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 mrjohn (id:mrjohn) from the Europe and Oceania region.
★ "Bubblegum2" by mrjohn (id:mrjohn)
Please tell us about yourself.
I'm an identical twin who loves cats, and lives in the south west of England.
What are your interests or hobbies, and how do you spend your free time?
As well as making Flipnotes, I like to create and build models. I'm also interested in film special effects. While I'm working I like to listen to audio books.
Please introduce some of your best Flipnotes, and tell us why you like them.
★ "It's a Bouncing Head" - This was the first flip that I made using photos. I also used the Nintendo DSi Camera application's distortion function to achieve the squash and stretch effect. I think it works well as a cycled flip.
★ "Ice-Cream Fountain" - I worked very hard on this flip using mostly the pen and eraser to achieve the smooth fluid movement. I also tried to create the thick gloopy look of ice-cream as opposed to a thinner liquid.
★ "Thin Can" - This was a stop-motion animation I made using the Nintendo DSi Camera application. It was quite quick to make. I had fun squashing the can, but I was very careful with the sharp edges as I was doing this.
★ "Run" - When designing this run I made sure that it would work on the move, as well as on the spot. I hope to use it as a template for future flips.
★ "Spidery Fright Part 1" - I really wanted to animate a character walking through a setting, and the idea grew from there. I also wanted it to look very realistic, so the use of photo heads as sprites was a must.I also liked the idea of creating a television/movie style image using flickering pixels as a Flipnote.
★ "Spidery Fright Part 2" - I had been chatting with a Flipnote friend of mine named Tomutwit (id:tomtit) about using head photos as sprites. He posted some excellent head images, so I used his head for the hero, and his sister's and my own head for the spider's faces.
★ "Photosprite Collab" by Tomutwit (id:tomtit) is the original Flipnote used by mrjohn (id:mrjohn) to create "Spidery Fright Part 2".
What techniques or skills are you especially good at in your Flipnotes?
I think I'm good at creating smooth realistic movement, and I'm good at working with photographs too. I'm happy with my ideas as well.
What are some techniques or skills that you wish to improve, try, or learn to do in order to make your Flipnotes better?
I would like to do more character work and be able to focus on performance. I'd also like to develop my use of sound further.
Please introduce some of your favorite artists on Flipnote Hatena
These are three of my favorite Flipnote Hatena artists and my favorite flips of their's.
Joni (id:hattukatti)
★ "Zoom In" - When Joni explained how he made this flip to me, it increased my Flipnote abilities ten fold.
Simon (id:simon-a)
★ "Accidental Ood" - This was such a clever Dr. Who joke. He's quite the comedy writer.
★ "Busy line" - A jaunty song this one. Katts flips make me feel joyful.
Is there something you would like to say to the Flipnote Hatena community?
I feel very pleased to have a great community of people to be part of, who are so enthusiastic about animation. I think we should reward new flips more than spin offs. Hatena Rocks!
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!
