Elffster

What is your real name?
Thomas Travassos.
Where are you in the world?
The Big state of Texas (South of Houston)
What tools do you use to create your emoticons?
So far have only used MSPaint and Microsoft Gif Animator, I have others, but have not tried then yet.
What inspires you when making emoticons?
It can be anything, something being talked about on the forum, something like a movie, show or another smilie you find interesting and change it to your style and liking.
Have you any formal training in computer art?
Never took any classes.
What got you started?
After getting on the net the first, i really liked what i saw, so decided to give it a try one day, been doing it ever since.
And the hardest part is?
It was the animation, took me 6 months to realize that you had to control each frame, not just the picture.
What software did you start with compared to what you use now, and why is it better?
Not sure which is better, im still using the same products that i first stated with. MS Paint and MGA.
What do you do 'outside' of the Internet?
Work wise, i build and repair video gambling devices or known as 8-liners, love to Jetski, at least 2-3 times a week and a good movie.
What is your view on people that use your smileys without permission?
Right now it doesn't bother me, that's why i created them was for others. At this time, i haven't seen any abuse of use or major wear on my bandwidth, so just going with the flow for now.
Who is your favorite emoticon artist other than yourself?
Fool's House, is work I really like, really didn't have a favorite until i saw is stuff, really impressed me.
What is your most favourite thing in the whole world?
At this point in time, Jetskiing,
Can you create a special emoticon just for EmotiPad?
I sure can, anything ya like, or just whip something up.
And finally, do you have any advice for emoticonists' out there?
Trail and error, trail and error, and practice, practice, practice, then bang, ya got it.