Greetings hivers artists, this illustration is my entry to the weekly @splinterlands art contest, it represents my personal version of Marlai Singariel, one of the most enchanting cards in the Splinterlands universe. From the first moment I saw her original design, I felt a deep connection with her magical, aquatic essence, however, I wanted to go beyond the visual reference and create a version that reflected not only her power, but also her sweetness, her mystery, and her ability to transmit peace in the midst of chaos. Thus was born this work, crafted with dedication, emotion, and a strong inspiration from the anime style that I love so much.

In my reinterpretation, Marlai retains her natural appearance, but I've softened her features to give her a more tender and expressive aesthetic. I gave her large, bright eyes in deep blue tones that convey curiosity and serenity. Her short brown hair, replacing the long mane typically seen on female characters, symbolizes freshness and youth. The purple shell costume remains as a nod to the base design, but I stylized it with softer lines and more saturated colors to highlight the contrast with the marine environment.

The facial expression was also modified; instead of a defiant or enigmatic gaze, my drawing has a subtle look and flushed cheeks, which adds an atmosphere of tenderness and closeness. I wanted it to feel like a creature that not only dominates the ocean, but also invites contemplation and emotional embrace.

The background is composed of a vibrant sea in shades of azure blue, dotted with bubbles, coral, and abstract shapes that evoke the movement of water. I used coral in shades of orange, red, and pink to create a warm contrast with the dominant blue, generating a sense of visual harmony. These elements not only decorate, but also frame Marlai as an integral part of her habitat, a guardian of the reefs and the secrets of the ocean.

The overall atmosphere conveys calm, fantasy, and a touch of nostalgia. It's as if Marlai were taking a contemplative break, surrounded by marine life, yet immersed in her own thoughts. I want the viewer to feel as if they're observing an intimate, almost magical scene, where time stands still.

The process began with a sketch drawn using multi-colored lines. This technique allows me to define from the outset the tones I want to explore in the final illustration. I used lines in blue, pink, purple, and orange to delineate the areas of light, shadow, and texture. This stage is key for me because it helps me visualize the color palette and maintain a consistent style.

Once the sketch was defined, I moved on to digital work, where I built my design. The anime style was my main guide: large eyes, stylized proportions, clean lines, and emotional expressiveness. I made sure that every detail, from the bubbles to the reflections in the eyes, had a narrative purpose.

The color palette is dominated by blues and purples, which evoke depth and mystery. The corals provide a warm touch that balances the composition. For the filters, I used a soft glow filter that enhances the tones without saturating them, and a sharpening filter that sharpens the key details, especially in the face and eyes.

The anime style is reflected not only in the character's anatomy but also in the way emotions are portrayed, as I wanted Marlai to have a presence that connects with those who look at her, as if she could speak without words. The result is a mermaid who not only represents power, but also empathy and inner beauty.

This illustration is more than a reinterpretation of a playing card. It's a declaration of what art can do: transform, connect, and heal. Marlai Singariel, in my version, is a messenger of peace, a creature that reminds us that even in the deepest and most unknown environments, there is light, color, and emotion.

Illustrative Steps

Original image of Marlai Singariel in her card version of the Splinterlands game, which can be found in the game's market.

_{The program used for the illustration has been Inkscape.}

_{100% original content from @giocondina}

_{Translated with DeepL.com (free version)}