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 Nico Blue (id:mdn459) from the Americas Region.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Michael and I live in Ohio in the US, and am about to enter high school. I have a younger brother, two older sisters and a pet turtle.
What are your interests or hobbies, and how do you spend your free time?
I LOVE playing the piano and I incorporate my music into most of my Flipnotes. Composing is one of my favorite hobbies. I also love drawing (I literally draw every day) and watching television from time to time. I like playing video games and listening to music.
Please introduce some of your best Flipnotes, and tell us why you like them.
★ "Hair Don't" - This is one of my favorite Flipnotes. I spent a lot of time on the animation and getting the voice acting right. I tried animating more of the stickman's body, and I was very happy with the results.
★ "Pizza!" - This is the first original song Flipnote I posted that became popular. This was made when Flipnotes with short, catchy songs were popular. I decided to make my own, using special effects, and based the lyrics on my favorite food: pizza.
★ "Stickman Diet 2" - This Flipnote showcases a bunch of my characters in a fake advertisement. This means something to me because it was the 200th Flipnote I posted.
★ "Monsters Parody" - I really tried to be dramatic, and also be humorous here. This contains some of my favorite animation techniques to date.
★ "Spelling Blue" - This animation showcases two of my characters, Mr. Stickman and Blue. I had the idea for a while and it turned out pretty well. It took time to animate Mr. Stickman, because I tried to make him seem as crazy as possible.
More Flipnotes by Nico Blue (id:mdn459) chosen by Hatena
★ "Gumball Machine"
★ "I <3 Flipnotes"
What techniques or skills are you especially good at in your Flipnotes?
I believe I do a good job with the music in my Flipnotes. I try to capture the emotions the Flipnote portrays and express it through original compositions. I try to be unique with my piano music, and set myself apart from other creators.
I also love making new and interesting characters and each one has their own personality. As of now, I have 12 original characters, and I hope to create more.
Lastly, I have a several animation techniques that I like to use in my Flipnotes. My favorite thing to animate is the face, as there are so many different possibilities. Also, when I am displaying a character's motion, I use five different frames so that it looks smooth.
What are some techniques or skills that you wish to improve to make your Flipnotes better?
I would like to start making Flipnotes with realistic characters. Also, I want to try making stickfights, but I know that it requires a lot of detail and time. For right now, I think I'll just stick to my current style.
Please introduce some of your favorite artists on Flipnote Hatena and tell us why you like them or their Flipnotes.
★ I really admire the style of やhíL!や (id:StarFilp64).
These following 2 creators both spend a lot of time on their animations and have consistently original ideas:
★ SnowyOwl (id:BurrowingOwl208)
Art by the following creators has inspired the way I make my Flipnotes:
★ BosS (id:Hate) is just amazing!
★ mike ♪ (id:imallama) has a certain weird charm unlike anyone else
Is there something you would like to say to the Flipnote Hatena community?
Please check out my videos on YouTube at the URL below:
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!
