 Customisation Tips and Must-Have Items!
by jo_eccentric
--------
After being an active member of the customisation boards and running two customisation based sites, I've come to a realisation that there are still a lot of people who are new to the idea of customisation and need a few helpful pointers. Although customisation has been around for quite some time, many people are just beginning to dive into idea of clothing their pets. However, there are some who have been customising their pets for some time and would still like to get a little extra help to make their pets as perfect as possible. Here, I've compiled a list of dos and don'ts to aid you in your path to creating your perfect customisation. I've also included some of my must have closet items that work with a wide variety of looks.
DO pick a theme 
A theme is described as a unifying or dominant idea, so don't confuse it as being synonymous with character. Even something as simple as colour scheme can act as your theme. Although having a character is fine in a customisation, be sure to pick items that go well together, not just with the theme. The Kacheek above has an autumn/fall theme, but it also ties together the colours orange, red, brown and yellow.
DON'T forget a background  
This is one of my top tips for new customisers. As simple as it may seem, a background can really bring your pet alive. A single background can make your pet seem like it's wandering into nowhere, to strolling down the high streets of Faerieland. DO be original and creative 
Sometimes, you don't have to go for a full species specific clothing set when you can mix and match items that all neopets can wear. Take inspiration from the elements in your customisation and apply it to your own pet. This Meerca has taken inspiration from the earth faerie in the frame that is being used. The combined Meerca only dress and the multi-species wig and slippers work well in matching again, with both colour and theme.
DON'T just go with the flow  
Time after time, we see the same items being placed together, the same foreground with the same background, the same dress with the same wig Sure, it looks great - that's why it's been done so many times - but it's really been overdone. You want to be unique with your customisation, not a cookie cutter, mirror image of every other pet. Sure, imitation can be flattery, but what is the fun in customisation without experimenting with different combinations? DO remember your accessories  
What a difference the accessories make to this sultry singer look. Without the red wax lips and the rose in her hand, she really loses the feel of that old fashioned singer. Sometimes, all you need is a simple handbag or a staff in your pet's hand to liven them up and complete your look. Your pet's hand is designed to hold something after all. You don't want to to have a clenched fist with nothing in it that makes them look like they are about to hurt someone...
DON'T use your pet as a display cabinet 
Oh dear... be careful. Throwing on every 'expensive' item from your wardrobe onto your pet can sometimes have the opposite effect you are looking for. Instead of making your pet look classy, it can make them look crowded and unfashionable. We've all seen this type of customiser before. They use their pets as a coat hanger to display all their high valued clothing, instead of dressing to show their pets off. If you really want to show everyone all your expensive goodies, why not use your gallery function instead? Your pet will thank you afterwards.
DON'T overcrowd your pet 
This is my ultimate 'do not do' tip that quite a few people are guilty of doing. Look at that Buzz. That poor, poor Buzz. You can barely see its face and even what species it is! The overwhelming amount of colours and components together doesn't let your pet be the centre of attention. Dressing up your pet is supposed to make your pet stand out, not hidden behind a wild array of balloons and confetti! Tone it down and have one dominant feature in your customisation or a combination of low-key items.
Your must have items
As well as tips to help you create your perfect first outfit, there are some people out there that like to change their pet's look constantly, so I've come up with a few neocash and neopoint items that are versatile and work great with many different themes. Time and time again, I come back to these items to bring a customisation together and finish a look.
Neocash: 1. Rosy Cheeks Face Paint 
Description: Just the right color rosy cheeks. Price: 3 caps A simple pink flush on the cheeks brightens up a dull face and helps to give a girlish look to your pet. Paired with the right wig, your pet is sure to stand out from the crowd. 2. Perfect Hair Wig 
Description: Is it perfect? Are you sure? The camera reveals every flaw! Price: 4 caps This is one of the few simple, plain, single coloured wigs out there. This wig is really as it is described. Perfect. It suits both formal and casual looks and works well with almost all species. This wig pairs well with almost every bright floral dress. 3. Butterfly Shower 
Description: And a light breeze takes them on their way. Price: 150 NC A dainty set of butterflies that fly past your pet in the summer breeze. Ahh, how cute, fresh and delightful! This shower suits all flowery, girly and spring/summer looks. It can also fill up any empty spaces in the top of your customisation without being over the top. 4. Suave Wavy Brown Wig 
Description: Now how do they get the hair to stay there? Price: 150 NC Don't worry, I won't forget the male neopets out there. Although this is one of the few male multi-species wigs, it works well in almost all customisation themes from sophisticated and dapper to casual and trendy. It also sits well on most species' heads. Paired with Black Bow Tie, it gives you the classy feel, while wearing Hardy Blue Trousers makes it relaxed and wearable at all occasions. 5. Hazel Contacts 
Description: Green contacts, er brown contacts. Actually they're a bit of both.
Price: 150 NC
The colour eyes your neopet has doesn't always suit your customisation. Think about Draiks who have red eyes for most paint colours. Especially when you want to go for a non-vampire look, you can put in these green-brown contacts and look less menacing.
Neopoints: 1. Shrubbery 
Description: For that layered effect, place beside another shrubbery, only slightly higher! Price: 2000 NP This piece of shrubbery is inexpensive and great for layering in front of trees such as Stately Tree Foreground and Leafy Green Tree. It works well in all nature and adventure themed customisations. It adds a very earthy feel to your overall outfit and really fills up the foreground zone without covering your pet in any way. A definite must have in your wardrobe. 2. Stately Tree Foreground 
Description: This looks like a nice shady spot to look faaabulous! Price: 20 NP This piece is definitely one of, if not THE cheapest and most versatile items out there. It also has a double usage as a sun shower. The rays of light are shone through the leaves in the tree and gently onto your neopet. It blends in well with nature backgrounds like Grassy Meadow Background and Kiko Lake Carpentry Background. Again, Stately Tree Foreground is perfect layered behind Shrubbery. 3. Black Derby 
Description: Neopets will look very dashing in this derby. Price: 60,000 NP
I must admit, this black derby doesn't sit well on some species' heads but it works perfectly on Draiks. Since Draiks are extremely popular for customising, I've included it in this list. This derby hangs slightly over one eye of Draiks, giving them a mysterious yet dapper look. Paired with a suit or tuxedo, your Draiks will be sure to turn heads.
4. Hardy Blue Trousers 
Description: These sturdy trousers can withstand all sorts of wear and tear! Perfect for every day use. Price: 10,000 NP These trousers are relatively affordable and blends in seamlessly into your casual looks. Add in Basic White Shirt, Blue Newsboy Hat and Blue Shoes, and you've got yourself a casual yet tasteful neopoint only outfit for your pet at a great price. 5. Blue Shoes 
Description: Blue shoes look good with many things. Price: 200 NP
It's really simple, isn't it? They're just blue shoes. Despite being simple, these shoes go great with all your casual outfits. As these blue shoes are found in the General Store of Neopia, its price will stay very low. I love pairing Blue Shoes with Hardy Blue Trousers to create that laid back feel.
Well, this is the end. I hope this simple guide has helped you start your customisation journey, if not given you inspiration on improving your pet's look. These tips are just tips after all, so don't forget to input your own style and tastes into your customisations. Lastly, don't forget to have fun. That's the most important thing about customisation!
| 
