@Taka - @Aalasteir (Q)

Q: How are you doing?

This moment I'm doing pretty good I've been having some lower points as of recent but I'm working on it :3

Q: How did you discover Newgrounds, and why did you join?

I discovered newgrounds back in 2021 for the same reason a bunch of other people did and that's Friday night funkin *skullemoji*

After hearing about ng from there I decided to post pixel art not thinking it would go anywhere but hey, it did.

Q: The origin of your name: Taka

It's a pretty funny story actually lol. So I actually got the name about maybe a year before newgrounds. I was in a discord groupchat with 2 friends and I was trying to say "I'ma takea shower" but I accidentally typed "I'ma taka" and sent it. When my friend saw that message he jokingly told me to change my name to that and I did. I thought it sounded cool so I kept it

Q: How did you get interested in creating art?

For as long as I remember I loved to draw. Nothing good because y'know, small child but I enjoyed doing it. I started drawing pixel art after I messed around in a pixel art site "piskel". I always enjoyed that medium and went with that a lot.

Q: How do you get interested in creating music?

I honestly think for the newgrounds side of music I just wanted to mess around and try and make good sounding loops but they honestly kinda sucked lol. As of now I am interested in creating new music in a completely different way but that's for another day.

Q: How did you get interested in creating games?

As a kid I messed around in this website (scratch) which was a block coding website and I learned how to use it there. When I came to ng I realized I could post these games and after that I made some games for events and such and I had a lot of fun doing it.

Q: How do you feel about General and Politics being shut down?

At the time general shut down there was a lot of drama going on, it really sucked and I even took a break to cope with it. When Tom announced that General was being shut down everyone was sad and/or understanding. I was that exactly. Ill miss it forever but it was for the best at the time. I honestly think it wouldn't be the worst idea to open it again now that everything settled.

Q: What are your experiences with the BBS?

I joined the BBS after some drama happened. Basically someone did something bad and I didn't know what actually happened so I defended him. Turns out that person did something really bad and when screenshots were posted in general I made a statement about how I didn't know what happened. It was a mess.

After that I explored general and decided to use it more and more often.

I used to do “guess the newgrounder” threads people played and they had to guess what newgrounder I was talking about from 2 pictures.

I met a lot of people I'm still friends with today from the newgrounds BBS including my girlfriend @cerealgutz I love her so much. Whoever is reading this follow her NOW.

Q: Your advice on mental health

No matter how insignificant you think your mental health state is or how good you think your situation is, you deserve the help too. I've been struggling with my mental health because I never really said much and I bottled it up and it really got to me. I have a very good situation right now and I don't really have much trauma compared to other people in my life but still my mental health matters and people will be willing to help you. You're never alone, there will be someone there for you, there will be days that are better. I promise things will get better eventually just don't bottle yourself up and don't think your mental health

matters any less then any other person.

Q: What was it like meeting other NG members at The Too Many Games Meetup? And what was your overall experience at the meetup?

Oh it was amazing. Meeting a bunch of my favorite creators and friends IRL is probably one of the best things I've ever experienced. It was so cool meeting everyone and interacting and seeing how others would interact. It was so cool having people recognize ME!! It's so nice to see how people care about me digitally and tangibly 

Q: What advice do you have for attending meetups?

Good hygiene but that's a given. If you're an artist I would bring a sketchbook. People are more than willing to sketch something and it cool how you have that. Id also take lots of pictures (make sure whoever you're talking pictures with is ok with it). And also if you see if one of your favorite creators or friends are there, maybe make them something to give, it will definitely put a smile on their face. Other then that just be kind and respectful and don't be afraid to talk to anyone or do things with people!

Q: From your perspective, what do you feel the Newgrounds community is all about?

I feel like the newgrounds community is probably one of if not the best community. It's all about coming together to do anything creative wether it be collabs, commenting on posts, or just talking. You'll always find a friend on newgrounds. Newgrounds is like 4chan but not evil if you get what I'm saying lol.

Q: What traits and habits you think make a good Newgrounder? And why?

That's a really good question. I think the newgrounder's that stand out are the ones that can bring everyone together. If a newgrounder can bring a group or even the whole site together do do something awesome. Not everyone can do that tho and thats completely cool. If you're friendly and welcoming you'll do just fine. 

Q: If the BBS should have a slogan what should the slogan be?

Uhhhhhhhh 

Rest in peace lol

I'm really not sure actually

Thank you for this opportunity btw :3