This is Kekai Kotaki's first interview since the announcement of his departure last week from ArenaNet.

Since the launch of his professional career in 2003, he has worked for the Washington based developer, starting with ground textures for the popular MMORPG Guild Wars on to the Concept Art Lead for Guild Wars 2.

In a message posted last week on Facebook he thanks ArenaNet and fans of Guild Wars, and asks that as he moves away from the beloved franchise they understand and support his future endeavors.

Without further ado, follow us as we discover some of the extraordinary and mesmerizing personal art of Kekai Kotaki.

Redforward: You have drawn many amazing creatures as part of your work. If with the stroke of a brush, you could transform yourself into any of your creatures, which one would it be or what would you transform yourself into?

Kekai Kotaki: Probably a giant armored warrior bear. :)

Redforward: How has growing up in Hawaii shaped the artist you have become?

Kekai Kotaki: Probably helped me understand beautiful landscapes. For its size its one of the most diverse places on earth. Also growing up with the culture, it was cool having those myths and stories growing up. Also my mom and other family members danced the hula which is a art form itself. Like to think that it gave me some perspective on life.

Redforward: Have your parents or teachers ever worried about you drawing dark and apocalyptic characters as a child?

Kekai Kotaki: Not really. They really did love me and support me. It helps out a lot as a child growing up.

Redforward: Do you sometimes find it difficult to balance fine art expression and the down to earth needs of a production?

Kekai Kotaki: Sometimes. The fact that we as professionals have to make such decisions may be lost on the general audience. At some point you need to get the job done and leave the ego at the door.

Redforward: If you could travel in time and choose to work on any project made in the past century, what would it be and why?

Kekai Kotaki: Hmm maybe one of the Final Fantasy games to quite honest. I've always wanted to design a summon. Besides that, maybe the LotR films or maybe something with a dragon in it.