Our forth "Interview With An Emoticonist" in the series. Here Gas 13 tells of what it takes to create smileys.

Gas 13

What is your real name?
My real name is Alexey. Friends call me Lyoha :)
Where are you in the world?
I live in Krasnodar - southwest of Russia.
What tools do you use to create your emoticons?
Eyes (2), hands (2), Photoshop (7) + Image Ready, Gif movie gear (3).
What inspires you when making emoticons?
Well, actually I wasn't emoticonist before. I was a pixel artist and Hotbar just advised me to try to create some emoticons for them. My first attempt was loved (from their words ;)) by everyone there and that was the beginning of my emoticonist career :). So inspiration for many emoticons is the TO DO list from Hotbar. But sometimes when I'm tired from making what I need to do I do what I like. Usually emoticons are best. And usually Hotbar take them too :)
Have you any formal training in computer art?
I'm a management faculty graduated and my main work is web mastering (if this could be said). Computer art is my hobby.
What got you started?
Well if it's about emoticons then it's described above. If it's about computer art... Well... I started in 1997 when there were 3 ways - coding, gfx, music. I just choose what I can do best :)
And the hardest part is?
To show the emotion right. I often look at the mirror now to see the smileys ;)
What software did you start with compared to what you use now, and why is it better?
I'm always using Photoshop. Layers is everything! :) And Gif movie gear 3 or Image Ready (to add something constant to animation by creating it on new layer).
What do you do 'outside' of the Internet?
My work is webmaster/sys.admin. My hobby is basketball - I'm playing for the "Rising" team at our town's basketball league.
What is your view on people that use your smileys without permission?
Well, that's not my problem - Hotbar is looking for using my emoticons without permission :) ,If people use one somewhere then I just know this emoticon's good ;)
Who is your favorite emoticon artist other than yourself?
I really like the animation Fool uses in his smilies. Most of mine are static, so I can appreciate the extra effort he puts forth.
What is your most favourite thing in the whole world?
Dunno. Hard to say. I prefer to keep silence not to sound stupid :)))
Can you create a special emoticon just for EmotiPad?
If there's any special idea... :)
And finally, do you have any advice for emoticonists' out there?
All yellow circle emoticons are done! Choose new color, size and bring it to the world! :)