Using his talent for crafting vibrant fish models from wood and composite plastic, a young man from Lam Dong earns close to $20,000 annually.

The ‘immortal’ fish

Step into the small studio of Nguyen Hoang Hiep (born 1994, residing in Phu Thuy Ward, Lam Dong), and visitors are often astonished by the vivid, lifelike fish models hanging on the walls. These creations look so real, it’s as if they’ve just been pulled from rivers or seas.

At a glance, few would believe they’re simply models. Hiep explained that these pieces are brought to life through airbrushing – a technique using a miniature spray gun. He first learned about it during high school.

Back then, Hiep mostly applied airbrush art to motorcycles and helmets. Later, his passion for fishing led him to craft lure bait. Thanks to his artistic ability, his handcrafted lures quickly gained favor among professional anglers.

“In the beginning, I mainly made lures for foreign customers, priced between $50-100 each. Although they were fishermen, most of them bought the lures to display rather than use for fishing. They appreciated the fact that each one was handmade and one-of-a-kind,” Hiep shared.

“As the passion for fishing deepened, many professional anglers began building their own displays of rods, gear, and fish models. Four years ago, I started making fish models as a way to preserve and collect representations of my favorite species.”

Hiep invested in imported equipment and materials while also studying techniques from international sources. Currently, he uses four main materials for his models: real fish specimens, composite molds, 3D printed components, and wood.

To complete a piece, he typically goes through several stages: shaping the base, attaching parts such as fins and tails, sanding, sculpting, priming, airbrushing, and finally applying a protective coating.

Once finished, Hiep’s creations not only replicate the form and coloration of real fish but also evoke a sense of freshness. Many netizens refer to his works as “fish that never die” or “immortal fish.”

A lucrative passion

According to Hiep, the most challenging part is using the airbrush, as it is the final and most crucial step.

“To truly capture the essence of the fish species I’m aiming to replicate, it requires both color-mixing precision and the skill to bring the model to life. A deep understanding of the fish’s biology is essential for proper color placement. Sometimes, I spend hours just perfecting the silvery reflections on the body,” he said.

“This job requires not only aesthetic sensibility and artistry but also immense patience and precision. Depending on the complexity and size, it takes me three to seven days to complete a fish model.”

After more than four years in the craft, Hiep has created and completed models of dozens of fish species in various sizes. The most memorable for him is a model of a skipjack tuna, carved from a wooden base weighing over 9kg.

He is particularly fond of this piece because it represents a strong, fast-swimming fish that many anglers dream of catching. It was also his very first model.

In addition to crafting his own works, Hiep also collaborates with other professionals to paint fish specimens. One such collaborator is Tran Kim Hoang Anh, a well-known figure in Vietnam’s animal specimen industry.

“His painting technique is excellent. Hiep’s products are highly detailed, vivid, and beautiful. I’m currently working with him on the coloring process for some fish specimen pieces,” Hoang Anh remarked.

Hiep’s models are in demand by a diverse range of clients, from fishing enthusiasts and aquarium hobbyists to homestay and resort owners, Japanese restaurants, and even fashion magazines. Prices range from $120 to $400 per piece, depending on the complexity and size.

“This is my passion. I’m truly happy that I can earn a living from doing what I love,” Hiep said.

Besides model making, Hiep also manages a family homestay, which limits the time he can dedicate to creating new works. Despite that, his unique craft still brings him more than $1,250 per month – nearly $20,000 a year.

Ha Nguyen