Meet the creator of Richmond's new troublemaker

With a first name inspired by a celestial event, it's no wonder that a young artist is about to make an impact on Richmond.

Earthstar Jai Smith's parents named their son after a meteorite that slammed into the beach near Westhaven, a small town in Northern California.

"I got the name because a meteorite hit the beach on the morning my mom went into labour with me," says the 28-year-old freelance artist who earned a degree in animation at Emily Carr University of Art and Design. "Since I'm an artist I think that people see that it kinda fits."

Smith is the talent behind a brand new, recurring colouring contest debuting in today's (April 3) edition of the Richmond News.

But it's not just any old crayons on paper feature that will be running over the coming weeks.

"It will be a different colouring page, every time starring a Richmond raccoon," Smith said.

"Each issue will have a contest for colouring the page. But the first week we are also going to have a contest to name the raccoon."

Smith adds the raccoon is a lovable trouble-maker, a mischievous rascal who will be delving into some pointed issues in the city.

"And we are going to follow this raccoon with each edition centering around Richmond issues as it gets up to some sneaky hijinks," Smith said.

"The goal is to have something that kids can engage with in context and create a continuing story."

As youngsters follow the series, Smith hopes they are also inspired to take up art themselves.

"That would be a great offshoot, for sure," he said.

"I know that for myself, colouring book pages, comic books, and line drawings definitely inspired me when I was a kid. It made me try to make my art more precise, better, and generally improve my craft."

Smith said he thinks the colouring contest will also encourage youngsters to create their own storylines and develop the art to accompany it.

"It, perhaps, will expand their creative side."

It's a route he followed at an early age.

"Since I was about four-years-old, I knew I was going to be an artist," Smith said.

"I was pretty much always one to draw and paint. It was clear to my parents that was what I wanted to do."