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Explore a diverse collection of underwater species through traditional Japanese style art
About ModernCraft Designs
Our Mission
What exactly is “Gyotaku”?
Our Mission
At ModernCraft Designs, our mission is to preserve the tradition of hand-made, authentic, tangible art pieces as well as offer our clients the highest caliber of attention to detail in every order. Quality and customer satisfaction is our #1 priority- guaranteed!
Our History
What exactly is “Gyotaku”?
Our Mission
Founded in 2017 on the island of Maui, Jason has been creating custom Gyotaku prints for fellow local fishermen for the past 6 years. Due to the recent pandemic and escalating cost of living in Hawaii, he has moved to sunny central California where he continues to pursue his love for fishing and sharing his talents in commissioned fish p
Founded in 2017 on the island of Maui, Jason has been creating custom Gyotaku prints for fellow local fishermen for the past 6 years. Due to the recent pandemic and escalating cost of living in Hawaii, he has moved to sunny central California where he continues to pursue his love for fishing and sharing his talents in commissioned fish printing art and various other art mediums! Including charcoal portraits, oil paintings, and more!
What exactly is “Gyotaku”?
What exactly is “Gyotaku”?
What exactly is “Gyotaku”?
I’m so glad you asked! In short, it is an art form that originated in Japan in the mid 1800s to document the exact size/species of a fisherman’s catch.
”Gyo” is translated to ”fish” and “Taku” = “impression”. Traditionally it is a process of grinding down jet black pine soot into fine powder and mixing it with water to create a special, n
I’m so glad you asked! In short, it is an art form that originated in Japan in the mid 1800s to document the exact size/species of a fisherman’s catch.
”Gyo” is translated to ”fish” and “Taku” = “impression”. Traditionally it is a process of grinding down jet black pine soot into fine powder and mixing it with water to create a special, non-toxic ink. The artist applies this ink directly onto a freshly caught fish and lays a piece of thin rice paper over it and begins to rub an impression of the fish onto the paper- creating a one of a kind masterpiece.
Highlight Gallery
More testimonials
Matt C.
Steve B.
Steve B.
“I recently received a stunning fish print from Jason, and I couldn’t be happier with it! The level of detail in the artwork is incredible, capturing the vibrant colors and textures of the fish beautifully. It’s clear that Jason has a true passion for his craft, and it shows in every stroke.
The print adds a wonderful touch to my home, spa
“I recently received a stunning fish print from Jason, and I couldn’t be happier with it! The level of detail in the artwork is incredible, capturing the vibrant colors and textures of the fish beautifully. It’s clear that Jason has a true passion for his craft, and it shows in every stroke.
The print adds a wonderful touch to my home, sparking conversations and admiration from everyone who visits. I also appreciate the quality of the materials used—it feels durable and well-made. Jason was a pleasure to work with, too, ensuring that I received exactly what I wanted.
I highly recommend Jason’s work to anyone looking for unique and eye-catching art. This fish print has truly become a favorite piece in my collection!”
Steve B.
Steve B.
Steve B.
“I was lucky enough to have Jason do a Gyotaku print for an Uku I shot spearfishing. I had always been impressed with the prints he had done for my friend and when I landed my first fish I deemed ‘Printworthy’ I immediately thought of Jason! He made the whole process super easy and did the initial press ASAP so I could still enjoy eating
“I was lucky enough to have Jason do a Gyotaku print for an Uku I shot spearfishing. I had always been impressed with the prints he had done for my friend and when I landed my first fish I deemed ‘Printworthy’ I immediately thought of Jason! He made the whole process super easy and did the initial press ASAP so I could still enjoy eating my fish! I was blown away when I got the print back! He put in such great detail and really brought the fish to life! Unfortunately, it was one of the most difficult irreplaceable items we lost in the Lahaina Fire. It just makes me that much more motivated to get back out there for the next one I can have him print! I would highly recommend Jason for Gyotaku or really any of his artwork, you won’t be disappointed!”
Max R.
Steve B.
Shawn T.
“I’ve gone to a handful of gyotaku artists in my life, yet none compare to Jason’s refined and clean style of work. He let us watch the process of printing my last fish, and it was inspiring to see the careful technique required for such successful prints. High quality work done by an experienced artist.”
Shawn T.
Shawn T.
Shawn T.
“We had a GREAT experience with Jason preserving our catch. He really brought life into the Gyotaku. Capturing its real life colors and expressions allows us and others to forever cherish our catch of a lifetime. Mahalo Jason🤙🏻“
Don J.
Shawn T.
Don J.
“Super stoked with the way my fish print came out from Jason. Jason has such attention to detail and knowledge of the ocean and fish that allows for him to create very realistic prints. There is not a day that goes by that I do not admire his beautiful piece of art. And there hasn't been a single visitor that has walked passed that print
“Super stoked with the way my fish print came out from Jason. Jason has such attention to detail and knowledge of the ocean and fish that allows for him to create very realistic prints. There is not a day that goes by that I do not admire his beautiful piece of art. And there hasn't been a single visitor that has walked passed that print and mentioned how beautiful it is. Thank you Jason for allowing me to have such a fine piece of art in my home that lets me relive that day and story of that fish. Big mahalos you da man!”