I Can't Believe It's Not NC! BG Edition

      Nightfall Background

     We'll kick things off with what I believe to be the weakest background in this collection. Don't get me wrong! I love the jack-o-lanterns in this piece. The pop of orange compliments that dark blue background, and the faces are equal parts adorable and unsettling. However, what's going on with those trees in the background? Are they dancing? Are they even trees?? But, I'm willing to overlook this flaw and slap a garland on my custom because those pumpkins are just too darn cute.

      Spooky Background

     Our next background is a spooky piece that can be worn well beyond Halloween. The foreboding mansion in the background and twisted trees (now that's how you do a spooky tree!) create an interesting silhouette against the glowing red sky. The colour and texture of the moon are gorgeous--you might catch yourself more drawn to the moon than your pet! This would be the perfect piece for a Halloween Lupe, but it's versatile enough for any creepy or adventurous character.

      Grey Winter Evening Background

     Speaking of gorgeous moons and spindly trees, this versatile background is perfect for your seasonal customizations. Give it an eerie vibe by wearing cloaks, capes, and other dark and mysterious items. If your pet just loves moonlit winter strolls but has no darker intentions, you can keep this background wintery and whimsical with garlands and foregrounds that incorporate flowers or other winter scenery, like the Hanging Winter Candles Garland or Winter Berry Fence Foreground.

      Snowed-In Meadow Background

     This snowy BG had to make the list because it's animated! The lightly falling snow is most visible in the upper portion of this piece, and the tree branches and far-off mountains eliminate the need for a garland. I would still suggest adding a foreground to create a more specific scene. Is your pet standing behind a gate, waiting to enter a friend's cottage? Are they exploring the wilderness, lost in some snow-covered flowers or pinecones? Regardless of which route you choose, the Snowed-In Meadow Background is a necessity for any winter wardrobe.

      Breathtaking Night Sky

     One of my personal favorites, this background is so stellar. The night sky gradient transitions beautifully from purple to blue, green, orange, and red, while the rest of the scene is a simple black silhouette. Anything more would have been too overwhelming and distracted from the gorgeous sky! I'm even in favour of leaving this piece foreground-less, because the small rocks offer enough depth to satisfy my design sensibilities. The Alien Aisha looks especially grand on this BG!

      Soft Rain Background

     This background isn't one that I'd typically utilize in my customizations, but it is beyond perfect for Oil Paint pets because it utilizes the same colour palette and messy brush strokes. You can complete this look by slapping a frame on it to show that your pet is truly a work of art.

      Idyllic Nature Scene

     There are plenty of high-quality landscape Neopoint backgrounds, but the Idyllic Nature Scene stands out to me in particular. For starters, the composition draws the eye diagonally across the image, from the leaves in the upper left corner to the ground in the lower right. The water in the background splits off into interesting paths, while the soft foam creates contrast against the strong outline and shading of the rocks. This is the perfect background for Woodland and Relic pets, but it's also fantastic for your outdoor-explorer characters.

      Spring Fields

     This is another fantastic nature background that is a staple in my closet. The flowers eliminate the need for a foreground, while the vignette adds depth to the background. This item restricts the Higher Foreground zone so you'll have to forgo a garland, but with the right clothing on your pet, you don't need to add anything extra to this background! I like to dress my Spotted Kau in the Kau Farmer clothing series and let him roam this field of flowers. As Easter nears, maybe you'll spot a certain Cybunny hopping through with a basket of colourful Neggs!

      Fyoras Balcony

     I'll admit, I'm biased toward anything Fyora-themed, but this background is a real treat regardless. It's perfect for Royal pets, as they can stand on a beautifully intricate balcony that overlooks their lush kingdom, visible in the upper left corner. You can add depth to the scene by using a foreground with vases and flowers that complement those visible on the edges of the background or show off your pet's favourite hobby with the Painters Supply Table. Maybe they're the more social type--try pairing this background with the equally amazing NP wearable, High Tea in the Woods.

      Beautiful Desert Oasis Background

     Topping off the list, we have the Beautiful Desert Oasis Background. The depth and detail of this background have me constantly mistaking it for an NC item. The background features flowing water and beams of light, giving a sense of gentle movement to the piece. The midground upon which our pet rests is simple enough, while the foreground is rich with interestingly shaped rocks and colourful flowers and fungi. This background negates the need for foreground or garland, allowing your pet to shine in all their Lost Desert glory.

     Did any of the pieces on this list surprise you? I hope you were able to add some affordable variety to your closet and are inspired to work on some new customizations. Keep your eyes peeled for more articles in this series--there are a plethora of underappreciated NP wearables that deserve your attention. Until next time, have fun customizing!