Tell us a bit about yourself!
Surfacage: My name is Surfi, I’m a healer main from Mateus, Crystal. IRL I’m a software developer in my late twenties!
How did you first discover Final Fantasy XIV?
Surfacage: I had actually tried FFXIV maybe two years ago, when Stormblood dropped, but lost interest for one reason or the other. I watched the Shadowbringers trailer for the first time last June, and a friend (and long-time player of FFXIV as well) of mine explained to me that the main character in the trailer was a player stand-in, and you could actually get the armor and weapon in-game! So basically the trailer was the reason why I finally got all the expansions.
What compelled you to draw your reactions while you explored the story?
Surfacage: FFXIV’s story is structured in such a way that it’s pretty easy to make up lore about your Warrior of Light while still remaining in-bounds of canon, and honestly the main story was so compelling at points that I just had to draw out how I thought it would play out with my own character. The NPCs play off each other very well too. Initially I was actually surprised that an MMORPG’s story had been given so much thought, but that’s Final Fantasy for you.
What draws you to expand on the more emotional and inner reflective aspects of FFXIV’s story in your comics (for example the DRK quests, the WoL’s friendships, the end of 5.0)?
Surfacage: I think it’s because it’s my way of engaging with the FFXIV fandom, like some people discuss plot points or make theories, I contribute by making those kinds of comics. Some people echo the sentiments so I’m glad to make a way to visualize how other people’s characters feel.
Did you expect such an enthusiastic response from the FFXIV community to your art and live-tweeting?
Surfacage: Not really! I was wary of including OCs in an established fandom, but it turns out the FFXIV community is very receptive to original characters.
What is your process for deciding what to draw, particularly for your FFXIV comics? Do you take some time thumbnailing them out before settling on exactly what you want, or do you just go for it when an idea strikes?
Surfacage: If I get an idea, I will tend to focus on the script first before working out the thumbnails/panel layout.
Your FFXIV drawings range from hilarious meme-y drawings of NPCs to gut-punching angsty comics. Do the lighter drawings help add some levity to your heavier pieces?
Surfacage: Yeah, it tends to go over better with the audience. Also it’s a bit more fun to do the lighter drawings mostly because I’m the person who finds them the funniest.
Most of your FFXIV art is lineart with colors and cell shading, but you also have a wonderful painting style. Have you wanted to do a larger FFXIV painting, or do you see yourself sticking with your lined style?
Surfacage: I’ve wanted to do a large-scale FFXIV painting for a long time, but I have so many ideas for comics that I always get sidetracked. But there’s one in the works!
Do you have any plans for future pieces you would like to draw? Are there any characters or moments you’d like to tackle in the future that you haven’t gotten around to yet?
There’s a lot of post-SHB stuff knocking about in my drafts. I was thinking about making a linear sort of storyline so there’s at least some continuity. I’ve also been looking into doing more stuff with the Doma/Garlemald cast, so please look forward to it!
Thank you so much for your time and insight into your work! You can find Surfacage on Twitter, their website, and support them through their Kofi!
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