About me
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About me
Hello, everybody!
My name is Marcelo, though people call me Marc. Probably because it's shorter and it's more common for English speakers. Feel free to choose the one you like better. :B
I'm just a person who has a crazy mind which has lots of random ideas. I prefer to call this "creativity", anyway. And on this blog/portfolio/website/whatever, I'll submit and share my creations and ideas. It'll be like the folder that has everything on my computer, but this will be available for everybody. So, go check my creations now!
I hope you enjoy my stuff. Hopefully, they'll be useful for something for you. =)
Thanks for reading,
Marc
P.S.: I suck at introducing myself to people, as you may have noticed. D:
Interview
I've had the pleasure to be interviewed by Karen (Synfull), deviantART's Emoticons Gallery Moderator, on a series of interviews she runs called "So i herd u liek interviews??". Many thanks to her, for giving me the opportunity to be her interviewee and for giving me permission to post a copy of it here. If you want, you can also read the original interview on deviantART.
How and when did you get into making emoticons?
I started making emoticons in 2006, after viewing darkmoon's (check her username, I can't remember the numbers XD) gallery. At that time, I was looking for some kind of art that was a mix of animation and pixel art, and emoticons seemed to be the perfect choice. Okay, I know that there are emoticons that aren't pixel art, but whatever.
When you first started making emotes, did you use any tutorials?
I can remember two tutorials, right now: Emote Tutorial and Emoticon Tutorial: bases, and guess what, both written by darkmoon3636. Even though I used both tutorials, on my very first emoticon I tried to make my own shading and animate the way I thought it would look better. But the tutorials helped me a lot.
Are there any particular tutorials you have found/created since that you would like to suggest?
Well, I've written a tutorial about how to improve the look of your emoticons by using transparency. I don't know whether it's really useful, but here we go: Tutorial: Using Transparency. About tutorials I have found, there are too many, and you can find them all on my favorites page. But one I would suggest is: Emote tutorial: Walking.
What methods have you used for shading? Do you have a preference?
When I started making emoticons, the shading was made pixel by pixel, since the tutorial I had seen taught me this way. After a break of one year from dA, in 2008 I decided to use Photoshop, using gradients and some other effects. Now I always use the one I made using Photoshop, because it's way easier to change the color of the emoticon when I feel it's time to use a new one.
Which programs have you used to create your emoticons? Are there any you can suggest?
I have always used a Paint + Ulead Gif Animator 5 combo. Okay, now I use Photoshop, but only for creating the base of the emoticons. For some weird reason, I can't pixel on UGA5, therefore Paint is my best friend every time I have to draw anything. As for suggesting, I don't know. It's all a matter of which softwares you're familiar with. Take a look at the tutorials and spend some time on different programs. Pick the one you think it is the best one, not the one people say is the best.
Do you try to stick to one particular style and technique, or do you prefer to experiment?
It really depends on what kind of emoticon I'm making, but I like to try new effects, sometimes. I just don't think it's nice to try something new every time, because then there will be lots of differences between one emote and another one made by the same person. Improving is good, but changing things too drastically is not, in my opinion.
Are there any particular effects you've found difficult, or have been unable to create?
I hate animating fire. And water. And any kind of element. They move so freely and oddly, that's why I can't remember right now any emoticon from my gallery that features any of them.
Are there any particular qualities that you feel can make an emote stand out from any other?
Making animations flow smoothly is important. My Principles of Animation teacher used to say that timing is everything when you have to animate, and I can't agree more. But, in my opinion, nothing can beat a good, original idea. However, you need to know how to express your idea, otherwise nobody will understand it. Oh, and humor usually works. Original idea + humor is a killer combo, I suppose.
Where do you get your inspiration / ideas from?
Uh, anywhere, I guess. Talking to my friends, playing games, reading books (it doesn't happen too often, though), visiting websites or even when I go to bed and can't sleep. I presume there's no right place to have a good idea. But there's no good idea if you spend all your time doing the same thing, day after day. When you run out of ideas, try something new.
Roughly how long does it take you to go from concept to finished emoticon?
I think almost all emoticonists answer that question with "it depends on the emoticon". Well, they're right! But I usually spend 3-5 hours on animated emoticons that require more than, let's say, 100 frames. However, some are so simple that some minutes are enough, while there are complex ones that need more than 12 hours.
Which are 3 of your favourite emotes from your personal gallery?
Emote Bowl - It's easily my favorite one. This was made in 2006, and this kind of animation, with lots of scenes, wasn't common at those days. Days were spent on this animation, and it's one of the only emoticons from my gallery that I feel really happy with the result.
Don't Poke People - Probably because Zidane is back on this one. Also, it was quite funny to look for all the references, like backgrounds. Nostalgia feelings.
Air Guitar - Uhh... I do this all the time.
Is there a particular emote in your gallery you would you like to see get more attention. If so, why?
Ah, I'm happy with the attention my emotes get. Actually, I've never expected that much attention, to be honest!
Are there any particular emoticonists you would like to see get more exposure?
To name a few, Shicken05, ManiacalMuffin, BurgerBunny and madb0y. There are possibly more, but my memory fails.
How did you come up with your emoticon character?
After submitting Don't Poke People, I wasn't feeling inspired to make another long animation too soon. So, after a conversation with snowmask about her Panda Tiem Calendar, I simply had the idea of making a happy, bouncing emote with a panda balloon. I thought the propeller beanie would add more happiness to him, so I gave him one. Then, after some time, I decided to officialy name him as my OC.
Do you feel like the emoticon gallery has progressed during your time as an emoticonist?
After taking a break from dA and coming back in 2008, I noticed how much it has progressed. Back in 2006, there was no CookiemagiK, no MenInASuitCase, no MixedMilkChOcOlate, as far as I know. Anyway, I feel that animations are slowly getting longer and longer, as a natural evolution of each emoticonist, and the quality is increasing together. However, the more you explore some kind of art, it takes more time to progress more. I wouldn't be surprised if the quality disparity between 2008-2010 will be less noticeable than it was in 2006-2008.
Where would you like to see emotes go in the future?
Perhaps exploring 3D and, why not, sound. Although sounds tend to be annoying when you're not expecting them. Oh, also, it would be great if we could use them offline. Sometimes I want to express a :la: face to my friends, but I lack the acting skills to represent a decent one.
Are there any trends or styles you'd like to see less of in the gallery?
I only wish there were less projects for a time. Sometimes I think there are too many.
Is there any advice you would like to give to new emoticonists?
Lead, not follow. Be original and be yourself, not somebody else. And keep trying. Always. Woot, encouraging words, I guess. Oh, and have fun!
If :flirty: (an emoticon on deviantART) took :B to a beauty salon, what would happen?
:B would say he wanted to be just like B-). Then :flirty: would tell him it wasn't possible, since she had no more parenthesis and hyphens.
Weird FAQ
Not exactly "frequently asked", but still asked.
1. What inspired you to start making emotes?
I started making emoticons in 2006, after viewing darkmoon3636's gallery. At that time, I was looking for some kind of art that was a mix of animation and pixel art, and emoticons seemed to be the perfect choice. Okay, I know that there are emoticons that aren't pixel art, but whatever. (Yes, it's the same thing I answered on my interview.)
2. Why haven't you bought any capybaras?!
I HAVE ONE, JOEL (I guess it's you)! Got it at McDonald's, and it's one of the cutest things on Earth!
3. If guitars could talk, would you keep one as a pet?
ALL GUITARS CAN TALK. They don't say words, but can sing notes. And I consider mine as a pet, but the best part is that there's no need to feed it.
4. HEY MARCELO, WHY DO YOU HIDE YOUR FACE? ;____;
I DON'T WANT TO SCARE YOU, SEBA! D:
5. I wanted to ask you why did you joined this bandwagon but you already answeard it. if you have played Guitar hero 3, did you beat dragonforce - through the fire and flames with out any bots or cheats???
I have it, but I can only finish it on Hard. The intro is too ridiculously hard. But I can beat it on Smash Hits (but not every time).
6. Slightly curious about your name..why a lowercase "p" and uppercase "HX"? Does it stand for something?
I used to be a Pokémon fan. Some day in 2003, I registered in a Pokémon site and, being Ho-oh my favorite Pokémon, I had tried to adopt said username. However, the name had been already taken, then my decision was to keep "Ho-oh" and simply add "pkmn", therefore my user name would be "pkmn Ho-oh".
After some time, I realized it would be much better if I could add my name to my username. Okay, Marc isn't my real name, but it's how people used to call me. However, there are probably thousands (if not millions) of people called Marc in the world and the only solution I could find was to add "pH" (initials for pkmn Ho-oh) after it. And then I thought it would be nice to put an X after it, probably because "phx" is an abbreviation for "phoenix", which is what Ho-oh is.
7. If you had a time machine that you can use for a single time travel only, what would you do with it?
I would sell it for a pretty expensive price. And then keep the money and later buy a teleport machine.
8. how many hours a day do you play guitar hero / rock band / similar stuff?
Not so much. Because I don't play it every day, I believe I play something around 4 hours/week. I'm not as addicted as you guys think I am!
9. Pirates vs. Ninjas. Who would win?
They will both lose. Llamas will take over the world. :D
10. OH LORD MARC-PHX. DO YOU LOVE GUITAR HERO?! :O
Oh mai, I didn't know I was that important! I used to love it more. Now I prefer Rock Band. :D
11. What is the capital of Keybordia?
I have no idea, but I'm sure it's not Guitaria.
12. Do you follow any football (soccer) Leagues? If so, which ones and which is your favorite team?
Besides the Brazilian League, I do follow some. My favorite teams are Barcelona, Internazionale, Liverpool and Bayern München, so I try to follow the leagues of each team mentioned.
13. Do you wear a bra? :B
No, I'm a guy. Just because the first three letters of the country I live in are "bra", it doesn't mean I wear one. >________>
14. I read that Marc isn't your real name. >:V Then what is your real name?
My real name is Marcelo. But Marc is shorter and more common for English speakers, that's why people usually call me by this name.
15. CAN YOU FLY TO THE MOON?!?! D:
I have no wings. And if I had a pair of wings, I wouldn't be able to breathe there. D:
16. IS YOUR FAVORITE GUITARIST ERIC JOHNSON? If so. Who was phone?
1. Yes, he is! He can awesomely play both fast and melodic stuff and still no one knows him, except for playing Cliffs of Dover, which is a GH playable song. I also enjoy listening to stuff of so many other guitarists, but the list would be too long.
2. The dead father. And I think I know who you are.
17. Ok, so if the ninjas and pirates were LLAMAS then who would win?
They will both lose. Mudkips will take over the world. :D
18. Did you get my last question?
I think so, my form is flawless! Anyway, ask it again. You still have time to do so.
19. do you like gumy bears???
It's not something I frequently have, but they're yummy.
20. Whats your favorite video game with out guitar hero, rock band or something similar???
Almost any kind of sports games. Or anything I can play for some minutes and don't have to go through thousand of stages while upgrading my character.
21. HOW OFTEN DO YOU BATHE?!
Once a day, every day. No exception.
22. Do you have a crush on someone right now?
"Follow me, don't follow me. I've got my spine, I've got my orange crush."
23. Cheese. Isn't it awesome? :B
It is! I absolutely love it!
24. Marcelo, show your face please ): i wanna see you :o ... wait! ARE YOU LIKELIKELIKE A SUPERSTAR? is that why you hide ur face????
Who are you? Only Seba calls me by my real name and wants to see my blergh face, but that question doesn't seem to be from her. D:
25. How did you encounter deviantART?
baka00809 told me something about dA and it seemed to be a nice place. But I remember visiting dA some day in 2002 (two years before creating my account).
26. Who's your number one stalker?
YOU. |:
27. Can I ask you whatever you want? Are you sure? If yes to both of those questions, and if you're still sure... How are you today?
Yes and yes. I'm fine, thanks for asking. C:
28. in your life when you Started to Sprite? and Have you had some help?
I have no idea. I remember playing Pokémon Blue and noticing how cool those sprites looked, and because my only drawing tool on computer was PaintBrush, pixelling seemed to be the best option. But I rarely make sprites.
29. Can you name five of your dA best friends?
That question is too cruel. I can't name them, I have so many awesome dA friends. ;~;
30. Can you read my IP address once I press submit?
No. That wouldn't be fair. D:
31. What do you want on your tombstone?
"Sorry, but there's nobody here. This guy is immortal."
32. OH YEAH? IF YOU'RE SO SURE OF WHO I AM, SAY MY NAME.
My crystal ball is broken. D:
33. How long have you been playing guitar?
Almost two years. But I'm lame. I like guitar, but I suck at playing, really. xD
34. Yes, but are the mudkips ninjas or pirates? Or Ninja-pirates?!
Neither. They're water/ground type Pokémon!
35. is psycho cookie really ur number 1 stalker?
Yes, she is.
36. Do you have / use Twitter?
Yes, I do, and I update it sometimes. Check my Twitter account.
37. Você prefere: Ficar 8 meses sem internet ou 8 meses sem sair da internet? :B
Segunda opção, Thiago. :B
38. Can you fly?
I can't, I don't have wings. ;~;
39. Are you aware that if I was evil enough, I could probably code a PHP bot to flood this with questions? :la:
What will you get back by doing that? Why bother wasting your time? Like, I know you probably have something else better to do in your life.
40. You... you did code in protection against that sort of thing, right?
Possibly. Too many evil people on the internet. :B
Keep them coming!
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