When creating Neopets Battledome Trading Card Game, we knew that one of the most important aspects of both the world of Neopia and the amazing community that comes with it was the art and the incredible artists behind it. Today we are diving into the art of Shamine Athena King and Jeep Joop as they talk about their favorite things in Neopets. We are also bringing you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at their processes, plus a couple sneak peeks at some other cards they did. Enjoy!
What Is Your Name?
Shamine Athena King, though I usually go by “SAK” on the Internet.
The Pant Devil, Uzarro, and The Ghost Lupe by Shamine Athena King (@quartervirus)
Where Are You From?
I’m Canadian-Filipina, born in Holland, but lived all around the world from Japan to Australia to India. The longest place I stayed was Singapore, where I lived for 16 years and finished high school, college, and my first few years of work at Ubisoft, Singapore.
Art Process for Sarah & Daisy by Shamine Athena King – Sketch, Lineart, Flats
What Is Your Favourite Neopet, And Why?
I have always had an affinity for Zafaras. My first Neopet was a blue Zafara named Zoombolda (I thought you had to name them with the same letter as their species for some reason), and I don’t think I ever had an account without a Zafara after that. There’s just something about the combination of a bunny and a dragon that really appealed to a younger me, and of course who could say “no” to those big, blue eyes??
Art Process for Sarah & Daisy by Shamine Athena King – Cleanup, Shadow Multiply, Final Touches
What Was Your Favourite Thing to Draw For This Project?
It is so hard to choose a favourite as I have always loved drawing Neopets! Neopets is entirely responsible for catalysing my doodles during class, practicing my art every day with a mind to work for TNT since I was 12, and is hugely inspirational in why I’m in the games industry to this day! It was an honour to contribute to such a huge part of my childhood in this way. Of course I loved the classics, your Vira, Ghost Lupe, Meuka, and of course, the Pant Devil! But I would probably have to go with Jhudora’s girls, Daisy and Sarah, as my favourite card in the end. Their colours, their designs, their poses … There was so much great art to take inspiration from, and who knows! Maybe I’ll get to draw the leading lady herself one day!
Sarah and Daisy by Shamine Athena King (@quartervirus)
What Is Your Name?
Jeep Joop
Where Are You from?
I’m an artist from Brazil!
Cherise, Ghost Ixi, and Ghost Wocky by Jeep Joop (@circusblades)
What Is Your Favourite Neopet, and Why?
Neopets has a very special place in my heart. It was part of my childhood and honestly, one of the main influences for the development of my art! Draiks, Krawks, and Hissis were my favorites and I spent years trying to get my very first Draik haha.
Art Process for Ghost Wocky by Jeep Joop – Layout and Inks
What Was Your Favourite Thing to Draw For This Project?
Being called for this project felt like a dream coming true. I adored drawing the Ghost Neopets and testing my skills with the backgrounds! It was a big experience for me and I hope everyone enjoys the cards.
Art Process for Ghost Wocky by Jeep Joop – Background and Finished Colors
That does it for this week’s Artist Showcase! We look forward to sharing more of these with you as we continue to unravel more and more in Neopets Battledome Trading Card Game. Each card is elevated by every artist’s genuine passion of bringing Neopia to life.
Join us tomorrow, Friday April 26 at 10:00am PST (1:00pm EST) on Twitch for our weekly Neopets Battledome Trading Card Game stream! We will be joined by one of the pivotal members of the team who ushered in the amazing artwork in the game, Emily Mazza, the Art Acquisition Coordinator. Until then… see you in the Battledome!
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