So the fish were really fun, but really laborious to draw*. On the Tancho -- the one with the red crest -- there are 1,256 scales, all individually done; and on the Hikarimuji there are 1,124. So thats kinda crazy -- but this panel's only taken me like 10 hours collectively, so thats not so bad. Only 6 more fish to complete the triptych!

So, in summation: lots of free time, crazy koi love, and Illustrator CS.

*edit: The scales aren't really a big deal -- I knew they'd make the image look the way I wanted, so they were worth it. I'd do 'em all by hand if i was using ink, so I figure this should be the same. Like, I don't want the scale count to come across as a point of merit. Its like when some tarted up little thing is showing you her tap costume, and she's all "i sewed on each of these rinstones mahself, and there's over 60 bajillion" but you're stuck thinking, 'yeah, but its still a tap costume, it just as 60 bajillion rinestones sewn on it. :: beat :: TAP COSTUME.' I want to avoid that. Its just a fun fact. Anyway.

*EDIT 21/07/04: Added print, modified slightly.