To Paint or Not to Paint...That is the Question!

by hylio

Nowadays, more and more new Paintbrushes and new painted versions of pets are coming out. For example, the highly coveted Faerie, Gold, and Rainbow Paintbrushes. These can reach extremely high prices in the marketplace of Neopia, and those shops are the only places you can get this very rare Paintbrushes. Unless you happen to stumble across one or the Lab Ray paints your pet one of those colours.

And about the new painted versions of pets. Take the Lupe and Bruce for example. Earlier, they could not be painted with a Split Paintbrush, which normally cost 3000-5000 NP. After it was announced that they both could be painted with it, the price soared to 9000-10,000 NP. That's a dramatic raise.

You may think that a Faerie Kiko is cuter than a Red one, or that a Gold Wocky looks more dashing than a Green Wocky, but just think about what your pets would say. Maybe that Kiko never wanted to be Faerie and you went ahead and painted it, or that Wocky didn't want to be Gold, but you went ahead and painted it because *you* thought it looked better painted Gold.

For the poorer Neopians of Neopia who may want very badly a Paintbrush, of any kind for their pets: do you *really* need it? Paintbrushes can get very costly - don't blow all your hard-earned Neopoints just to make your pet look better. Sure, if someone looks at your description and sees a painted pet they may think 'Wow, they could afford a Paintbrush' but it's better to spend your NP on food and medicines for your pet to keep it happy and healthy rather than spend all of your NP just to make it "prettier." Each pet is unique and pretty in its own way - whatever colour it's painted!

I also have included in my article the comments of several Neopians on what they think of Paintbrushes and painting NeoPets in general.

Neon_Neo_Angel: "Painting looks great. Only problem for some people is that they {Paintbrushes} cost too much. My personal opinion is that people overprice Paintbrushes, just to make money. Rich people can keep making money, while middle class Neopians lose money buying Paintbrushes."

Prixy_68: "Paintbrushes are a waste of money."

Jenna9842: "Paintbrushes can be a rip off, but if you're bored and have nothing better that you can think of to spend your money on, then go for it!"

Dazzling_Saunter: "Well I think that Paintbrushes are just another expensive luxury , they are not needed but are welcomed. I do agree they make your pet look fabulous but I also like the plain old normal colours."

_Mave_: "I don't think Paintbrushes should really be used because if you chose your pet shouldn't you like them from the begining and not want to change them."

Londiani: "I have noticed when your pets are painted others are generally more interested in them. I think painting is a wonderful idea, but we should never forget that the most important thing is what you are on the inside. And those without enough money to get their pets painted, should not have to feel intimidated by others who are rich. My pet has made many friends and some of her best ones were just plain 'normal' colours."

Jipica: "I used a Faerie Paintbrush on my Aisha and am quite pleased with the results. But I think you should find out what your species looks like with that brush before you use it."

Leegirl007: "I think Paintbrushes need to be improved. They have some really good designs but most of them don't work on my pets! They should work for all the types of pets."

Dragon_Cat_Zero: "I say that Paintbrushes are too expensive! And they should be more repeated Random Events, considering they have NO REAL USE."

Neo_Star_Light: "I like Paintbrushs they make your pets look good! Have you ever noticed your neopet will get more friends when painted?"

Elblancodiablolobo: "If you want great looking pets, that will get mates easier, then go and buy a Paintbrush! you've got to have enough money though, so sometimes it can be a rip-off. I wouldn't buy a Faerie Paintbrush, as it costs way too much!"

Chelsea27: "I like Paintbrushes, but they're just a status symbol.. they cost so much and not everyone's a millionaire. It's just another thing to make the rich seem richer."

Lily1225: "I wish we could use them on more than one pet."

And there you have it. Most people, as you can see, think Paintbrushes are extremely expensive and basically, a rip-off. Others think, if you have enough money, go ahead and buy a Paintbrush! I tend to agree that both low and middle-class Neopians shouldn't waste all their NeoPoints on a Paintbrush, but if you have enough money, go for it! Just remember, as Londiani said "...but we should never forget that the most important thing is who you are on the inside."

To paint or not to paint... that is the question!!!