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 mana (id:e29k10) from Japan.
Please tell us about yourself.
Hello everyone, my name is Mana. I'm a mother of two children, and I enjoy making Flipnotes with my kids. Most of my Flipnotes do not have a lot of movement. I try to draw things from my imagination, and in in my own way. When my family has an argument, making Flipnotes together helps us to make up.
What are your interests or hobbies and how do you spend your free time?
Well, I am not sure if I can call it a hobby, but I have been looking after the goldfish my children bought at a local festival this summer. There are 11 of them, and I like to see how they grow little by little every day. I spend a lot of time relaxing at home. I love to visit pet stores and see cute puppies and kittens. Looking at them makes me feel happy.
Please introduce some of your best Flipnotes and tell us why you like them.
★ "Music Box" - This is my favorite Flipnote. The animation isn't very smooth, but I was happy with the sound.
★ "Feeling Cool Air" - I made this Flipnote on a hot summer day. I thought this Flipnote might help me to feel cool. The flow of the curtains and the windchime was difficult to draw.
★ "Bird Letters" - I thought it would be fun if a group of birds could fly in formation and create a message. The birds create the word "Ugomemo", which means "Flipnote" in Japanese.
★ "Longing" - This is about an experience from my youth. I hope the excitement of the little girl comes across well.
★ "I Came to Help..." - I wanted to depict the feeling of not giving up when you fail. This Flipnote was inspired by my daily life. I usually make the same mistakes over and over.
★ "Battle for the Weather" - This is about the weather changing based on a game of rock-paper-scissors. I was in a playful mood when I made it.
★ "I Feel Like I Can Fly" - I started to draw this to practice movement. I want to be able to draw more smoothly.
What techniques or skills are you especially good at in your Flipnotes?
I do not have any original characters in my Flipnotes that reappear and my style differs in each Flipnote I make. I just start drawing my Flipnotes after I come up with an idea.
Almost all of my Flipnotes are based on my experiences, daily life or my family. When I make a Flipnote I always hope that it can make somebody smile.
What are some techniques or skills that you wish to improve in your Flipnotes?
I am not good at at making my drawings move. I really admire creators who are able to create smooth animation. I will continue to practice and do my best. The hardest thing is when my kids tell me they don't like something I made!
Please introduce some of your favorite Flipnote Hatena artists
★ GBH - There are many artists I like, but this is the creator who inspired me to start making Flipnotes. I decided to buy a Nintendo DSi and start making Flipnotes soon after I discovered this creator.
I also like the work by these two creators, who both have amazing creativity:
★ Mu (id:marupy)
★ Yoti (id:yotiyottin)
Is there something you would like to say to the Flipnote Hatena community?
I appreciate everyone who give stars and comments to my Flipnotes, even when they are strange or imperfect.
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!
