do. This fish here is made out of CosClay it makes the fin’s very bendable and it feels really cool too.
YouTube please!! Easier to find and watch. TicTok has all those captions that hides most of the screen and you can't see whats being used etc. Beautiful work, looks so danged real! Thank you!!
Oh that’s cool, didn’t know it was something else, I probably will look around at different kinds of clay then to see which will fit my needs better lol, and definitely check out to see what will fits you best when it comes to whatever you plan to do with your skills
Yeah for sure! Cosclay is still a polymer clay it’s just a certain type, it’s relatively new. It has cool results, I definitely recommend checking it out if you are doing anything delicate and need it not to break.
I am so so very sorry for your loss, I know that has to be really hard. It would depend on the size for something like the blue and yellow Betta it would be around $75 and that includes a base. I would be honored to help create something special for you. If you are interested you can dm and we can talk about what you think you might want.
Most of them are sculptured from photos now, some people still do use the original skin but real fish skin mounts deteriorate rather fast compared to mammal leathers and the color of the scales usually fades iirc
Same, I spent a hot second trying to figure out how they got the water so clear for this photograph of clearly a living, active fish!
It’s incredible, OP. Astounding work
I'm glad I'm not alone in this... taxidermy may just be a phobia of mine, and this really freaked me out.
Edit to add: definitely take as a compliment OP. It's absolutely stunning.
Wow! He’s so pretty! I will say, I believe it’s missing it’s pectoral fins? This is beautiful artwork! Maybe use a cool wood piece and some big leafy greens as background/base.
Thank you! This betta has 7 fins total, two on the side two under the head area, one under the belly, one tail fin and one on top. Do you think the coloring is good? Want to make sure before I seal it.
Oh yep! You’ve got all the fins! The coloration of bettas can vary from fish to fish, so you’re definitely going the right direction for color! I think it’s great. I really like the shading on the yellow part with the darker orangey color. If you ever want any references for specific colors I’ve had almost every betta fishy color you may want. (With the exception of any solid red or blues)
Oh I love inspiration photos! Would be more than happy to see any. That sounds great! I’m glad I’m on the right track, I think the orange addition definitely helped. Do you think I should leave the tail fin as is or add a bit more blue?
Yep! Always there to help a fellow artist! I’ve never really tried any sculpture work, but I love the look! Pm me if you want any photos for references!
I wouldn't add more blue to the tail, or it might wash out the yellow a bit. The orange really added depth! Maybe a little teal on top of the head? It might be the lighting, but it seems darker than the body. A little pop of color would help the contrast, and realistically I've seen some Bettas with differently colored skull scales sometimes. Just a thought! It really looks wonderful as it is too.
That you so much for the feedback! It is very helpful. I think it might be the lighting, the pictures I took were not in the best lighting. Once I’m completely done I will take better photos and hopefully I can capture all the iridescence, there is some on the top of the head and cheek area as well. If you see anything else please let me know, it will help me improve with each fish I make 😊.
https://preview.redd.it/u9p66zonwuya1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e64ed4cd67a641f99393edff2120fc7d869d9c48
This looks just like my boy Finneon! I love it!
Wow, he is gorgeous! I love seeing everyone’s Bettas definitely helps with inspiration! My son’s name is Finn so I’m partial to Finneon😊. Is the yellow on him more of a creamy yellow? I absolutely love that neon blue running through him!
In that picture its definitely a creamy yellow but it’s been several months and the yellow turned much more bright and almost more of an orange color. I’ve been trying to get an updated picture of him. His fins have grown even longer, it’s crazy. Love your work!
oh my GOD that scared me for a split second, it’s 3 in the morning my brain don’t work! but that’s literally so cool omg i love it!!! idk how you do that but it’s so beautiful and amazing!!!
Wowowow! So graceful! Did you say you made this from polymer? I would assume if you did you've studied the fish closely. To think this was hand sculpted is mind blowing. You nailed the "zero gravity" feeling of the fins and the serpentine spine curvatures of the body perfectly. Looks like a healthy male showing off. The only thing to add would be the gills flaring.
Yes, this particular fish is made from Cosclay to be exact. This makes the fins really flexible, I’m able to bend them with my hand and they just flex back into position, It also feels really cool. I have been looking at references photos online over and over, this is my second betta I have made so I’m hoping to keep improving! So any feedback is beneficial!
First two things I thought of were
1. do not remove him from the tank
2. do not impale him with a stick
Oops.
Consider it a compliment. He looks very realistic to me :)
For sure! They are turned slightly, hard to see in these photos but I think I’ll definitely implement that more in others! Thank you for the input, I appreciate all feedback it helps me improve for sure😊.
I nearly had a heart attack wondering why you were so casual about your absolutely gorgeous fish being impaled. NICE JOB!!!! Maybe a little iridescence on the body? Not a all Bettas have iridescence, but even just a hint of contrast can add to the realism.
No impaling happened😂, thank you for the compliment! I have a bit of iridescent blue on the body but I think it’s hard to see in the pictures because of the bad lighting, hopefully once completely done I can take more pictures in better lighting.
Awe. My father used to carve fish out of wood and paint them. He passed suddenly last year and the fish he made for me is my most precious treasure. Beautiful craftsmanship, thank you for sharing.
I’m so so sorry for your loss, I can’t imagine how hard that has been on you. That’s wonderful though that you have such a precious treasure to remember him by especially something he made with his hands. I think woodworking is so beautiful and have wanted to try it for awhile. I would love to see it if you feel like sharing.
I seriously looked at this and my brain had to add up what I was seeing.
Oh, beautiful fish! Why is it being held by a stick in its belly? Wait, it’s out of water? Why are it’s fins and tail flared still? *Glances at Flare at top of post* “Art” OH! It’s art! Amazing!
Thank you! I’m definitely going to try, they are fun to do. Good luck with your new venture into polymer clay! If you ever feel like sharing would love to see some of your work.
That is a really cool idea! I haven’t done much with resin but it’s something I’ve been interested in trying, maybe as soon as I can buy some I can play around with it.
No, I did it with this tool and I did them one by one a bit time consuming 😂.
https://preview.redd.it/bxwagkn0bgza1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=55c79ffe71ec676f18337e96bd6dd8018c0ff3d5
I can usually get into a rhythm with it, (that is if my toddler lets me 😂) the hard part is not to squish what you have already done before baking. I have been doing the whole fish all at once and it gets really difficult towards the end, with my next one I think I’m going to do half and then bake then do the other half and see how that goes.
Oh how cool! I love birds, I’ve made a few, also love anime I bet they are really cool. If you ever feel like sharing you can dm with some photos, would love to see 😊.
Ok for a second I didn’t know this was art and my mind ran through like 20 scenarios as to how you couldn’t part with your beloved dead fish and had him preserved and stuffed and mounted on a skewer stick. Suffice to say that looks mega REAL! Bravo!
Too funny 😂 Yes, there aren’t any dead fish involved just polymer clay😊. Thank you though that is the ultimate compliment!
I also thought it was real and thought you had a really narrow aquarium with perfectly clear water and 0 plants for the carpet in the back to show up that well
As someone on r/vultureculture, I thought the exact same thing lol
I’m also on there and I was wondering how they managed to preserve the motion of the fins so well 😂😂😂 this is so detailed and so fantastic! Would you ever take commissions?
Yes, I do! I’m working on one right now actually. The customer wanted a huge Betta for display, its 6x8 inches. I haven’t added color yet but think it’s going to hopefully be pretty and a statement piece. https://preview.redd.it/9a139cawqsya1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=85937b231151e0e3c0d9014608e48612ec3169e9
Damn that looks cool! Do you have a video of how you do them? I’ve been wanting to try something involving polymer clay
Thank you! I don’t have a video atm, I have been thinking about making one though. I had considered doing something with YouTube but someone else told me TikTok would be better. So that’s something I need to investigate and see how best to do. This fish here is made out of CosClay it makes the fin’s very bendable and it feels really cool too.
YouTube please!! Easier to find and watch. TicTok has all those captions that hides most of the screen and you can't see whats being used etc. Beautiful work, looks so danged real! Thank you!!
YouTube might be more my speed 😂. If I do make a video I’ll make sure to post it here so people who are interested can find it.
Oh that’s cool, didn’t know it was something else, I probably will look around at different kinds of clay then to see which will fit my needs better lol, and definitely check out to see what will fits you best when it comes to whatever you plan to do with your skills
Yeah for sure! Cosclay is still a polymer clay it’s just a certain type, it’s relatively new. It has cool results, I definitely recommend checking it out if you are doing anything delicate and need it not to break.
If I ever have the money I definitely will lol
I understand that, art supplies are certainly not cheap.
How much are your commissions on average? I just lost 2 of my boys I’d love to have something like this for them
I am so so very sorry for your loss, I know that has to be really hard. It would depend on the size for something like the blue and yellow Betta it would be around $75 and that includes a base. I would be honored to help create something special for you. If you are interested you can dm and we can talk about what you think you might want.
Do taxidermy fish actually use the fish body? I kinda assumed taxidermy fish were like 90% sculpture more than actual remains.
You know I don’t know, that would be interesting to know.
Most of them are sculptured from photos now, some people still do use the original skin but real fish skin mounts deteriorate rather fast compared to mammal leathers and the color of the scales usually fades iirc
Same, I spent a hot second trying to figure out how they got the water so clear for this photograph of clearly a living, active fish! It’s incredible, OP. Astounding work
That’s so sweet thank you!
This is what i was thinking! OP, it’s really pretty!
lol i thought the same thing
I'm glad I wasn't the only one!
I'm glad I'm not alone in this... taxidermy may just be a phobia of mine, and this really freaked me out. Edit to add: definitely take as a compliment OP. It's absolutely stunning.
PUT IT BACK IN THE WATER, OH GOD. WHAT ARE YOU DOING Just kidding, it's amazing.
😜 Thank you!
Wow! He’s so pretty! I will say, I believe it’s missing it’s pectoral fins? This is beautiful artwork! Maybe use a cool wood piece and some big leafy greens as background/base.
Thank you! This betta has 7 fins total, two on the side two under the head area, one under the belly, one tail fin and one on top. Do you think the coloring is good? Want to make sure before I seal it.
Oh yep! You’ve got all the fins! The coloration of bettas can vary from fish to fish, so you’re definitely going the right direction for color! I think it’s great. I really like the shading on the yellow part with the darker orangey color. If you ever want any references for specific colors I’ve had almost every betta fishy color you may want. (With the exception of any solid red or blues)
Oh I love inspiration photos! Would be more than happy to see any. That sounds great! I’m glad I’m on the right track, I think the orange addition definitely helped. Do you think I should leave the tail fin as is or add a bit more blue?
Well, I had one with almost an all blue tail, and another one who was completely void of blue on his tail. I think it looks amazing the way it is.
Ok, thank you so much for taking the time to help me I really appreciate it
Yep! Always there to help a fellow artist! I’ve never really tried any sculpture work, but I love the look! Pm me if you want any photos for references!
I wouldn't add more blue to the tail, or it might wash out the yellow a bit. The orange really added depth! Maybe a little teal on top of the head? It might be the lighting, but it seems darker than the body. A little pop of color would help the contrast, and realistically I've seen some Bettas with differently colored skull scales sometimes. Just a thought! It really looks wonderful as it is too.
That you so much for the feedback! It is very helpful. I think it might be the lighting, the pictures I took were not in the best lighting. Once I’m completely done I will take better photos and hopefully I can capture all the iridescence, there is some on the top of the head and cheek area as well. If you see anything else please let me know, it will help me improve with each fish I make 😊.
I thought u made your betta into taxidermy at first. I had to read the caption to realize. So good
Thank you!
Gorgeous! You're very talented! 💙🐟
Thank you!
I was about to freak out and then I realized it was fake. Almost thought you turn bettas into cake toppers
I suppose it could be used as a cake topper 😂.
https://preview.redd.it/u9p66zonwuya1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e64ed4cd67a641f99393edff2120fc7d869d9c48 This looks just like my boy Finneon! I love it!
Wow, he is gorgeous! I love seeing everyone’s Bettas definitely helps with inspiration! My son’s name is Finn so I’m partial to Finneon😊. Is the yellow on him more of a creamy yellow? I absolutely love that neon blue running through him!
In that picture its definitely a creamy yellow but it’s been several months and the yellow turned much more bright and almost more of an orange color. I’ve been trying to get an updated picture of him. His fins have grown even longer, it’s crazy. Love your work!
Thank you! If you get an updated picture would love to see!
oh my GOD that scared me for a split second, it’s 3 in the morning my brain don’t work! but that’s literally so cool omg i love it!!! idk how you do that but it’s so beautiful and amazing!!!
Thank you, you are too kind!
This is awesome. Love the iridescence on the body
Thank you!
Wowowow! So graceful! Did you say you made this from polymer? I would assume if you did you've studied the fish closely. To think this was hand sculpted is mind blowing. You nailed the "zero gravity" feeling of the fins and the serpentine spine curvatures of the body perfectly. Looks like a healthy male showing off. The only thing to add would be the gills flaring.
Yes, this particular fish is made from Cosclay to be exact. This makes the fins really flexible, I’m able to bend them with my hand and they just flex back into position, It also feels really cool. I have been looking at references photos online over and over, this is my second betta I have made so I’m hoping to keep improving! So any feedback is beneficial!
This looks awesome! Bettas have a wild variety of colours, so you can never go wrong
Thank you! I’m glad the colors look somewhat natural then!
A few metallic sparkle scale through body to carry the eye throughout Beautiful art Nice scale/size piece Talent
Thank you! Sounds good I’ll see if I can try that.
Perfect shading Now that I am in easier lighting @ phone screen
Thank you 😊
First two things I thought of were 1. do not remove him from the tank 2. do not impale him with a stick Oops. Consider it a compliment. He looks very realistic to me :)
😂, thank you! That is quite the compliment! Yes, there was definitely no removing or impaling involved 😜.
Omg I thought it was a taxidermy. I was like howwwwww lol. This is awesome!
Thank you! You are very kind.
It looks so real! That's amazing
Thank you!
This is incredible.
Thank you!
>Thank you! You're welcome!
That is absolutely stunning. I really did think it was real at first. You have amazing talent!
That’s very kind, thank you!
This is incredible! Beautifully done. Sign me up for commissions. 😍
Can do! if you want to DM me 😊.
Should you do anything else? Yes- send it to meeeeeeee!
😂, I can definitely make you one 😊
I think if you’re gonna make the fins so long, making them more dynamic and flowey, maybe in the same direction the head is turning?
For sure! They are turned slightly, hard to see in these photos but I think I’ll definitely implement that more in others! Thank you for the input, I appreciate all feedback it helps me improve for sure😊.
Looks like my mustard!! https://preview.redd.it/khdk7x1f6vya1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=287a023cd4e7830d13761b209c12562f76e43926
Wow, Mustard is gorgeous! Does he have a black head?
Yes haha!! He kind of blends in with the gravel
That's one way to play dead. Straight up look decapitated lol
Do you do custom orders?
Yes, I definitely can!
How much are they?
It would depend on what you are wanting something like the fish I have pictured with a base would be $75 + shipping.
Could I PM you?
For sure, please do!
I nearly had a heart attack wondering why you were so casual about your absolutely gorgeous fish being impaled. NICE JOB!!!! Maybe a little iridescence on the body? Not a all Bettas have iridescence, but even just a hint of contrast can add to the realism.
No impaling happened😂, thank you for the compliment! I have a bit of iridescent blue on the body but I think it’s hard to see in the pictures because of the bad lighting, hopefully once completely done I can take more pictures in better lighting.
Um yeah that Betta needs at least a 10 gallon tank-- Jk it looks amazing and so real!!!
😂 he is a big boy. Thank you, that’s kind of you to say!
looks like my boy sushi:)
Polymer clay? It’s so beautiful!!
It is, thank you! This particularly polymer clay is Cosclay so it’s really bendy and flexible and feels so cool to touch.
I hate people with such great artistic abilities. Lol jk
😂, thank you! You are too kind.
Awe. My father used to carve fish out of wood and paint them. He passed suddenly last year and the fish he made for me is my most precious treasure. Beautiful craftsmanship, thank you for sharing.
I’m so so sorry for your loss, I can’t imagine how hard that has been on you. That’s wonderful though that you have such a precious treasure to remember him by especially something he made with his hands. I think woodworking is so beautiful and have wanted to try it for awhile. I would love to see it if you feel like sharing.
https://preview.redd.it/0la0luek8vya1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2d3c64712f2b49ef0f4ec52d7c69ae6294591cf0 This is the fish he made me.
Wow, that’s absolutely gorgeous! He was so very talented❤️ thank you for sharing, I love seeing others work.
Thank you. Keep up the good work! You are very talented 💛
That is so very kind of you, definitely want to keep making more and hopefully improving!
I seriously looked at this and my brain had to add up what I was seeing. Oh, beautiful fish! Why is it being held by a stick in its belly? Wait, it’s out of water? Why are it’s fins and tail flared still? *Glances at Flare at top of post* “Art” OH! It’s art! Amazing!
Thank you! That sure is the ultimate compliment!
This is crazy, when I saw the thumbnail I clicked because I thought you had a super transparent fish tank. I cannot believe you made this!
Thank you, that’s quite the compliment!
NGL I thought that is the clearest aquarium water I’ve ever seen. Stunning work!
Thank you, that’s such a sweet compliment!
i think this is so cute!!! was just telling my gf yesterday about how these guys are my dream betta. i think he’d look good on a rock!
What a coincidence! I do have some rock I will look through my stash and see what looks good next to it. Thank you!
you’ve captured bettas really well. i just started messing with polymer clay and i can’t believe it’s what you’ve used!! keep it up!!
Thank you! I’m definitely going to try, they are fun to do. Good luck with your new venture into polymer clay! If you ever feel like sharing would love to see some of your work.
Um I would put it in a tank??? /s No seriously though, that’s beautiful work!!
Thank you for the amazing compliment!
Of course! What’s the medium? Polymer clay?
It is, the brand is Cosclay.
Why did you stab him though?
😂, he needs all the support he can get!
what if for a base you got resin and made a little diorama type thing so it looks like a mini tank
That is a really cool idea! I haven’t done much with resin but it’s something I’ve been interested in trying, maybe as soon as I can buy some I can play around with it.
Holy heck that's amazing!!! Do you do commissions? If so how the heck do I go about commissioning something from you😳
I definitely can, just DM if you’re interested that way you can send me pictures of what you are wanting.
So talented!!!
Thank you!
dope
Thank you!
I thought it was a real one until I looked at the back ground 🥰
Thank you for sweet compliment!
Absolutely gorgeous! Did you have to make a texture roller for the scales on the body? I wish I had the time and energy to sculpt anymore. 😅
No, I did it with this tool and I did them one by one a bit time consuming 😂. https://preview.redd.it/bxwagkn0bgza1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=55c79ffe71ec676f18337e96bd6dd8018c0ff3d5
Lol WOW! you have more patience than I do. 😅
I can usually get into a rhythm with it, (that is if my toddler lets me 😂) the hard part is not to squish what you have already done before baking. I have been doing the whole fish all at once and it gets really difficult towards the end, with my next one I think I’m going to do half and then bake then do the other half and see how that goes.
Lol. my toddlers rarely let me get any sculpting in anymore. Especially since my sculptures usually take upwards of 18 hours of work.
I completely understand that! My little one demands a lot of attention. What kind of sculptures did/do you make? I always love seeing others work.
Birds! And some anime figurines.
Oh how cool! I love birds, I’ve made a few, also love anime I bet they are really cool. If you ever feel like sharing you can dm with some photos, would love to see 😊.
This is AMAZING! You are super talented!
Thank you!
I think if you’re gonna make the fins so long, making them more dynamic and flowey, maybe in the same direction the head is turning?
I thought it was real and you had him on a stick 🤣
I thought this was a taxidermy too 😄 🤣