Consept art for new villagers

[Buster Bunny]

I learned that some fans came up with consept art for new villagers which Nintendo used for New Leaf.

There is a similar event being made or someone here tried to come with one?

 

[Captain Crazy Chicken]

For Merengue, Pietro (then called "Colorful"), and Penelope.

 

[Buster Bunny]

For Merengue, Pietro (then called "Colorful"), and Penelope.

Yeah, I know about these.

My question is if someone tried to come with new concept art and if Nintendo is holding a contest for a future game or new characters for Welcome Amiibo.

 

[Buttonsy]

For Merengue, Pietro (then called "Colorful"), and Penelope.

I'm pretty sure Lucha was also from that group of concept art too, right?
Was it fans though? I always thought it was staff members who designed those characters.