Meet the Artist · Brookie · Fishe Prints
Chaney Fray: The Storyteller Behind Brookie
Do you love Fishe’s Brookie pattern? We do too—and the story behind it begins with artist Chaney Fray, a lifelong illustrator whose bold sense of color and careful observation have shaped many beloved Fishe designs.
Chaney is the creative mind behind Brookie, along with Groovy Grayling, Troutrageous Rainbow, Arctic Char, Fly Pheasant, Floral Fish, Cosmo Coho, Radical Red Fish, and Totally Tarpon. Her work turns the natural character of each fish into expressive art made to move from the water to everyday life.
In This Story
A Storyteller from the Beginning
Chaney is, above all, a storyteller. She has a lifelong passion for illustration and animation and for using drawing to tell a tale. She remembers sitting at the table with her older sister as children, drawing characters and making up stories to accompany them.
“Being the sentimental sort, I love remembering all the magic that was in the books I read and the movies I watched growing up and how they made me feel. I really want to make things that create that sense of nostalgia, and hopefully affect others in the same way.”
Chaney Fray
Her technical abilities have sharpened over the years, but that original impulse remains: create an image that carries emotion, movement, and a story people can feel.
Years of Drawing, Learning, and Finding Her Style
Chaney loved drawing from childhood, but she did not initially expect art to become part of her career. She attended technical school and became a graphic designer—a profession she continues to practice—while pursuing an intense parallel education in illustration.
“I would take multiple art labs, go to life drawing sessions and study groups and watched YouTube tutorials. Every hour of every day was spent drawing and learning; I couldn't get enough. For a few years I would draw every evening after work, from 6pm to 1am. I was desperate to create a unique style, which is very challenging and takes time. Now that I am more confident in my style, I'm allowing myself to just go after the kind of art I've always wanted to make!”
Chaney Fray
That persistence shows in her Fishe patterns. They are graphically powerful, but they still hold onto the defining characteristics of the species that inspired them.
“To see my art on all these amazing products and worn by people all over the country—that feeling is hard to describe!”
Chaney Fray
How Chaney Designed the Brookie Pattern
When Chaney first began working with Fishe, she felt nervous about taking on a new kind of creative challenge. She jumped in anyway. Her process combines species research, close observation, strong composition, and plenty of time.
Asked what it takes to make a successful Fishe pattern, Chaney named two essentials: observation and a lot of time.
Step One · Shape
Begin with the Fish’s Silhouette
“The first thing I do is figure out the silhouette by looking at multiple references so that I can get the shape of the fish worked out.”
Step Two · Defining Features
Move from Observation into Abstraction
“Then the abstract comes into play. To create the fun colors and shapes, I research the fish and try to focus on its defining features.”
Step Three · Color and Composition
Balance Bright Color with Visual Flow
“One thing I noticed that made things interesting was comparing all the different photos of the same species, and to see how different they all looked. Not to mention how colors looked in the water vs. out of water.”
“I work hard to make the fish pretty and have contrasting colors, but still work the design so your eye can comfortably move all around the fish. It's not easy when you are using so many bright colors, but I think I managed to pull it off with designs like the Groovy Grayling and Troutrageous Rainbow.”
From Brook Trout to Brookie
Explore the Brookie Collection
Brookie captures the recognizable form and markings of a brook trout, then pushes them into a vivid visual language that feels unmistakably Fishe. It is not a literal wildlife rendering. It is Chaney’s studied, imaginative response to the fish.
Why Chaney’s Process Matters
Species Comes First
Chaney studies multiple references before simplifying the fish, so the final design grows from real visual characteristics rather than a generic shape.
Color Has a Job
Bright color creates energy, but composition keeps the eye moving comfortably through the design.
Art Becomes Wearable
The final print brings illustration into motion—on apparel and gear made for women who fish, travel, create, and explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Chaney Fray?
Chaney Fray is a graphic designer, illustrator, storyteller, and artist behind many fish-inspired Fishe patterns, including Brookie.
Which Fishe patterns did Chaney Fray create?
The original artist feature credits Chaney with Brookie, Groovy Grayling, Troutrageous Rainbow, Arctic Char, Fly Pheasant, Floral Fish, Cosmo Coho, Radical Red Fish, and Totally Tarpon.
How does Chaney begin a new fish pattern?
She begins by studying multiple visual references and working out the fish’s silhouette. She then identifies defining features and translates them into abstract shapes and color.
What inspired Chaney to become an artist?
Chaney drew and invented stories with her sister as a child. Books, movies, illustration, animation, and nostalgia continue to influence the art she wants to make.
What makes Brookie different from a literal fish illustration?
Brookie begins with the recognizable shape and characteristics of a brook trout, then transforms them through abstraction, bold color, and balanced composition.
Why does Chaney study multiple photos of the same fish?
Individual fish can look remarkably different, and their colors can shift depending on whether they are seen in or out of the water. Comparing references helps her understand that variation before designing.
Where can I shop the Brookie pattern?
You can explore currently available pieces in the Fishe Brookie collection.
Why does Fishe work with artists?
Artist-created patterns give each Fishe print its own perspective, emotion, and visual story while celebrating the species and outdoor experiences that inspire the brand.
Related Reading
Meet Artist Irene Meniconi
Explore the nature-inspired artist behind Dolly Vee, Kaleido King, and Beauty and the Bonefish.
Introducing Beauty and the Bonefish
Read the story behind another bold fish-inspired Fishe design.
What to Wear Flats Fishing
See how expressive, functional apparel works through sun, heat, saltwater, and long fishing days.
Wear the Story
Every Fishe pattern begins somewhere: in a fish’s silhouette, a memory, an artist’s sketchbook, or hours spent noticing the details. Chaney’s Brookie design carries all of that work into the world in color.
