Aiwan

What is your real name?
I'm 33. My name is Ivan Ivanovich .
Where are you in the world?
I live in Russia, the small town in the northern part of the country. It's always cold down here, and the streets are full with drunken bears. Just kidding =)
What tools do you use to create your smileys?
I use alot of programs including Adobe Photoshop 8.0, IrfanView, Ulead GIF Animator 5.0.5 and GIF Movie Gear 4.0. The main tool that I use is Ulead GIF Animator 5.0.5, Email Extractor. With that program I design the main part of the Smileys, animate them and basically do 90 if not a 100 percent of the whole smiley. What inspires you when making emoticons?
Everything that surrounds us is pretty interesting. So I mostly use the world itself as my greatest inspiration, as well as tv programs and movies.
Have you any formal training in computer art?
No. I don't have any formal training in that field, however I do have a bachelor's degree in computer science.
What got you started?
Ah, this is no brainer. I have set up a forum using Invision Power Board and installed two skins - dark and light. When I've used the dark one, the standard emoticons were not working properly, so I have decided to fix that... :)
And the hardest part is?
The hardest? Hmm... I'd say inability to bring a fresh idea to life. Sometimes I come up with something interesting, and I struggle with the emoticon for a long time. There are many reasons for this. So the idea is always on my mind and I won't have any peace until I'll find out a way to make it a reality. :)
What software did you start with compared to what you use now, and why is it better?
I have tried quite alot of different programs. I probably won't be able to name them right now but overall I've been through from 8 to 10 different tools. My latest choice is Ulead GIF Animator 5.0.5. I can't describe all the advantages to it in such a short interview =) However, trust me, the software is just a basic tool like a pencil or a brush. The Email Extractor Software is not the most important thing for an emoticonist.
What do you do 'outside' of the Internet?
I have a family, my wife and my son. I'm a fireman. Currently my family is the most important thing for me outside of the internet.
What is your view on people that use your emoticons without permission?
I believe that every emoticon that I create, once it gets out in the internet, gets its own freedom and fate. No matter how ridiculous that might sound. I don't mind anyone using them as long as they are used for non-profit reasons. So far I haven't denied anyone the permission to use them.
Who is your favorite emoticon artist other than yourself?
I don't think you will be surprised with my choice, it's definetly Fool. I know him a little bit and our conversations were both useful and enjoyable. I believe that Fool is the best emoticon artist that has ever lived.
What is your most favourite thing in the whole world?
The favourite thing to do - wrestle with my son on the couch. Being a dad is great! So the most favourite thing in the whole world for me is my family.
Can you create a special emoticon just for EmotiPad?
I have spend a lot of time making emoticons upon requests, so I can state that most of them turn out to be decent, however lacking something special. Why? Because the best emoticons are created by this feeling that doesn't let me sleep. Are you sure you'd like such soulless emoticon? :) sure can, anything ya like, or just whip something up.
And finally, do you have any advice for emoticonists' out there?
Of course I do! Work, work and work. Something is not turning out right? Redo it, then work, work and work even more on it.