Welcome to Hatena Featured Artist section of our blog, where we introduce Flipnote creators from around the world.
We post the Hatena Featured Artist every week on Wednesday, and hope to introduce a variety of different artists that will inspire and entertain you.
Be sure to check back here every Wednesday to see some of the most amazing artists on Flipnote Hatena. Maybe we'll even feature you someday!
Today's Hatena Featured Artist is Cooper (id:Giik) from the Americas region.
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Cooper (id:Giik). I am 14 and I live in Southern California.
How do you get ideas for your Flipnotes, and how long does it usually take you to create them?
My home is filled with animated films, cartoons, comic books, and puppets, so it's pretty easy to get inspired around here. I usually take the weekly topic and try to imagine what I would find interesting or funny. I also get inspiration from my family and enjoy making animations for my dad's music on his website.
What hobbies or interests do you have (besides making Flipnotes)?
I am a Nintendo freak. I have a massive Mario and Nintendo collection. I even have animation cells from 80's Mario television shows and commercials. I also write game reviews on my blog. My other interests include reading, collecting Lego sets and sculpting Legos (I recently sculpted a 3 foot tall Mario), and I love to draw.
Who are some of your favorite creators on Flipnote Hatena and why?
I am drawn to creators that are funny and show a good sense of humor. I also appreciate skilled artists who post really detailed animations. A few that I like are: Marshall (id:MT3_luigi), gizmo (id:kingboo7), Jalli (id:mahdioh) and MdM (id:MdMbunny)
Do you have any advice or tips for other Flipnote creators about how they can improve their skills?
Study animators like Chuck Jones, John K, Disney's Nine Old Men and watch all the Pixar films. They are all endlessly inspiring because they are all character driven.
What kind of Flipnotes whould you like to create in the future? Are there any new things you would like to try?
I would like to create a cast of characters that could appear again and again in my Flipnotes. I'd like to have them go on adventures. I would also like to try the sketch style that some creators are using and experiment with the detailed anime styles.
What are some additional features that you would like to have added to Flipnote Studio and/or Flipnote Hatena?
I would like to have the option to make Flipnotes in full color. I would also like to see a feature added that allows people who aren't in the Flipnote Hatena community to comment on animations.
Is there something you would like to say to the Flipnote Hatena community?
Even though I have other animation programs and a drawing tablet, I find Flipnote Studio is always my go-to because it's so easy and fun. Plus my Nintendo DSi is always with me so it's so convenient. So I would like to thank Hatena and Nintendo for this incredible program. I would also like to thank the community. It is so much fun to post an animation at night, wake up and see that people from all over the world have seen it. So thank you to the entire Flipnote Hatena community.
Thanks for checking out the Hatena Featured Artist, and please let us know any feedback that you have in the box below. Also, please be sure to check out Flipnotes by the creator we interviewed here, and show them your support with your stars and comments!
