Welcome to the 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 here every week to see some of the most amazing artists on Flipnote Hatena. Maybe we'll even feature you someday!
Today's Hatena Featured Artist is SnowyOwl (id:BurrowingOwl208) from the Americas region.
★ "Different Dreams" by SnowyOwl (id:BurrowingOwl208)
How you get ideas for your Flipnotes, and how long does it usually take you to create them?
Most of the time, an idea will pop into my head suddenly at some point throughout the day. At school, I might be inspired by a funny conversation with a friend or something I notice outside. Other times, I like to focus on topics like love and loss, or things that I hope viewers can relate to from everyday life. Once I have an idea, it can take anywhere from two to seven hours for me to make a full animation, all depending on the nature of the Flipnote (i.e. is it a short comedy or a long, story-focused animation?)
★ "Crazy Clouds!" by SnowyOwl (id:BurrowingOwl208)
What hobbies or interests do you have (besides making Flipnotes)?
I've always loved drawing and doodling, but one of my real passions is writing. I especially enjoy making fantasy stories or using puppets to create adventures with my brother. I also like to read books, play video games, and occasionally play around on the keyboard in our basement.
Who are some of your favorite creators on Flipnote Hatena and why?
I have always loved the animations and musical spectaculars created by fred (id:blankenburg), as well as the stick-figure comedies by gizmo (id:kingboo7). My good Hatena friends Scribbler (id:Scribbler) and Limelight (id:Limelight) also have very funny flips. The great thing about Hatena is that new artists are always appearing, and I've seen so many great creators in my time here that there's no way to list all of them! :)
Do you have any advice or tips for other Flipnote creators about how they can improve their skills?
Ideas for flipnotes can be found all around you. If you take a look outside, think about how you can make a story around each object you see. Can that tiny bug flying about be the star of a grand adventure? Could that tree on the sidewalk come to life and begin talking to the other trees? What I have found is that every person and object has a story to tell, and if you find your own style and brand of originality, you'll be on track to become a great creator. Practice makes perfect!
★ "Celebration Colors" by SnowyOwl (id:BurrowingOwl208)
What kind of Flipnotes would you like to create in the future? Are there any new things you would like to try?
I'd love to try out an adventure-style series that has a deep, emotional story and some action sequences. I'd also be interested in making some interactive flipnotes where the viewer plays a role in how the story turns out.
★ "The Nighttime Switch" by SnowyOwl (id:BurrowingOwl208)
What are some additional features that you would like to have added to Flipnote Studio and/or Flipnote Hatena?
I like the simplicity of Flipnote Studio and the way that anyone can pick up the program and start animating. In the future, some more colors or ways to create layers of sound and animation would be neat and could further expand the imaginations of artists across the world.
★ "Timeless Affection" by SnowyOwl (id:BurrowingOwl208)
Is there something you would like to say to the Flipnote Hatena community?
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for welcoming me into the wonderful, creative world of Flipnote Hatena! My goal since I was a little kid was to share my ideas and drawings with a wide audience, and Hatena is like a dream come true. All of my Hatena friends and friends in real life have been able to see the world of ideas that flows throughout the Flipnote community. I hope to be on this service for a very long time to come!
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!
