An Interview with the Artist of the Maraquan Project

     Well Chanty, since I'm sure so many Neopians are curious, let's start off with a basic introduction. Can you please introduce yourself to us? Who are you, what do you like to do, and why are you so passionate about Neopets?

     Chanty: My name is Chanty! I've been playing Neopets since 2008. It was the same year that I started drawing pictures in my life. I then began drawing Neopets, so I grew up drawing the characters I created here! You can imagine how strong Neopets.com is in my life!

     V: That's amazing! Your passion for Neopets has led you to create some fantastic things! What made you want to design the Maraquan Kiko and the Maraquan Jetsam specifically? Can you tell us when and how you did it?

     C: I would like to see every pet in every colour that exists! Knowing there was some kind of judgment that aquatic Neopets couldn't be painted as Maraquan, I started to create my own ideas for these Neopets missing their Maraquan Colour and tried to convince people we could have amazing ideas with these! I created concepts for Kiko, Jetsam, Tuskaninny, Koi, Flotsam, Peophin and all of them can be seen on my project petpage at /~Renpi. Now that the Kiko and Jetsam got released, I am happy to see lots of people also agree with me!!!

     For this project, the Maraquan Tuskaninny as a Narwhal was the first concept I created. The Kiko was the second one I created, at least from what I can remember. The Kiko is usually round, and when I think of a round thing in the sea, the pearl comes to my mind… So I thought, why not? The Maraquan Jetsam is definitely the most different design I've drawn. It looks so obscure that it can only belong to the most deep place of Maraqua and is always wanting to hide from the light and from the happy Maraquan Neopets there. The Jetsam seems extremely dangerous too, just like the shark his standard pose is supposed to be! I say this project started in January of 2018 because that was when I first started to draw them, but I had the ideas in my head years before.

     V: That's incredible that you've thought so much about this and created an entire project idea to help aquatic Neopets enjoy Maraquan colours! How did the Maraquan Kiko and Maraquan Jetsam designs become part of the actual Neopets site? Did you contact TNT and ask them to use your art or did they contact you somehow?

     C: I did not contact TNT asking for my Kiko or Jetsam to be implemented on the site. I also never told TNT my username and I don't spread my username outside the site, but somehow they found me and contacted me via Neomail. It was due to people sharing my project that TNT noticed me and made my wish happen!!!

     V: I see from your Maraquan Project petpage that after your Maraquan Kiko was released, Neopians actually requested your design specifically for the Maraquan Jetsam whenever TNT asked for October Pet Day suggestions! You really are quite well known in the community and people love your ideas! I know this must have all been very unexpected, but what surprised you the most about this process?

     C: What surprised me? My wishes actually being granted and turning canon HAHAHA. Seriously, it's something you think that never can happen to you. It feels so dreamy...

     V: I'm sure it does! Working with Aesop on the details of the designs and discussing colour combinations must have been a bit surreal. As part of that dream, did TNT send you any prizes to reward your contribution?

     C: TNT sent me a Maraquan Paint Brush and a rare code item when they decided to use the Maraquan Kiko design, and then they sent me another Maraquan Paint Brush when they created the Maraquan Jetsam! Aesop also surprised me with a Mecha Tiger Jam and Toast for my toast gallery, which was so sweet that he looked at my gallery and thought to do that.

     V: That's very exciting! Your toast gallery is quite impressive and cute. And now you can create your own Maraquan Kiko AND Maraquan Jetsam if you would like to. Speaking of that, I see that you don't have any Maraquan pets yourself, at least not on your main account. Are you going to create one soon or are you happy to just see other people with their precious little pearls and sharks?

     C: If the shell was exactly the same as the one I did in the drawing, I would definitely create a Maraquan Kiko for myself! But it wasn't... So, I am just happy to see people with their little pearls. Seeing art of the Maraquan Kiko made by the community brightens my heart! But yes, I plan to create a female Maraquan Jetsam because I really like how TNT did it. My original design had red colours like the Mutant Jetsam, but people thought it was too similar, so I suggested the blue lights instead to remember the Maractite lore from Neopets.

     V: I love the way they both turned out. I think the Maraquan Jetsam is my favorite so far! I can tell your Neopets get a lot of love, so I can't wait to see your new Jetsam soon.

     I'm also glad it makes you so happy to see everyone appreciating your Maraquan designs! Did you know that the Maraquan Lutari was also designed by a fellow Neopian? Did Meredith inspire you at all in your choice to first draw the Maraquan Kiko? And how do you hope to inspire other Neopians?

     C: Yes, I did know that. And no, I created my Maraquan Project before knowing about the concept for the Maraquan Lutari. I was going to create my version of the Maraquan Lutari, but when I went so search if someone already did a drawing of it, I saw that Lutari drawing for the first time and it was SO GOOD! I would never create a better idea, so I never started my own Maraquan Lutari concept. I hope I can inspire others to draw other missing colours for the Neopets! I still want to see a Tyrannian Chomby since we already have a Tyrannian Grarrl.

     V: Speaking of inspiring more designs… I know that you helped design the Classic Saxophone wearable and that your username was credited in the item description. Do you often draw fanarts of unreleased colours or items? If so, does that mean you have any ideas for the future that you're currently working on?

     C: No, I don't usually draw fanarts of unreleased colours, but I do for items! I like to draw Battledome items because most of my Neopet characters fight in their stories. But I don't really feel the urge to see them in the site... I just draw them as hobby.

     V: That sounds like a great hobby! Before we end our interview for today, is there anything else you'd like everyone to know?

     C: I'd like to thank everyone for the congratulations and for the sweets words I received!! I am so, so, SO HAPPY you all liked my Maraquan Kiko, Maraquan Jetsam, and my Maraquan Project this much!! Thanks for all the shares on my project, thanks for all the support, and thanks TNT for making such a nice decision for the fans! You all gave this artist a big smile for sure! Sending virtual hugs for everyone!! And thanks Veronica (digitally_cool) for inviting me for this interview too!

     V: Thank you so much Chanty! It's been a pleasure speaking with you and I'm sure all our fellow Neopians were thrilled to get to learn so much about you and your Maraquan project. I hope they go check out your petpage to see your other designs and encourage TNT to bring them to life on the site too! Have a great day everyone and be sure to give those Maraquan pets a bit of extra love this week!

          *This interview was partially inspired by Riss and Meredith's interview discussing the creation of the Maraquan Lutari.