Comino

What is your real name?
Hi, my name is Vedran and I'm 21 years old.
Where are you in the world?
I live in the capital of Croatia, Zagreb. It's in south east Europe if anyone doesn't know :D. It's a wonderful country, come for summer holiday, you will surely enjoy it!
What tools do you use to create your emoticons?
I only use ImageReady CS.
What inspires you when making emoticons?
Sometimes my friends have ideas and tell me how it has to look. Sometimes I see some other smileys, so I redo them, and sometimes on the forum there is some conversation and I just get an idea what emoticon would fit in there
Have you any formal training in computer art?
No, I'm completely self taught.
What got you started?
Oh, that's a funny story :D. There was one forum troll on our forum who was getting on our nerves so I came up with an idea of an emoticon especially for him (it's the emoticon called "zacepi").
And the hardest part is?
To make them look so that everyone is satisfied with it. Everybody has an idea how the smiley should look, and I have to compromise to make it just right.
What software did you start with compared to what you use now, and why is it better?
I started with Gif Animator, in the beginining it was satisfying, but as I started to do more complex smiles I had to find another program to use. ImageReady CS is more professional and it has more options and I'm generally satisfied with it.
What do you do 'outside' of the Internet?
I go to college where I study computer design. I go out with my friends, drink and have fun.
What is your view on people that use your emoticons without permission?
We had a few cases of that, but when we warned them they removed them. But, actually I'm happy when I see my smilies outside the forum there were made for, because that means people like them.
Who is your favorite emoticon artist other than yourself?
I like emoticons of my friend Zen Taurus (personal favorite) and Fenix, also gay.hr user. I'm very happy because younger users started to make some great smileys (Avril and Malchik). And of course the one and only Fool, I love his work, and until I read the interview with him on your site I didn't actually know who created all those great smileys!. He is an inspiration for us all :).
What is your most favourite thing in the whole world?
My friends. I don't know what would I do without them. I love you guys. I'll like to say hi to Volldy, SoWhat, Doria, Fox and Zen!
Can you create a special emoticon just for EmotiPad?
I would be happy to create special emoticons for EmotiPad, because I think it's a great program that gives opportunity to all pixel artist to show what they can do.
And finally, do you have any advice for emoticonists' out there?
Keep up the good work and if you are really good sooner or later somebody will notice you.