Plan:
All fish are first researched: I note special features (ex: the ventral fins of labyrinth fish) and coloration. From here, I sketch multiple iterations of a pattern. (First draft of the red garra pattern shown)
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Model:
Once I have the perfect pattern that fits the style of the other keychains and will retain durability, I sculpt according to the pattern. Glass seed beads are then inserted as eyes (made to match the fish’s actual eye color). Everything is sculpted in polymer clay and then cured in small batches (in an air fryer used ONLY for clay!).
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Paint:
After sculpting I paint each fish with watercolor, some of those paints being fluorescent (stick your fish under a blacklight to find out which ones). As a final touch to the coloration, I typically add one of a few colors of glitter, to replicate the natural iridescent spots of most fish.
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Finish:
Finally, I coat the entire thing in UV resin to add extra security to the paint, clasp, and model structure. They are then hooked up to a charm cord and ready to go to their new owners!