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 Takatan (id:takatant) from Japan.
Please introduce yourself.
Hi, my name is Takatan and I live in Aichi prefecture in Japan. I've been a Flipnote user since June, 2010. I am involved in a job where I work with children.
How you get ideas for your Flipnotes, and how long does it usually take you to create them?
I get ideas only when I'm by myself. When I'm alone, I can connect deeply with the feelings in my heart. Feelings such as sadness, happiness, difficulty or things that are hard for me to explain in words become the content of my Flipnotes. It usually takes me about a week to finish one Flipnote. When I'm creating my Flipnotes, I try to add things to them as I go along and usually make a lot of changes and fixes, and attempt to try new things.
What hobbies or interests do you have (besides making Flipnotes)?
I like to collect cards about an animated television series about soccer. I keep buying the cards because I am trying get one with my favorite character, but unfortunately I haven't gotten it yet.
I also enjoy playing video games, and I sometimes play together with children, which is a very good way to communicate with them. In addition I sometimes play soccer, dodge ball or other athletic games together with kids too.
Who are some of your favorite creators on Flipnote Hatena and why?
I'd like to keep that a secret! However, I can say that I like users who make original Flipnotes. I like Flipnotes which make me happy or feel nostalgic, or that move me emotionally or make me think. I also enjoy watching Flipnotes where I can tell how hard the creators have worked on them.
Do you have any advice or tips for other Flipnote creators about how they can improve their skills?
Everything that you feel or experience can help you to create your Flipnotes. I believe unexpected ideas come from even small things that happen in your daily life. It is important to keep trying at everything you do without giving up. I have never studied art or animation, but I work hard and do my best on every single page of my Flipnotes. This is the most important advice that I'd like to share.
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 Flipnotes about my own original stories. I hope that the stories that I create can move people emotionally. Also I would like to make some Flipnotes about my personal experiences or about moments that I do not ever want to forget. If I make these kinds of Flipnotes, I can use them to look back at what I have done and remember the past.
Is there something you would like to say to the Flipnote Hatena community?
I would like thank everyone who has watched my Flipnotes and added me as a favorite. I'm going to continue to make many more Flipnotes to express myself, and I'm looking forward to seeing your great Flipnotes too! Thank you everyone!
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!
