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 Da-kun (id:Rakugaki321) from the Americas region.
Please tell us about yourself.
Hello, I'm usually known as Rakugaki-Otoko / Raku and some people call me "Da". I live in North America, and I'm in my 20s.
What are your interests or hobbies, and how do you spend your free time?
This might sound like a cliche, but my interests are anime, manga, and videogames.
Please introduce some of your favorite Flipnotes, and tell us why you like them.
★ "King of the Hill" - I really liked making this Flipnote because it let me work out an action sequence, and I got to try out some new things in animation. I also like how stylish it turned out to be, and I was happy to be able to make my own music to put in it.
★ "Ghost Neighbor" - This Flipnote was fun to make simply because I've always wanted to animate someone phasing through a wall.
★ "You're already DEAD." - This Flipnote was inspired by a Japanese anime that I watched. I liked making this one because I've never animated someone flipping into a dramatic pose before, and it was very fun. I studied a lot of anime closely to make it.
★ "Rowdy Punk" - This Flipnote took me a whole day to get right. I actually stayed up until the early morning to finish it, so my voice was kind of raspy when I finally did the recording. I also really like the character designs I came up with.
★ "Untitled" - I'm very happy with how the animation came out in this Flipnote. It was partially inspired by an anime that I like and the look of Ghillie suits (camouflage suits that resemble foliage). I thought it would be fun to see creatures that were personified Ghillie suits with guns for faces.
★ "Does this help?" - I was feeling a little down and so was a friend who lived very far away at the time, so I made this one for her to kind of give a hug through animation. I also think it's a cute concept, and I would want one of those little creatures of my own if they existed. I made the sound effects by scraping a spoon on a bowl and then making a "pop" noise with my mouth.
What techniques or skills are you especially good at in your Flipnotes? And what are some techniques or skills that you wish to improve?
I... don't really know what to say. I've always thought I've been good at things like creating characters, animating, making sounds and others equally. (I don't mean to sound a little pompous though..) Oh well, one thing I'd wish to improve is drawing natural-looking human movement, and creating smooth animation. I am working hard on that.
Please introduce us your favorite artists!
My favorite artist on Hatena would probably have to be tômô (id:tomo_alice) from Japan. Her Flipnotes are amazing and she has very cute character designs!
★ "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland #12" by (id:tomo_alice)
Is there something you would like to say to the Flipnote Hatena community?
What can I say... how about, "Keep trying to better yourselves!" and "Sorry that I haven't been active on Flipnote Hatena! I do come back and read your comments, and I understand that you guys miss me."
Thank you for all for your support!
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!
