Over the past few weeks, the New York Anime Festival invited fans to design our 2008 mascot. What were the guidelines? None, really. We asked artists to create a mascot that embodied anime and New York City, but – beyond that – we wanted imagination to carry our artists away. Out of all the submissions – posted up on theOtaku.com – ten were selected as finalists, and these ten went toe to toe with attendees at AnimeNEXT last weekend in New Jersey. Attendees voted for their favorites all weekend long. And now, a week later, the dust has settled, the votes have been tallied, and we have a winner. Chibizilla!
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Chibizilla is the creation of Quarteni, a 23-year-old artist currently living in Orlando, Florida. More of her work can be seen at quarteni.deviantart.com and betweenreality.com. I spoke with Quarteni over the weekend…
What was your inspiration for Chibizilla?: I was watching Godzilla vs. King Kong on TV. Then, when I sat down to come up with a mascot entry, it hit me. Chibizilla! King Kong is associated with New York City, which is why the Empire State Building is in Chibizilla's clutches, and Godzilla is associated with Japan – and chibis are synonymous with anime! NYAF brings Japanese anime and New York City together, so I did the same with Chibizilla!
What software and materials did you use to make Chibizilla?: I used pencil, paper, ruler, Sakura micron pens, and Photoshop.
What do you do when not creating mascots?: I really enjoy drawing, creating content for computers (icons, desktops, screensavers, etc.), reading a variety of books, editing manga, web/graphic design, and of course anime and manga! I'm also currently preparing my portfolio to go out into the market and start my career.
What do you ultimately want to do?: I'd really enjoy drawing or editing manga as a career. I’d like to try voice acting (not strictly anime related). It also would be nice to be able to run my own business someday, too.
What do you think of when you think of New York City?: I think of the amazing architecture of the older buildings, pizza, the museums, the intriguing history, and many of my favorite comic book heroes whose stories take place in NYC.
What was the first thing you thought when you learned you won?: OH NO!! I won?! XD There were a lot of really great entries this year. I'd like to tip my hat to everybody who entered, everybody who voted, and everybody who has a part in the NYAF and the mascot contest. I'm really very honored to have my design chosen as the mascot this year.
What’s the first thing you want to do at NYAF?: Meet Peter Fernandez and ask him to sign my Speed Racer VHS.
Do you have a message for aspiring artists?: Practice constantly! Look at the world around you and always try to learn something from it. Also, take criticism and build from it. Show your art to anybody and everybody you can – friends, family, and even the professionals, too!
Who would win in a fight, Chibizilla or The Cloverfield Monster?: I'm sure the Cloverfield Monster would fall victim to Chibizilla's cuteness!
