The digital art landscape is constantly evolving, with independent animators carving out unique niches that capture the imagination of millions. Among these rising stars is the "Someone Fishy" YouTube channel, a vibrant hub of creativity centered around the "Piscemalia" universe. This series features a cast of anthropomorphic fish characters, each with distinct personalities, complex backstories, and highly recognizable designs. For artists and fans alike, the world of Piscemalia offers a rich canvas for fanart, leading to a massive surge in community creations ranging from digital illustrations to complex animation memes.

Understanding the visual language of "Someone Fishy" is essential for anyone looking to contribute to its growing fanart gallery. Whether you are a seasoned illustrator or a new fan looking to draw your first Piscemalia OC (Original Character), this guide dives deep into the character designs, thematic elements, and artistic nuances that define this underwater phenomenon.

Defining the Someone Fishy Aesthetic

The visual appeal of "Someone Fishy" lies in its blend of 2D animation simplicity and intricate character-driven storytelling. Created by Anwesha Pyati, the series reimagines aquatic life through a lens of human-like social structures, university life, and emotional complexity. The characters are not just "fish with legs"; they are carefully constructed personas where their biological species informs their design, movement, and role within the group.

In the world of fanart, the "Someone Fishy" style is characterized by expressive eyes, bold color palettes, and a focus on "prop-based" storytelling—items like Azure's pearls or Orla's cardboard box are as iconic as the characters themselves.

Core Characters and Design References for Artists

To create authentic fanart, one must master the specific traits of the Piscemalia cast. Each character has "anchor points"—visual elements that must remain consistent to keep the character recognizable.

Ginger: The Nurturing Clownfish

Ginger is often considered the heart of the group. As a clownfish-based character, her design is dominated by warm oranges and crisp white stripes.

  • Visual Key: Her most defining feature is her damaged left eye, a result of a past incident that adds a layer of resilience to her otherwise cheerful demeanor.
  • Art Tip: When drawing Ginger, focus on her expressive right eye to convey her supportive nature. Her movements should feel fluid and welcoming. Artists often place her in the center of group shots to symbolize her role as the "glue" that holds the friends together.

Azure: The Elegant Perfectionist

Azure, the Betta fish, represents grace and a touch of vanity. Her design is a masterclass in utilizing flowing fins to mimic clothing or hair.

  • Visual Key: She is almost always seen with pearls and shells, reflecting her obsession with aesthetics. Her color palette consists of deep blues and teals.
  • Art Tip: Pay close attention to the transparency and flow of her fins. In fanart, Azure is frequently depicted in mid-motion, with her fins trailing behind her like a royal gown. She is often paired with Silver, emphasizing their shared sense of style.

Orla: The Silent Mystery

Orla is arguably the most unique design in the entire series. She is a "faceless" character who wears a cardboard box over her head.

  • Visual Key: The box usually features a default "OwO" face, but she uses post-it notes or temporary drawings on the box to express specific emotions. Orla is non-verbal and communicates through sign language.
  • Art Tip: Focus on her body language and the "box face." Because she doesn't have traditional facial expressions, her hands (used for signing) and the simple drawings on her box are the primary tools for storytelling. Fans love to experiment with different "emojis" on her box in various situational art.

Bubbles: The Lavender Dolphin

Although a mammal, Bubbles is a core member of the Piscemalia group. Her design is sleek and minimalist.

  • Visual Key: She has light purple-lavender skin and large eyes with white heart-shaped pupils. Her design often includes shell accessories on her legs and tail.
  • Art Tip: Unlike the fish characters, Bubbles lacks scales. Her skin should be rendered with a smooth, almost velvety texture. Her heart pupils are essential for capturing her innocent and energetic personality.

Agnar: The Stoic Protector

Agnar, the shark, provides a sharp visual contrast to the smaller characters like Neon. He is the "heavy" of the group, both in terms of physical size and emotional weight.

  • Visual Key: His massive frame and sharp teeth might seem intimidating, but his expressions often reveal a protective and stoic nature.
  • Art Tip: Use Agnar to play with scale. In many fanart pieces, his sheer size compared to characters like Ginger or Neon creates a compelling dynamic. Artists often focus on his "grumpy but gold" facial expressions.

Neon: The Energetic Prankster

A Neon Tetra, this character is all about high energy and vibrant colors.

  • Visual Key: His bright blue and red stripes should glow or pop against the background. He is significantly smaller than Agnar, which is a favorite trope in the community.
  • Art Tip: Capture Neon in dynamic, high-action poses. He is rarely standing still. His design is often used to practice lighting effects, specifically "neon" glows in dark underwater settings.

Popular Fanart Themes and Fandom Trends

The "Someone Fishy" community is incredibly active, and certain themes consistently dominate platforms like DeviantArt, TikTok, and YouTube.

Animation Memes and Motion Art

A significant portion of "Someone Fishy" fanart exists in motion. Fans take specific song clips and animate the Piscemalia characters to the rhythm. These "animation memes" often focus on a character's backstory or a specific personality trait. For example, Agnar-themed memes often lean into his traumatic past or his role as a protector, while Neon-themed memes are usually chaotic and fast-paced.

Human AUs (Alternate Universes)

One of the most popular trends in the fandom is reimagining the aquatic cast as humans. In these Human AUs, artists translate the characters' species traits into fashion choices:

  • Ginger might wear an orange puffer jacket with white stripes.
  • Azure is often depicted in high-fashion dresses with translucent fabrics.
  • Orla usually wears a hoodie with the hood pulled low, or maintains the cardboard box aesthetic even in human form.
  • Alex (the axolotl) is frequently portrayed as a lab-coat-wearing researcher, staying true to his "workaholic scientist" persona.

The "Infection" AU

A darker corner of the fanart community involves the "Infection AU," where the characters must survive a mysterious underwater plague. This theme allows artists to experiment with body horror, frayed clothing, and high-intensity emotional scenes. It provides a stark contrast to the usually bright and university-focused setting of the main series.

Analyzing the Shipping Dynamics in Fan Art

Relationships are a driving force behind community creativity. Shippers (fans who support romantic or platonic pairings) create a massive volume of art that explores the chemistry between characters.

Neognar (Neon & Agnar)

This is the most prominent ship in the "Someone Fishy" community. The visual appeal is rooted in the "Size Difference" trope—a tiny neon tetra paired with a massive shark.

  • Art Focus: Fanart of Neognar often features Agnar carrying Neon on his shoulder or protecting him from larger threats. The "grumpy x sunshine" dynamic is a staple here, with Agnar providing a grounding force for Neon’s recklessness.

Gingex (Ginger & Alex)

Pairs the nurturing Ginger with the workaholic axolotl researcher, Alex.

  • Art Focus: This ship is celebrated for its "double sunshine" energy. Art usually focuses on "fluff" (wholesome content), such as the two characters sharing tea or Alex taking a break from his research to spend time with Ginger.

Orlagnar (Orla & Agnar)

A popular "tough duo" ship. Fans love the idea that Agnar, the serious protector, took the time to learn sign language specifically to communicate with Orla.

  • Art Focus: Silent communication is the key theme. Art often depicts quiet moments of understanding between the two, highlighting their mutual respect as the "vanguards" of the group.

How to Design a Piscemalia OC

Creating an Original Character (OC) is a rite of passage for many "Someone Fishy" fans. To ensure your OC feels like a natural part of the universe, consider the following design steps:

1. Species Selection and Anthro Balance

Choose an aquatic species that isn't already a main character. Think about how their natural traits can be anthropomorphized. For example, a Lionfish could have "spiky" hair or flamboyant clothing, while a Seahorse might have a unique upright posture. The key is to balance fish anatomy (fins, scales, gills) with human-like features (arms, legs, clothing).

2. Personality-Driven Accessories

In the Piscemalia universe, accessories tell the story. Does your character wear a scarf knitted by a friend? Do they have a specialized tool for their job? Give them 1-2 iconic items that define their silhouette.

3. Color Palette Consistency

Stick to a limited but vibrant color palette. Use the "60-30-10" rule: 60% primary color (main body), 30% secondary color (fins or clothing), and 10% accent color (eyes or small accessories).

4. Disability and Representation

The "Someone Fishy" series is praised for its representation, such as Ginger’s eye and Orla’s sign language. When designing an OC, consider giving them unique ways of interacting with the world. This not only makes the character more relatable but also offers interesting opportunities for unique fanart interactions.

Technical Tips for Drawing Fish Characters

Drawing anthropomorphic fish requires a different set of skills than drawing humans or traditional furry characters.

  • Fin Physics: Treat fins like fabric. They should react to the character's movement and the "water" around them. Even when the characters are on land (in a stylized sense), their fins should have a sense of weightlessness.
  • Eye Expression: Since many characters have large, expressive eyes, use the highlights and pupil shapes to convey emotion. Heart-shaped pupils (like Bubbles) suggest excitement or love, while sharp, slit pupils (like Agnar) suggest focus or aggression.
  • Texture Contrast: Experiment with the difference between smooth dolphin skin, shimmering fish scales, and the rough texture of a shark's skin. Digital brushes that mimic "wet" surfaces can add a layer of realism to your fanart.

Where to Share Your "Someone Fishy" Creations

Once your fanart is complete, finding the right audience is key. The "Someone Fishy" fandom is active across several platforms:

  • YouTube: The birthplace of the series. Posting speedpaints or animation memes here is the best way to get noticed by the core community.
  • DeviantArt: Search for the "Someone_Fishy" tag to find a structured gallery of character art and OCs.
  • Scratch: A surprising amount of fan activity happens on Scratch, where younger fans create vector art and interactive "OC Makers."
  • TikTok: The hub for quick edits, ship compilations, and "Human AU" reveals. Use hashtags like #SomeoneFishy and #Piscemalia.

Summary of the Piscemalia Artistic Journey

The world of "Someone Fishy" is a testament to the power of independent animation. Through its memorable characters like the stoic Agnar, the mysterious Orla, and the resilient Ginger, it has inspired a new generation of digital artists. Creating fanart for this series isn't just about copying a style; it's about participating in a shared universe of aquatic friendship, drama, and creativity. By focusing on the specific visual anchors of each character and experimenting with the community's favorite themes, you can contribute your own unique voice to the vibrant world of Piscemalia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the official name of the "Someone Fishy" universe?

The universe is officially known as "Piscemalia." It refers to the world where these anthropomorphic aquatic characters live, attend university, and interact.

Can I create my own character for the "Someone Fishy" series?

Yes! The community is very welcoming of OCs (Original Characters). Many fans use the "Piscemalia" setting to design their own fish-based characters, often giving them backstories that link them to the main cast.

Why does Orla wear a cardboard box?

In the series lore, Orla is a "faceless" individual who uses the box as her primary means of visual representation. She is non-verbal and uses sign language and drawings on her box to communicate her emotions.

Who is the creator of "Someone Fishy"?

The series is created by an independent animator named Anwesha Pyati, who handles the character designs, animation, and storytelling for the YouTube channel.

Is there a specific art style I should follow for fanart?

While the original series uses a clean 2D animation style, the community encourages diversity. You will find everything from realistic paintings of the characters to stylized 3D models and "Human AU" sketches. The most important thing is to keep the characters' core visual traits (like Ginger's eye or Azure's pearls) recognizable.