Turning fish into MERMAIDS (& merfolk)🧜‍♀️ (CHARACTER DESIGN CHALLENGE) 

The fantasy gods are like "you were supposed to help the humans understand the ocean and steward the ocean better" and the merfolk are like "okay sure, but the humans are jerks" and just trick them instead

Clown fish are also genderfluid. They can change at will depending on the ratio of men to women in the area. I think it would also be cool if she could have a male and no binary counterpart tO be ✨scientifically accurate✨

I feel like you would make an excellent guest on the Drawfee Show

Even though this was released in June and not during the time of Mermay, you can call this… merune, as in maroon, like being stranded out at sea… okay, that’s a stretch…

Beta fish is feels like she has fortune teller powers and she sometimes uses that to know when she will win a bet or not 😁

"He's a flirt. Kind of a himbo." As if I didn't love his design itself enough already

Name suggestions: Betta: Aurelia Clowfish: Minisha, but she prefers to be called Minze Lionfish: Karan (based on an indian mythological warrior, since the fish also lives in the indian ocean) Parrotfish: Callum (maybe when people are undermining him they refer to him as his childhood nickname, Cal, and even though he is her little cousin Aurelia always makes sure to call him by his full name when they're in war meetings with diplomats and such) it also means peace and dove I definitely will think about more this because it screams atypical found family. So don't be surprised if this comment gets really long later haha

So, I can't really think of names, but I can most definitely think about this dark headcanon I have for both the Merfolk & Pirates. My headcanon goes off of what you said about how the pirates were cursed for taking something from the sea, & I could see one of the many things they "took" was one of the royal mermaid family's lives.

the big-finned betta fish are male (females have smaller fins) so it's definitely a headcanon of mine that betta queen is trans :D !! awesome designs, making me want to try out some merfolk EDIT: perhaps marina for betta lady... a little on the nose, but imo suits her vibe

I imagine Rusty parrotfish didn't like really like Lion fish at first, on account of the way he ran from the responsibility of his station. I think Beta fish would help to be a sort of go-between for the two, helping Lion fish find the right words and aiding her cousin's patience. I see her as a more religious figure than a queen, her connection to the celestial body of the moon giving her a closeness to the fantasy gods that others lack. Maybe she's a prophet, and she foretells a disaster that could only be solved if Rusty and Lion come together and work as a team, Lion's military prowess and Rusty's politicking making them an impossible duo. I think Clown fish's cooler personality would be very helpful to Lion, who I think would probably get overwhelmed and have some sort of outburst (bro's just like me fr 😔✊). Her no-nonsense personality and sharp wit would probably be a welcome reprieve from all of the posturing of a royal court. Also I think Clown and Beta would be so girlboss (for lack of a better word) beating up humans together or smth. Clown is probably pretty standoffish but truly does care for Lion and does her best to nonchalantly push him in the right direction, or just let him know that she's there to talk. She is pissed that he just ran away from his responsibility, rather than kind of gracefully stepping away like Clown did. Or something. Idk. I'm not a writer 🤷‍♀

This is amazing, and the clownfish as a mermaid is perfectly awesome

As Betas are actually fresh water creatures (they live in rivers and rice fields) It absolutely makes sense to make her the queen of her own territory. The mighty cousin from the land. And ofcourse this gives her a lot of opportunities to beat humans in pocer, as she is close to them anyway

I'd love to see you do different teas maybe as different witchy druidy characters

The ocean is really awesome and these characters look amazing! Would be kinda neat to take 4 of the weirdest/ugliest fish in the ocean and turn those in the antagonists of this universe you apparently created.

you blew this out of the park!! all of these character designs are gorgeous and the colors especially are so eye catching. i love how you connect all their stories at the end too, i can totally imagine a full story with lots of lore for the different kingdoms + imagining these characters interacting with the pirate characters from before

L O V E THE DESIGNS

I love the dark arm and shoulder clothing you gave the lionfish character it contrasts so well with the rest of his design!

Honestly the irony of the fancy beta fish giving u queen vibes was my favorite cus u just did a design where u said ppl ask for more masc sometimes and the fancy fins on beta mean they're male 💗 but who knows that lol pft not me, I didn't hyperfixate on learning about fish recently noo 😅😂

I absolutely LOVE the Betta Fish Mermaid you made. SHE'S JUST SO FREAKING BEAUTIFUL! And it's such a unique and inspirational design. Although, I really wish that you actually did mermaid form for the Mandarin fish--I hope you decide to do a part 2 PRETTY PLEASE!

OMG I've become addicted to your character design videos and just want to go back and watch them all. It is so fun to see how you develop the characters and your design inspirations. I love how you make little stories for them but also encourage viewers to come up with stories too! I adore mermaids so loved all of them, but omg clown fish just absolutely blows the rest out of the water (hehe)! Such a creative and gorgeous design! I love that you do plus sized bodies sometimes in your designs. As a plus size busty gal, THANK YOU!!!

Omg girl ur stories are perfect!!! There needs to be animated shows/movies with the same stories and beautiful characters

This is my new favorite video in the entire RU-vid. I need more. Please do more! Specifically, the challenge of creating mermaids from less common fishy parts, like crabs.... Starfish? You have been dared.

I don’t know how, but you seem to brighten up my day with your humor and amazing designs every single time I click on one of your new videos. always looking forward to your content!!^^^

i can see the young king being called Niko by the beta queen but he presses to be called Nikolas by others to prove his point in being mature, the beta queen gives me Catherine vibes, princess clownfish gives me Stella vibes both rebellious and powerful which i think fits and finally i had to do Leon for the lion fish prince i think it’s a very playful yet princely name. thanks for coming to my ted talk

Shrieked like R2D2 when i saw this premier notif WWWHHHHEEOOOOooo

Love how the little legs sketch of Lionfish was significantly un-beefed lmaooo

*Name Suggestions!* Rusty Parrotfish: Paris or Rusty Betta Fish: Beatrice Clownfish: Anemone, Cleo or Chloe Lionfish: Leon or Leo

I am very proud of you for making not one, but two guys. Awesome designs, I really love the beta fish's design! So flowy

Kinda funny this was all made around May-ish since there's a whole lil celebration called Mermay. Artists usually draw alot of merfolk during May. Very cool art!

Okay so fun fact about bettas: The males are the ones with the super majestic plumes. The females have itty bitty normal fins. It'd be cool if the queen betta was a teensy weensy itty bitty bit ..gender bender? GASP?? 👀

You created the most Beautiful Mer-People! Loved watching! Their colors are Extraordinary! ❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤

Even from the thumbnail I already live the designs. You always do great work and you’re incredibly inspiring. If you ever do this again I suggest the Leafy Sea Dragon as I find them incredibly cool!

I screamed when the aquamarine song started playing in the back ☠️ what an absolute BANGER!!Anyway, lush work as always ✨

incredible characters as always and the way you used the fish as inspiration was so well handled. LOVE IT!!!!!

On shit I LOVE the clownfish design, the only thing i would change is take away the crocheted sleeves or maybe draw them with a much thinner line, I think that would make her silhouette cleaner and more readable. But her face looks so cool and the ruff collar with the jester thingy??? Yessssssss

Oo yeah no I definitely relate to not feeling like drawing mermaids, the lack of legs also throws me off. But this video has inspired me to challenge myself more in my art! I love how all the designs came out, and the netting/crochet clothing pieces are so neat

I love all your designs and honestly, I feel so seen. I did one drawing for Mermay this year and that was all people were going to get from me. I'm not a huge fan of drawing mermaids for an an entire month, think of all the cute clothes they can't wear once they are sans legs!

i love to watch your videos while i crochet so it was nice to see the little dudes vest at the start!

Your such an inspiration to me as a young artist. The way you do your character designs is amazing and it helps me so much to learn character designing!😊💜

These are all gorgeous! Phenomenal colours and the detailingggg! Was gonna also point out Betta fish are freshwater! So it’s likely she’d be from a river system with no brackish/salt water! She might send other fish species of her freshwater court to communicate with the seawater kingdoms though

they are all so swaaggy!! i love these sweet babies :D im also not a mermaid drawer, but i do wanna try at some point tbh

That crochet jumper looks soooo good!! 😍 I don’t think I would have the patience to draw it all by hand haha 😂

The reference to aquamarine, a mermaid movie, with song choice is stellar

I LOVE THEM!!! I could totally read a webtoon about this squad omg

Nice design! Great drawings! Love the necks! specifically the loin fish🦒

Ooooo, love all the designs happy you got a couple of males being a guy myself. Love you're art style love your art and love you're videos, makes my day everytime you comeout with a new one. Your art really inspires me as a new beginner of digital art.

As someone who doesn't really draw mermaids often, you have put in a lot of work and care into these designs and I believe you did a marvelous job :DD You inspire me so much from your sketchbook cover makeovers to your cosplays you bring to life through these character design challenges! I really love seeing your work and I really love the community you've made as well. Your video was perfect for me and others to get through during finals week and I hope this comment reminds you how much impact and joy you bring to others :))

So once upon a time on the pirate video I came up with the idea of a stowaway sneaking aboard and being determined to help the pirates end their curse. I propose that our stowaway gets the attention of one or all of the mer-royals who then jump to conclusions and assume they’ve been kidnapped. The mer-royalty then take it upon themselves to “rescue” the stowaway who then has to explain that they’re there by choice. To which the mer-royals are like “… but why?” and the pirates are like “that’s what we’re saying.”

thank you for sacrificing your comfort and drawing men and fish... lionfish is my favourite !!! i cant wait for the next video ❤

AMAZING AS ALWAYS!! I love the Lionfish the most!!

I believe your merfolk designs and drawings are great and well done, not choppy at all. I would love you to see more merfolk designs of you, not just based on fish but also on marine creatures like seals. As the whole able to gain legs thing, that depends on the culture and history, however, this is definitely interesting when it comes to worldbuilding. I would love the idea of a merfolk gaining a soul in order to be able to gain a land-walking form, with the first time being difficult to walk in the first week or two, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's (HCA) The little mermaid where merfolk have no souls, unlike humans who live very short lives yet have souls.

I literally couldn't pick a favorite. The nose on the lionfish mer was stunning. It's something I struggle with and it just looked gorgeous

This was so fun! i am def one of those who love mermaids but totally relate to the unbalanced-ness (?) of the tail and fins. would LOVE to see fairies for the next one

FISH THIS TIME! aaa I love your way of designing characters!!

Ok I'm hype for the rust parrot Mertens as I am crocheting while watching this 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Name ideas? * ‧̍̊˙· 𓆝.° ｡˚𓆛˚｡ °.𓆞 ·˙‧̍̊ Rusty parrot: Corrin - because it sounds like 'Coral' and rusty parrot fish live in reefs Beta: Selene - after greek goddess of the moon Clownfish: Bellatrix - she has bells and she does tricks (sorry bad pun) Lionfish: Leo - the lion zodiac 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

One video in, and i have already subscribed !You are definately the holy grail of inspiration! ❤❤

Omg, these merfolk are amazing!! The different body types and colour schemes are freaking nifty!! :p (Also, how are you so good at dynamic posing?! Thats the one thing that kills my art)

These characters would fit SO WELL into the castle swimmer universe, if Yk Yk, also amazing Designs your art style is so beautiful and striking

I love your character design videos, and your videos in general! I think turning birds into people or even objects might be quite cool! I also suggest the Dracula Parrot if you see this comment.

WOW!!! I am literally always surprised at your beautiful characters!!! I would love to be able to draw like you but I just don’t have the motivation to draw anymore

Oh my gosh I love your character design videos so much!! Every time you do something space of sea related it always blows me away!

I love all four merfolk.

I feel like the clownfish's ball belt thing would be ink balls. They would probabaly be used for escape and distraction for the lionfish since people are after him. Some of them could also be like flash bombs or just exploding bombs. Since she is mostly performace oriented i feel like no one would suspect her having a bomb.

I have been starved for pricklyalpaca content thank you 😭😭PRETTY FELLERS, and I swear I'm not romantic but whenever I see lionfish man I OOHHhHhhHHh

The artwork just gets better and better every video I swear

I love the himbo lionfish, lol. GREAT job.

These designs are so pretty and I love all the tail designs!! The silhouettes for each tail stand out so well as that unique fish! I also love and think it fits really well that the betta fish is the one that goes on land! Betta fish have a labyrinth organ so they can breathe both water and air, plus they are very curious and usually love people watching. So it's all just very fitting^^

Oh no what’s Kira gonna think of us when she sees the chat in the premier💀

These designs turned out really cool, and I commend you for stepping out of your comfort zone with this one! I think Parrotfish is definitely my favorite, though I do love the Betta as well. And I love all the clown vibes for the Clownfish, it's very fun. While Betta's design is absolutely lovely, you had me internally screaming the whole time because bettas are freshwater fish, not saltwater 😭And while freshwater mermaids are certainly a thing, they wouldn't be in coral reefs or related to saltwater fish. 😅 Perhaps a fire goby?

Kay, Prince Lionfish is such an anime pretty boy, I love him

These are all an utter delight! Thank you for sharing, as always!

This is some spooky shit, I have an oc that's a flirty lionfish mer-prince running away from his responsibilities..... Less of a himbo and not with a circus but yk. Funny to see how similar designs can be when artists take inspo from the same animal!

You dont miss! Love the designs and all your backstories for them, youre so creative and talented!

wow these turned out awesome!! in a story parrotfish would def be my favourite i think i love him so much

Love the Aquamarine references 💙

UGH you’re so good at what you do

I SAW THE LIONFISH ON THE THUMBNAIL AND JUST ABOUT YELLED

I’ve been on such a mermaid kick since I saw the live action little mermaid and this was the perfect video to have come up in my notifications! All these designs are gorgeous and my favourite is the Betta Fish :D

I love these guys so much

bro i adore the betta, shes so killer

Parrot fish with legs is so derpy lol, I love him

The Beta Fish Queen is so gorgeous!

Would definitely watch a series with these merfolk 🤩 beautiful designs as always, I particularly love Beta Fish’s LIPS I know that’s so specific but those blue lips 🥰

I loooove the crochet on parrot fish & clown fish, and the way you brought the fish colors and scales into the human parts. But lion fish? An absolutely certified hottie. 😅

I adore you're art process so much, these designs are divine

Immediately thinking about Clownfish and Lionfish in the circus together and how Clownfish’s specialty is knives whereas Lionfish is like the himbo with no real circus-y skills. Clownfish has definitely strapped this man to a plank and thrown sharp objects at him and been like “what? You’re contributing to the performance :)”

OML THE LINON FISH OML

You know, I love it when mermaids posess attributes of marine life on their tail and body in general, not just the "upper half normal human and monochromatic fishtail" thing, so your designs mafe me so happy ! Especially the Clownfish and Lionfish, they definitely are my favourites ! The parrot fishs blades remind me a bit of Inosukes Katanas from demon Slayer, it looks super cool.

These are lovely! I love naturalistic fish-inspired merms as well as fantasy maximalist merms. So you kinda did a cool mashup of that.

Your art is just so pretty I cannot get over it

ohhh i love the designs so much, they are so colourful and extravagant and really fun to look at! also i LOVE love the lore you came up with, especially the lionfish and clown fish. thank you for sharing your art!💛

This fish/pirate/mermaid series really makes me think about this dating inclusive pirate mobile game called Rough Waters that had a successful Kickstarter and now I want you to collab with their team x)

If you're interested in the concept of humans (or merfolk) being merged with endangered species to protect said species I recommend reading Donna Harraway's "staying with the trouble', specifically the Camille chapters. We had to read it for my gender and philosophy class and it is A Ride

Ok this is an awesome video to watch while on vacation in the Florida Keys

I looked at theses absolutely BEAUTIFUL merfolk and said "you know what? These fashionable icons need some names!!!!!" So this is what I've come up with: Clownfish: Penny Betafish: Cleopatra (Quite regal 😌) Lionfish: Leo Parrotfish: Dylan (Which just so happens to be welsh for "child of the sea" 😃)

Gorgeous designs 😍 I love the little backstories you have for them too !

they are gorgeous😍🤩❤❤❤❤

You are so talented oh my gosh- I love your art style and technique! Your drawings are so satisfying to look at 🤩

woooooooooooooow so f**king pretty! I love all her art and the lionfish is by far my favorite