Tax Beast (Defenders Of Neopia)

I was 12 years old when I first set eyes on Neopia, way back in 2003. It was my first real example of what art and imagination could achieve - an entire online ecosystem sustained by the creativity and community of people just like me. Ever since then I've dreamed of being a part of it, and started drawing every day in hopes of improving enough to "work for Neopets one day."

So when Upper Deck reached out about collaborating on the Neopets Battledome Trading Card Games, you know I couldn't resist! It felt like coming full circle - from playing Neopets in 2003 to officially illustrating for them in 2023, this project has been something of a dream come true. It is such an honour to see my art alongside the artists who defined my youth, as well as many others who grew up inspired by Neopets as I did. If that 12 year old girl could see us now I know she'd lose her mind.

Thank you to the team at Upper Deck and Neopets for this incredible opportunity, and congratulations to everyone who contributed to this project! I am so excited for this New Era of Neopets and I can't wait to see what else they have in store. I am honoured to have played even a small part in it.