@burastar - @Aalasteir (Q) - Index

Q: How would you describe your life

 would say I have a comfortable, routinary life nothing crazy. I have a software engineering job at day which gives me financial security to persue my personal creative jobs, which is right now videogames right now and other side projects. I try to exercise regularly too, to take care of both the body and mind. I don't know if it's just me but days where you don't get physical activity you usually tend to have less creative power. I would say sometimes it's hard to balance this after-work time with social activities though, I get stuck in the flow and time passes too fast.

Q: What are your goals in life? And why do you think you have those specific goals?

One of my main goals in life is creating a game that leaves a big impact. Kind of ambitious, I know, but it's truly what got me into programming as a career and it's always on my mind. I don't think the games I am developing right now are what will achieve this goal, but I think they give me experience to get closer to that goal. As for why, I am not really sure. I like making people smile and improve their days. Life outside can be a little tiring and anxiety inducing so if I can make someone's day atleast 1% better I am happy. I think videogames are great ways to achieve that. I am really inspired by small crew dev teams that achieve this goal through persistence (ZUN, "Pixel" Amaya, Toby Fox, Eric Barone, and many others). I am really fortunate that this goal is more realistic nowadays with sites such as Newgrounds to collab with others, game engines being more accesible than ever, and a great amount of resources to learn programming, art, and music composition.

Q: The story of your username: burastar

I used to go by Blaster for the greater part of my Internet history, not really a story behind this one I just thought kid version of me though it sounded cool. For a short period of time in my peak Sonic fan edgy kid phase it was BlasterTheDarknnes (spelled wrong). This "rebrand" was actually just recently. I am a huge fan of Final Fantasy XIV, and needed to come up with a name for my character. For those that don't know, in this game you need to create a nickname with first name and last name unlike other MMOs. So I tried to do a bad Katakana translation of "Blaster" for this game: "Bura Star". It was kind of a joke at first but the name stuck to me so I renamed all of my socials to this and think I am know stuck with it lol.

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

I've been a lurker in NG for a LONG time (Unsurprising if you go back previously where I mentioned that I was a edgy sonic fanboy). I had an account but it was lost some time ago. I don't think I posted that much anyways. What made me re-join and actually start posting this year is mostly that I tired of other social media plagued with bots and weird algorithms. You can't even open a Twitter post to see comments without seeing 10+ bot posting unrelated content. I still use other socials, but find myself nowadays prioritizng Newgrounds to be honest. While I haven't been that long posting seriously here, I've loved it. I really feel NG's scoring system and communtiy are great as an artist. I really admire the work of the NG crew for keeping this website alive for almost 30 years. I wish I've started posting earlier.

Q: What makes a good Internet user from your perspective, what are the qualities you like to see in online creators?

I Iike online creators that share their method of work, things that they've learned and explaining the hardships they have endured. I feel like that transparency makes you connect with others as well as being open to talk and responding to comments. I guess this should be obvious but also users that are open minded and respectful of others, willing to collaborate and help others rather than insulting and being belittling.

Q: How would you define a video game?

That's a hard one haha. I guess I would say videogames are a portal wherethat users/players can create their own adventures inside a defined imaginary world. Videogames combine music, visual arts, writing, and programming to create a unique experience. 

Q: What do you like about GDC, Sakurai's channel, game development documentaries, etc, and what would be some specific videos you would recommend?

I like learning about the team behind the games and what lead to design decisions. There are a lot of real people involved behind curtains and everyone has their own unique story. It's fascinating to me learning how people are able to create big games such as MMO's or simulate real life physics like in Tears of the Kingdom.

I recommend watching this FFXIV documentary even if you don't play the game. The story behind the team and how the game was rebuilt is fascinating https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs0yQKI7Yw4

This one is more technical. It's rare that Nintendo hosts a GDC talk but they are always good. I recommend this recent one that they did for Tears of the Kingdom's physics engine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-dPDsLTrTE

Q: What makes a good game from your perspective?

Videogames should be a blend of challenging, creative, and immersive. I feel like they should make the player really want to sink all their time into the game, and have constant rewards for doing so. A game should have the perfect balance of challenge so that it's fun to learn and master, but not too hard that it feels like you are wasting your time. A game should also be immersive by creating graphics that can look good even years after and with memorable music.  

Q: How would you describe your experience of creating an EarthBound mock-up in Unity?

It was kind of tiring haha. As I mentioned, this was done in a very bad laptop so I couldn't run it properly myself which is why the video is very bad quality. The original plan was not to remake the whole world I wasn't that ambitious but I did want to cover the first part of the game (Onett pretty much) sort of like a proof of concept. While the battle engine was mostly done I figured I would rather use my time to work on original stuff, and there are other remake works that achieve it better than my take. As for the development itself, it was really hard and I was rushing it since I wanted to get it done and uploaded before I went out for a long vacation outside of my country. So I was basically time crunching myself. The main thing I wanted to showcase is a 2.5HD style that Octopath Traveler popularized. At the time this style wasn't used that much and I thought it looked awesome. Nowadays I feel like it's a bit overused. While I feel like it could've been WAY better with more time, I am proud of the battle system and am glad a lot of viewers liked it too. 

Q: Why do you like drinking alcohol?

I think it relaxes my body. I really disliked the taste some years ago. But I guess it's a taste that gets better the older you get. I feel relaxed when I am with friends while drinking. It's about 90% social drinking though, although recently it's also nice to drink while watching something or doing creative work by myself. I am kind of picky with beer though, I very much prefer dark beers stouts than regular light beer. If you are like me and never really liked the taste of beer but would like to try I suggest trying different kinds and flavors, there is a huge amount.

Q: How to describe your experiences with concerts and music festivals?

I started going with friends some years ago and really liked it! Usually I go for specific bands that I like, but the cool thing about festivals is you discover new bands. It's kind of tiring to be standing and walking around in the sun all day, but it's fun. It's a guilty pleasure activity though, since it can be expensive. It may sound obvious but listening to a band played live is way way better than you expect. I am not a huge fan of Imagine Dragons but I watched them live some months ago and was surprised how good it was.

Q: What is the food that you like?

Everything with cheese is good to me. Italian good is the first thing that come to mind: spaghuetti, pizza, lasagna. Also like japanese food.

Q: Why do you strongly believe you are allergic to bananas?

I feel like I am allergic because most of the time I eat bananas I get a weird itch on my throat. I never thought about it or thought it was unrelated until someone mentioned to me this is a symptom. Even if I am, I don't think it's that big of a deal I would still eat bananas despite them causing me itches. I like bananas.

- llama story

When I was around 10 years old I remember going to a school trip to the zoo and a llama following me inside his closed area. It was strafing around and thought it was playing so I ran along. Turns out it was probably actually mad and spat on my chest/neck area. Fun fact: llamas spit is probably one of the worst smells you can think of and it stays for several hours. That's the story.

Q: How to describe the event has impacted you?

Other than the horrible smell and others laughing at me, I guess I also felt betrayed by the llama. I thought we were playing together and turns out it was actually hostile...

Q: What are the bands that you like?

Weird combination of genres:

Gorillas / Blur (Damon Albarn fan)

Radiohead

TWICE

Anamanaguchi

Enjambre

Q: What have you learned about yourself creating art?

I tend to spend a lot of time on details that I think most people won't even notice. This causes me to spend hours and hours on my work. Recently I've tried to tone this down so I can get work much faster, and found out limiting yourself like this is more enjoyable. After spending years trying to learn something and just abandoning it, I've found that for me to stick with doing something is to challenge myself on making small projects and releasing them to the public. Starting small, but every project adding an extra challenge. For example, for Blender doing a character with simple shapes. Then a new project where you try adding textures, after that trying shaders, after that new project where you add animation, and so on. Main point is sticking with it and working on something everyday.

Q: Your advice for life

This is cliche I know but I recommend pursuing what you are passionate about. I spent years not learning piano because I thought I never would be good enough and that I was too old for it. Last year I decided to start self-learning and while way way far from my goals I've loved it and it's really satisfying to see your progress. Try things that you are passionate about, a step closer everyday, without compromising your financial stability. Simultaneously, be sure to take breaks. While it's great to have ambitions, it's also important to step back and enjoy life with friends and family nowadays. Be sure to exercise and take care of And be kind to others!

@Myceli0m - @Aalasteir (Q) - Index

Q: What do you like about creating art?

The creative liberty of drawing anything that i can think of, horror concepts, fanart etc.

So many opportunities to grab at, yet so many artists are too afraid.

Q: What does it mean to be an artist?

Rough question, but to be an artist, you'd have to examine an artist that you find inspirational.

Say like, I find Ken Currie's art to be horrifying yet fascinating. Makes you really wonder how someone can make the human body or face look ghostly or unnatural.

Q: What do you like about the horror genre?

For one you can experiment with ideas that you can come up with, psychological horror especially is my favourite.

Main example of that is The Shining, the sheer mindfuckery in the movie is just a chef's kiss.

And I find John Carpenters The Thing movie to be a masterpiece of his work, not because of the practical effects, but because it feels.... I dont know how to describe it. Genuine? Like you feel like you're actually IN the movie.

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

Friday night funkin unfortunately, although i wish i wouldve discovered ng via "The visitor" game, gorey but a classic!

Q: Do you feel scared when you see thin, shadowy figures while getting a drink at 2 a.m.? Why do you think your mind might be playing tricks on you? Have you had other experiences like that?

First of all, WOW WHAT A FUNNY JOKE HAHA! no i dont get scared cause i know its my brain being funky.

Secondly, no joke today i woke up with an auditory hallucination of that one ringtone that android has, the one that sounds pleasant during the morning, but terrifying during the night, and i heard the ring tone like if it was playing in my headphones.

And thirdly, I dont think so? Sure i heard my name being called even though noone said my name but other than that, nothing really happens, it's a rare occasion.

Q: Why are people on the Internet?

Well if you ask me, alot of people are on the internet because its easier to connect with people and share art, music, and whatever creative stuff they share, and share their interests.

Q: What music do you like?

Hmmm... Its random persé, sometimes i like to listen to classical music, sometimes pop or rap, but videogame music too.

Q: Your advice for creating art

Dont be hesitant to try out new things ok? Cause if you dont get out of your comfort zone you will never know your full potential. But at the same time i do have a warning, dont do any suggestive or adult artwork when you're a minor cause thats going to backfire on you so hard you're going to live to regret it to the grave, you will not only be hated, but also that will be used against you whenever you're arguing with someone online.

Q: The story of your username: Myceli0m?

"what if i just named myself myceli0m"

What makes something cool?

Uniqueness, or anything 90's for me. But for the majority of people, something that is cool is purely subjective, like hell i believe people find like i dont know, a crocodile with sunglasses on a skateboard, or a big chunky black bear with some shades on cool or whatever.

@Gelert - @Aalasteir (Q) - Index

Q: How has art influenced your life? Have you always drawn traditionally?

1- Well, I've been drawing pretty much my whole life and it has always been a hobby that I can return to at any point regardless of how much time has passed. But for the most part I don't really draw much nor does it have much relevance to my day-to-day life outside of the internet, so for me it's just "a thing that I enjoy doing" and not much else. I really do enjoy it though!

As for the traditional part: I think most if not all of us start drawing on 'traditional' mediums; we've all picked a pen and made some doodles on our notebooks in school, so in that sense I think 99% of artists start in a "traditional" way. It is the jump to digital that has to be made *after* having the interest spark from traditional, and it's a step I have yet to take.

Q: Why do you think you watch YouTube on a daily basis? What do you think about YouTube?

2- It's not really uncommon for people to watch YouTube on the daily (or any other form of entertainment) nowadays, and I don't think it's a bad thing necessarily (although it heavily depends on what type of content you watch and how much). As for the reason why, I'm not really knowledgeable enough to give you a better answer other than "that's just how it is for me".

And as for my thoughts on YouTube...I don't really have much, honestly. Conceptually? One of the best things we have today; As a platform? It's great! (although it has been getting a bit worse over the years); As a company? Haven't heard the best of things. But overall YouTube encapsulates so much nowadays that we'd have to be talking about a specific topic within YT for me to (maybe) have a substancial opinion.

Q: What are some music? And what is it specifically you like about Vocaloid?

3- What I like about Vocaloid is how much it represents the sense of community. Miku as a whole is just a product, a design with a name and nothing else, but the fact that she has become the icon that she is today is thanks to people that do art and songs revolving around her. Nothing is official, and for that, everything is.

Vocaloid is fanon at its maximum expression, it's the "Everything, by everyone" motto taken to heart, united by the same love for the virtual diva that each and every single fan shares. And I find that to be an amazing thing.

I also just really like the music for how it sounds, of course. There's literal hundreds of bangers out there, and you always have more to discover! Unfortunately I can't really go into detail for that in here, since 1.- It's quite difficult to talk about particular recommendations for the 'genre' (which isn't a genre to begin with), and 2.- The character limit doesn't allow me to xD

Q: What are the long text you like to practice your English skills?

4- So, I often mention that "I like to practice my English skills" as a joke because I find it funny, but in reality I just like writing unnecessarily lengthy texts. And not even creative or literary ones, but rather inconsequential stuff like comments on posts and discord chats. And oftentimes you can cut like 60% of what I say and it still delivers the same amount of information (case in point: this interview). As much as it pains me to admit...I have the heart of a Redditor.

Also, fun fact!: I had to cut and resume a LOT of things that I wrote down for this interview; the first time I managed to barely stay below the limit, but the second time I wanted to make sure NG didn't deleted it again, so I played it even safer xD

Q: How did you discover the NG community and why did you join?

5- In a timeline: I had always known of Newgrounds ever since I discovered the internet, but I only thought of it as "that old forum website with edgy people on it...and porn" so I never bothered looking into it further.

I got interested in creating an account for myself around the release of Week 2 of FnF, since I loved both the game and the community that was forming at the time (emphasis on 'at the time').

After that I kept on exploring the site for more interesting games and cool art. I tried uploading my own drawings a couple of times, but I always ended up deleting them out of shame. That was until I participated on the 2021 Secret Santa event, which made me actually want to try and be part of the community. Granted, I haven't been as active as I'd like to be, but hey, I'm still here and plan on staying for longer!

Q: The story of how you created the "OC Plaza" post on the Art Forum, what are your conflicting feelings on the thread?

6- To keep it "short": The idea for the thread was born shortly after doing my second "Art Trades/Requests" post on the forums (which is now deleted BTW, but the first one is still public). I saw that a lot of people, both after and before me, were doing similar threads asking for characters to draw, so I thought "why not make a big thread that is public for everyone? That way people like me don't have to be making new threads constantly and the forum isn't as crammed with them!" (I didn't really mind them, but most of them where pretty similar if not identical to one another. They were quite common, too).

The "conflicting feeling" part comes from the fact that, when creating the thread, I had the self-imposed idea of making a drawing for every single person that left their character in (seems excesive, I know, but it didn't seem that big of a task at the time). This, however, proved to be quite difficult even from the beginning, making me struggle to even finish one drawing, and as time went on I felt even more daunted by the idea of sharing anything on my own thread. It made me feel like a fraud.

Nowadays that feeling still hasn't fully gone away, but it's vastly overshadowed by the positive feeling that I get everytime I open my notifications and see people interacting with the thread. Seriously, the fact that it has kept active for YEARS makes me very happy, and I'm truly grateful for all the artists that have posted on it.

Q: Why do people create OCs?

7- For a multitude of reasons, honestly. Some for telling stories, others for the pure sake of designing, and some for having the freedom to draw characters however and whenever they want. At the end of the day though, I believe that OC's are both a result and a tool for creative expression, regardless of how they are created.

Q: Your advice for being part of the community

8- As I mentioned before, I haven't really been doing the best job at "being part of the community" myself. But, for what it's worth: My advice would be to loosen up more, and realize that this isn't Twitter, or any other social media site for that matter. Newgrounds is made not from the site itself but the people that are in it, so post what you *really* want to post without much worry.

Q: Your art advice

9- My advice would be to try and truly understand your artistic process: What your strengths and weaknesses are, and most importantly, to know what you enjoy doing the most. Some artists like doing lineart the most, others coloring, others rendering, and similarly you could have a preference over fanart, environments, etc.; Try to understand what really makes you enjoy your process and make it your strength.

Stepping out of your comfort zone is important as well, of course (you can't really improve without doing so), but understanding what that zone is for you is also important so you can expand it as much as you can.

Q: What does it mean to be Mexican for you?

10- Literally speaking: To be from Mexico. In a more emotional, personal sense: ...to be from Mexico.

In all honesty, while I do love living here, I'm not really that patriotic about it, so...yeah. I do love my country though! (Most of it, anyways xD)

@MMFan2004 - @Aalasteir (Q) - Index

Q: How would you describe your life?

Just some random four-eyed South-East Asian wasted too much looking at other stuff on the internet, before taking a break once you went too far.

Q: How did cooking and baking become some of your favorite activities?

I'm already explained that in the last question. But in a highly abridged recap, I got interested in cooking mostly through watching a few cooking shows on tv, and my mom,. Later as I get older, I watched many of YouTube videos relating to cooking.

Q: What do you like about Binging with Babish?

The best thing about Binging with Babish is that their videos are about making interesting and great recreations of food from famous TV shows, movies, and video games. My favourite one has to be their recreation of foods from Regular Show and Spongebob Squarepants. Or that because I enjoyed those shows when I was a kid and somewhat still is through watching clips of it on YouTube.

Q: What do you think about YouTube?

Good Website with many great videos made by creators that I admired for over the years. Despite has become corporate for over the years, is still one of my go-to websites for finding some neat entertainment beside Newgrounds.

Q: What makes a piece of media good?

If it's entertaining and compelling, that's good.

Q: What was it like playing Club Penguin in 2013?

Well, just a typical membership paywall and such. The first event I held on Club Penguin that I can recall was Operation Hot-Sauce.

Q: How did you get interested in creating art and animations?

I started drawing when I was a child, obviously. But I never took it very seriously until I was 17 years old. Before that, I drew poorly made drawings of crossovers of my favourite cartoons and video games in 2014. By the late 2010s, I mostly posting on DeviantArt like a drawing of Polandballs and a bunch crappy meme edits. But in 2020, I am mostly done using DeviantArt and move on to other sites like Instagram and later here, on Newgrounds. The same goes for my interest in animation.

Q: Why did you join NG?

The reason I tried to find some purpose in life. And that purpose is to make Flash animation for people to enjoy, while also contributing more to the community. Another reason is pretty obvious, either the end of life for Flash that makes me want to play old Flash games from my childhood, or the rising popularity of Friday Night Funkin' in early 2021 when many of Newgrounds animations like Madness Combat and Pico's School got recommended to me on YouTube. And that point, I was hooked and mostly spent my time watching other Newgrounds-related animations from creators like JAZZA, AAron-Long, and JoelG.

Q: Your advice for becoming a better version of yourself

The best advice I could give is to enjoy what you have made and try to accomplish something in your lifetime whether it's big or small, while minimizing the regrets that you have made in the past and the ones that you could have made in the future.

That's all I have to say. Thank you for the interview, Aalesteir.

@earshot - @Aalasteir (Q) - Index

Q: How would you describe living from your perspective?

Q1; If you're asking me on how I'm living I can't complain but in terms of life as a whole I would describe living as a sort of dog eat dog world where there are a lot of people that are only out for themselves and nobody really cares about anybody in the world we live in but that's just the way things have always been and will continue to be long after you or I are buried in the ground. I'm not saying there aren't any good people out in the world because there are but just like lucifer they can fall too. I hope I'm not sounding edgy but if I am it can't be helped. we live a lonely existence.

Q: The story of your username: earshot

Q2: The name is after a band I like to listen to but if there is any deeper meaning it's the range or distance over which one can hear or be heard.

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

Q3: I discovered Newgrounds after watching KaptainKristian video about the website on youtube back in 2017.

I joined because it seemed like more fun over here than any other website i've been on over the years; twitter is for losers, instagram is for morons, youtube is for assholes, reddit is for the feebles, facebook is for old people, patreon is for panhandlers and any other website don't even deserve a mention but Newgrounds is for people to have the freedom to express themselves to show off their talents and ability to create while having fun.

Q: Why do you like to draw?

Q4: I like to draw because it's like a form of meditation and gives me peace in a chaotic world even if I do suck at it.

Q: What do you like about comic books and manga?

Q5: "i think you can do anything with comics that you can do in just about any art form." - Harvey Pekar which is what I 100% agree with and like about comics and manga.

Q: What makes a good movie? And what makes a movie bad in your opinion?

Q6: A good movie is a good story one with heart and soul just watch any Quentin Tarantino movie you can tell he loves what does but there's also technical aspects like weather the script is well written or well directed and well acted. A bad movie is one without these qualities like Steven Seagal's movies.

Q: What does it mean to be a real geek?

Q7: To be knowledgeable in something you're interested in whether it be music or programming.

Q: What is your opinion and what do you think about making graffiti? Why do you think people were confused by your thread Bone Headz

Q8: graffiti is a unique art form that's not for everyone and I think at the time when I made the thread "bone headz" I was hoping to see if there were any other graffiti writers on the site which to no avail. looking back at the thread I cringe because I was such a toy at the time.

Q: What is your opinion of the Newgrounds community?

Q9: The Newgrounds community is pretty chill I'd say very welcoming to all walks of life even if some people can be dicks. sometimes I'll see people ask in the forums about how to get more followers or how they can get front paged to which I say if you're only doing art for clout and money than you're doing it for the wrong reasons you should be making art for yourself and not for others who really gives a shit if you're front paged or not or having the most followers it shouldn't determine your value as a artist or as a person a lot people care about this sort of stuff but I think it's just stupid. To me the only positives you get out of art is clarity like "oh that drawing came out nice" or "I can draw hands better than I did a month ago" progression and trying to get better at whatever it is that you do.

Q: Why were you called the "Magician" in high school?

Q10: Because I could make problems disappear. I'm just joking nobody called me that I wish they did though it would've been cool.

Q: Your advice for surviving life

Q11: No matter what happens in life you keep moving forward.

Q: What’s the story behind the time you were eating in your car outside a fast food joint, enjoying the day, when a drunk homeless woman suddenly dropped her pants and started defecating right beside your vehicle? How do you think that experience has changed your outlook?

Q12: i don't know if it changed my outlook but it definitely changed my appetite at the time.

Q: What have you learned about yourself creating art?

Q13: I am impatient and lazy but stubborn and uniquely devoted to my own beliefs.

@Magnus727 - @Aalasteir (Q) - Index

Q: The story of your username: Magnus727

Firstly, my real name is Magnus. My usual username, Magnus77, was already taken so I had to change it – by adding a 2 to it.

If you want to go deeper, I got the 77 way back in 2012 or so when playing World of Warcraft as level 77 in that game unlocked many possibilities back then. As for the 2, I like 727 as a prime number and I frequently woke up at 7:27 some ten years ago. Me being awake at 7:27 is rare nowadays but it’s status as a special time has survived — alongside the similar-looking 17:27 (5:27 PM).

Q: How did you discover the NG website?

By complete accident. It is a long rabbit hole but I will sum it up. I signed up for an achievement tracker for Steam known as AStats in 2017. When that site went down for several weeks on 1 May 2021, I looked for alternatives and found a site named Metagamerscore early on 2 May 2021. On this site I added my Kongregate account for achievement tracking and noticed another web-based platform besides it: Newgrounds!

I did knew Newgrounds existed from my 18 months of almost daily Kongregate badge collection (10 July 2019 to 10 January 2021) but never thought Newgrounds had achievements. At that point I was not one trying new things and nobody on Kongregate confirmed the existence of achievements on Newgrounds. But Newgrounds being included on an achievement site like Metagamerscore confirmed it so I signed up on 2 May 2021 around 10:15 local time, getting my first medal at approximately 10:20 in Chessformer.

Q: What made you decide to join the community?

I joined purely for the achievements. In 2021 I was still very shy so I kept to myself but as I saw the way Kongregate handled the Flash end of life in 2020 (essentially shutting down in all but name), I was very happy to see that this site had survived Flash. The community was still here, games were still being made, achievements still being created etc.

Q: Do you feel differently about the site now compared to when you first joined?

When I joined in 2021, I felt like having missed out on 12 years of Newgrounds medals. Yet now, after 3 years, I am ranked 27th with over 415,000 points. Even though the above is still technically true, I no longer feel like having missed out.

Q: How did you get interested in grounding for achievements?

My interest in achievements began around 2015 and was complete by 2017 where I got a Steam achievement on every single calendar day. It was partly by interest (achievements being goals to reach) and partly by a friend already playing for achievements. It was well established when I signed up here.

Q: What do you think makes a game good?

If it is something serious, that the developer(s) put effort into it — preferably without too many weird references. Size doesn't matter though, a one minute experience can also be good in it’s own right. I can play anything from a game made in one hour to a huge game like World of Warcraft (not that I am equally skilled at them all though).

Q: What is it like living in Denmark?

As Denmark is located 55-56 degrees north, the summers aren’t too hot (at least compared to summer vacations in Italy). The winter nights are quite long, with the sun setting as early as 15:35 (3:35 PM) here. Coming home from school in December, it was pretty much dark already. Sometimes we get snow and even long icicles almost reaching the ground!

As I have Asperger’s/autism (and thus can’t handle many people at once) I would say I am lucky to be here in Denmark – being able to start at a special school at the age of five and a half. Since 29 June 2018, after fifteen years of school, I have been at home. I am an outsider, other people generally make me uncomfortable and I had zero motivation for school etc. anymore. But what sealed it was a depression beginning on 15 October 2018. This is an even longer rabbit hole what I won’t bother you with. Essentially, I had a childhood crush from school for nine years but she ended up with someone else. While devastating for the first three years, by 2022 it was largely countered by playing games. But still, the depression made everything way worse and me leaving the house is thus a rare occurrence — not that I mind it, with the real world seeming pointless to me and my faith in it shattered. Because of these factors, going beyond this about life in Denmark is impossible for me.

Q: Your experiences with the Internet

Very good. Due to mentioned real life difficulties, I feel way more at home on the internet – especially here and on Metagamerscore — where all my problems just disappear. Newgrounds have my thanks as a place to escape to. For this reason I celebrate 2 May like a second birthday.

While we all still have to look out for scams, phishing, trolls etc., sites such as Newgrounds proves that the internet also have good people.

Q: What is your perspective on the value and role of reviews for creative works?

An essential part of it (at least for the games). We as players can point out glitches that the developer(s) might have overlooked. Assuming the reviews are constructive (i.e not 0 star insults), it can often help the developers/creators going forward. Also broken medals might be fixed instead of them being taken down by moderators.

Q: What have you learned about yourself getting achievements?

Most of all that I am patient. I can play for hours – repeating the same stuff over and over — for just one medal if I am 100% sure of getting it eventually. For instance my 29 February medal HERE (the goal is to play 10,000 times).

Q: What are the elements to make an achievement satisfying?

If we are talking about obtaining them then the best ones are those that you just barely can obtain with your skill (or patience) level. Too easy, it is forgettable. Too hard, it is just annoying. One such medal from this year is “Super Pig”.

I also like nicely made icons and medal ID numbers. Recently I found and completed a whole game to get the medal with ID 55555.

Q: What are some food that you like?

I am a vegetarian and picky eater so I prefer it very simple. For instance pasta, McDonald’s fries and fruits/berries. That includes homegrown strawberries, blueberries and apples every summer/autumn, occasionally carrots too. Not to mention all the sweet stuff (chocolate, ice cream, cakes etc.).

@Simoes1000 - @Aalasteir (Q) - Index

Q: What did you think about the Internet?

The internet is an amazing place, you can find everything you need. But if you're not careful, it can ruin your mental and emotional health.

Q: How did you start creating art and animations?

I started drawing at school, for school activities. But it was during pademia that I started drawing more often. I started making

 animations last year, for my YouTube channel.

 What inspired me was the cartoons that were on TV, especially from channels like Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. What also inspired me were the classic cartoons, especially those from the 90's.

Q: Your advice for creating art and animation?

If you want to make good quality art and animations, practice a lot, because this will help your skills evolve over time.

Q: Why did you join Newground?

At first, I only wanted to watch adult content, but I stopped because I knew it wasn't good for me. But when I saw that series like Santina and Eddsworld were there, I started to get interested in Newgrounds. I started making art around April and posted animations in May, and when I participated in Picles' collab, I became interested in participating in collabs, both art and animations.

Q: What do you think about the Newground community?

I've never seen more creative and talented artists than ever before. Newgrounds is the best website I've come across.

Q: Your advice for using the Internet

Don't just go to any website, you could catch a virus.

@MaxonClakson - @Aalasteir (Q) - Index

Q: Your opinions of Internet?

A1: I really love the internet! Hell I'd love nothing more than to merge my mind the the digital matrix but despite that i feel that the internet has become too gentrified, too clean, too soft, too corporate.. I preferred the internet of old. That Raw untamed infinite web filled with bizarre content, ugly websites and the low quality unknown... I feel that's how the internet should have stayed. A world for the people instead of the polished corporate arm that it's become... Full of it's algorithms and millions upon millions of clones of whatever slop is popular at the time... But i still enjoy the old crevices left by time. The cozy feeling is divine!

Q: The story of your username: MaxonClakson

A2: MaxonClarkson was actually my former friend who used to help with projects... I never asked him why he chose that name. But once he disappeared i took control over the account and kept the name. My name is Actually PurgeAutomaZero which is written on anything I've made.

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

A3: Now my memory is usually pretty scrambled eggs, fuzzy dreams and distorted memories mixed together... But if i recall me and my old associates thought it would be a good place to share our work... At the time this was a Game called Sewerside. But once i got there i fell for it's old web appeal and raw internet presence. It felt like it was a perfect place for me to belong!

Q: What do you like about art, 3D animation? And why do you like action?

A4: Well ever since i was a little meat sack i enjoyed creating interesting and weird world and arts, I enjoyed machines, monsters and all strange things... And i still do, probably differently to how i did then. And action always appealed to me! The fast overwhelming pace! The grand destruction! Such joyus! I also have quite a enjoyment of the blood and guts aesthetic. As for 3D work... I obviously started as a 2D artist as anyone does... But recently i moved towards 3D... As it seemed easier for someone of my skillset and is far more dynamic than basic 2D pictures. Each day i grow more powerful in 3D. It's amazing.

Q: What are the stories you would like to create for your games?

A5: As i always have! I have a penchant for more adult themes... Things that are definitely missing in the adult animation scene! But i adore the dystopian scene... My world would be one full of cyborgs and biomachines... Meat fused with metal... But not just for nothing! Each little detail is planned... Or at least considered... And the connection between characters is of most importance... A single boring character can destroy a grand Odyssey. Each must be formed well... With hates, desires, goals, strengths, weaknesses and so on. It is vital.

Q: What makes a good tutorial, and what other tutorials would you recommend?

A6: Well a good Tutorial must be informative! And on topic... Not too fast... Not too slow... And simple! I've never been one to obsess over tutorials and I'll usual work out my own way... But that's what I'd say are the most important parts of a tutorial.

Q: How did you get awarded for best dancer in high school two years in a row?

A7: By dancing very well... Dancing until i almost died. The second year the sole of my shoes disintegrated... This is no joke... They were destroyed. I suppose that's what i get for wearing 3 dollar shoes. I feel many people are too shy to show their true selves... Scared to be disgusting. But it is the disgusting and ugly i enjoy most. Embrace it and you'll feel true freedom.

Q: Is the community on the site good?

A8: From the small amount of interaction I've had... Yes, The community is very kind and loving. I enjoy their presence and it's an Oasis in a harsh and hostile world. Hopefully after this, I'll get to interact with more outstanding specimens on the site! I'd be gleeful to meet them all!

Q: What makes a story good? How do you define depth and complexity in stories? What are interesting characters, and what makes them interesting? Your advice for storytellers

A9/10: Great Stories need to remember three things... 3D characters.... Characters that are not flat but have lives... Characters that exist and could exist outside of the story... It's the characters that carry a story... And how they interact with others and the world around them like a real life would. Secondly, Theme... Make the rules of your word... And never break these rules... Bend them.. yes.. but break them never... Stories with broken rules are uninteresting. Remember what world you have made... Remember what characters can do and how they can do it... Making big changes to the world to fit the story is horrid. The story should always fit around the characters and the world. And Thirdly... Balance. A story needs to be interesting... If you put some action to a slow scene you will entrance the audience... But piling action upon action will make it less notable. This example can be used for anything in the story. But if you go the route for shock.... Remember each time it happens it must be different... Monotony will cause disinterest... Remember each time to move forward to outdo your former self. More action than before, more gore, more shock, more disgust! And the main think to remember is to break the rules of others to make your own. Don't be afraid to make something abstract... Shocking... Disgusting... Or jarring. It's the ugliest of art that holds the truest beauty! But only if it has passion too it. Abstract art made without soul is mere slop and the viewers will know slop from beauty. And well that's all i have to say.

@S3C - @Aalasteir (Q) - Index

Q: Describe your life?

Don't have much of one. I wrote at the dawn of this decade that the 2010s were a lost decade.. Well we are nearing halfway point of the 2020s and I guess I was in for a rude awakening. Not because of COVID or any traumatic events ( there are a few moderate ones and several minor ones that build up like Chinese water torture) but in the sense that most creative pursuits have become a chore for me and I've been on the same uneventful routine for the past five years. I work a lot because I enjoy my job but partially because I don't have much better to do. I'm kinda old, single, no kids and all my good friends don't live on this continent. I essentially live in a boarding house with minimal interaction with my roommates and I try to be there little as possible. Family is hours away. I don't do anything interesting on the weekends. I think most people in my shoes would lose their minds, but I'm not trying to portray this as too much of a woe is me pity party. I've adopted a philosophy of all I need is good health and everything else is a bonus.

Q: What do you think about yourself, and why do you believe you think the way you do?

An uncomfortable question. The notion of 'one has to love thyself' makes me cringe. I'm an indifferent vessel in this f*cked up world. So my thoughts about myself: I'm neutral. I think this way due to chemical interactions and past experiences, just like everyone else. I've grown further apart in wavelength with my family as I've grown older, and I think that plays a big part in that.

To end this question on a positive note though, I'll pat myself for being above average or at least satisfactory enough in the departments of creativity, dedication, and humor. That's my belief based on experience. I hope people find my poasts at least as funny as I do. If I didn't find them funny myself I wouldn't post them.

Q: What are activities and subjects you like, although you rarely talk about?

I can give you several more interesting topics: but the honest most answer is basketball. Namely NBA basketball. I'm pretty much an encyclopedia. Most of my friends are not interested in sports though. And there's probably better things we can talk about. Thing is this interest doesn't suit me at all, I'm a small unathletic dude that rocks a desk job. I'm pretty bad at it although I guess I was okay in my youth. I was team manager for a basketball team once and I was so out of place physically and personality wise.

Q: What are some obscure facts about you?

I don't think I have enough clout to warrant possession of obscure facts. I guess I'll say what comes to mind at the moment. I'm a sensitive guy who cares about what other people think. Not so much what they think about me or from an ego point of view, but that I don't intend hard feelings and want to help people reach their desired destinations. If I've rubbed someone the wrong way or people have questions feel free to stop by my page or shoot a PM. I fancy myself as an educator- and I think largely the education system as I've experienced is backwards. I understand people have different learning styles. But it seems the whole fire-hose lecture for an hour and students rush to take notes is not the optimal use of both the pupil and instructor's time. The pupil can read a powerpoint on their own, don't need to see a professional for that. What I find more valuable is coming to a session to share what they've learned, prepare good questions to pose to the instructor and fostering group discussion. I'm big on probing people with guiding questions and exercises. I'm big on people thinking of brainstorming questions they can ask me or in general. I push people to look at things a little more philosophically. It does take a little more effort, introspection, and doing the 'reading' part of homework in earnest- and some don't like that, which I get. I have on my NewGrounds profile 'Bureaucrat / Wannabe NG Motivational Speaker' which is stated for humor's sake- bureaucrat is entirely ironic but the motivational speaker part really isn't. I'm autotelic in most things I do.

Q: What are some misconceptions you feel people have about the BSS?

I've never really thought about that. I guess one misconception that may be common regards the now locked politics forum. While I agree this place is better off sealed...despite all the heated discussions there, I imagine the regulars would kick it with each other hours and pop some beers together or something, conflicting viewpoints and all.

Q: How did you get interested in basketball? Is it primarily NBA? And why? What was your experience being a team manager for the basketball team, and why did you feel out of place physically and personality-wise?

I was very young and I think it was my first real interest. Basketball is a fast paced high scoring team game that arguably requires the most finesse out of the major sports. I always wanted to be a professional basketball player more than anything but reality started to fade as I entered puberty. I still maintain my fantasies and head cannons though. It's primarily the NBA because that's the premier league and where I started following. I'm interested in the WNBA and international leagues too though. The basketball manager role was a good experience. We had one of the worst records but it was still fun to cheer them on and help with video/stats/practices. As I mentioned I'm a small unathletic guy- basketball players tend to be tall and toned. There's a certain personality that athletes carry, not necessarily a more macho or confident quality, it's hard to describe. It's different than engineering and artsy types. So I felt out of place but we all got along of course.

Q: How do you feel the Internet has impacted your life?

You might as well ask me how air or water has impacted my life...

Not in the sense that the internet is an essential need, but that it has become ubiquitous. I might as well be a cyborg in a digital fantasy at this point.

So: the internet is great, it has everything, which is equally awesome, overwhelming, and despondent. I am not saying things were better, but I miss the days of going to a book store or the magazine section to find the cheat codes for a video game, sending physical letters, going to the library for a book, renting a video or being surprised what would come on next on the radio or television. You had to work harder for things, and there were more specialized roles and skills because everything wasn't instantly available. Largely, it was easier to find self-worth in the world. I kind of feel bad for those that haven't experienced a society that isn't intertwined with the internet...I think AI's going to bring the same kind of paradigm shift in a few years. It'll bring us to new exciting new places, but will force a lot of traditional and wholesome activities into obsolescence.    

Q: The story of your profile picture

It's a character from the movie Encanto. Can't remember his name. I've had some variant of this profile picture for over two years now. I guess I chose it because I want to impart some goofy brown uncle type energy on the BBS.

Q: What are the biggest mental health struggles for men from your perspective, and how do you think they could overcome them?

That's way to broad of question for me to respectfully and empathetically answer so I won't postulate anything unless we narrow down the domain here. Out of the mental health struggles I have, none of them really are unique to being a male. People are people, I like having a penis and balls but I don't really think about traditional general roles or feel beholden to be 'macho' or a 'provider' or 'stoic'. If I did, I probably wouldn't be dodging this question.   

Q: Have you always been a sensitive person who cares about what others think?

I don't think so. I've grown more sensitive with age and am a little more careful when I post. This also means apologizing more if I feel I have crossed the line.

Q: Why do you see yourself as an educator?

I think my answer in the starter questions covers this. But I've always enjoyed teaching and watching people grow. I think it gives me an excuse to spread my philosophies. As someone who isn't particularly smart, I think this gives the footing to empathize well with people of diverse learning styles. It's a discovery to find out where an individual's hangups lie, and it's fun to watch people struggle- not being sadistic here, it's just their brain lifting weights. Moreover being able to describe a subject to others enriches our own understanding of the subject. So if I like playing guitar for example, of course I'm gonna be happy to impart any wisdom to others and learn more about guitar myself along the way. 

Q: Why is the bureaucrat part entirely ironic, but the motivational speaker part is not?

In jest, I have had self-deprecating titles in my blurb for a while now. Previous one was talentless hack or something. I dislike bureaucracy because I believe it constipates productivity, hampers creativity, discourages thinking outside of the box, and limits people who want to work the extra mile or bend the rules a bit from getting stuff done. As for the motivational speaker part, don't you find that one would declaring to be a motivational speaker on a Pennsylvanian animation website kinda silly? It's one of the things I'm equally sincere and silly about and as time has moved I more and more like the ring to it.

Q: Why do you think the politics forum is better off sealed? Why do you imagine the regulars would hang out and share some beers together while discussing conflicting viewpoints?

Probably because it was attracting drama at an inappropriate place (NewGrounds is site for making good content, not gossiping. Gossip is largely what those that discuss 'politics' do). Tom & staff have better things to focus on. Since general and politics was closed it seems like the other forums related to NewGrounds domain matter are more lively and active, but maybe that's just me. And it's not like we can't socialize in the 'lounge' topics, the supporter party, or userpages. If you want to make a difference in people's lives or meaningfully discuss political policy, go to a local town meeting or volunteer or something. Change starts from the ground up, not by arguing about what goes on in Washington on an internet forum. 

And I meant the politics regulars would share beers DESPITE having conflicting views, not that they would discuss such controversial matters over alcohol. I'd hope not!

Q: Your experience with making music

if I was an artist I'd paint, if I was a writer I'd rate, but I'm a musician by heart so I made music to reach the almighty...

I guess this Miles Davis quote sums it up nicely:

If I can’t hear my tone, I can’t play. If I can’t play, then I won’t get paid. If I don’t get paid, then I lose the house, you know?

It’s like a chain reaction. If I lose my tone, I can’t fuck, can’t make love, can’t do nothin’. I’ll just walk into the ocean and die, if I lose my tone.

Q: Your advice for life

Everyone has a scientific, athletic, spiritual, and poetic side, we all need to continually nourish these facets of our being. Be consistent with our hobbies. We should aim to compress the window where we are growing old to die, live an inconsequential existence, to spend our last moments hypnotized by daytime TV. Don't be afraid to be audacious and adventurous. Treat everything with sincerity, cherish each moment for within a moment it will all be gone. We all have different circumstances and talents, but one thing that each individual can guarantee and doesn't cost resources is honesty and hard work.

@jinglejamjenkins - @Aalasteir (Q) - Index

Q: How would you describe your life? What is it like being in the rocky mountains? How do you feel about being 88, you must have seen a lot of changes

A: My life? Oh god it's been a living hell! I'm not from the rocky mountains, I'm not from anywhere! It's a huge issue! So much baggage. Mom and dad met in the navy, grew up on opposite sides of the states, tossed me back and forth and, both of 'em went nuts! Mom went through all the drugs to fix her brain and it turned her into a vegetable. Dad drank himself to death, he died less then a week ago! I'm 34, and I'm gettin' the heck outta this town after I sell this house and I don't know where I'm goin'!

Eh, It's not all been bad. I've lived many experiences and have the brain to appreciate 'em.

Q: Why did you have the occupation of loser?

A: I didn't choose this life. It chose me. I'm the chosen one.

Q: How to describe your experiences with World of Warcraft? And how did you decide on playing it in MS paint?

A: oh! ya gotta look good, and ya gotta play good. ya gotta-ya gotta, ya gotta get all the things and push the buttons right. MS paint is good for figuring that out.

Q: How did you discover and why did you join NG?

A: I think a friend turned me onto it. This is my favorite website. Flash games back in the day and 'naughty' animations. I really like it nowadays more then I did back in the day. I LOVE ART! Sooo many artists.

Q: The origin of your name: jinglejamjenkins

A: impromptu alliteration. "YOU NEED A USER NAME!"

Q: What do you like about art? What makes interesting art in your opinion?

A: ooo, that's a big one. . . Fantasy. Mostly. I mean, something can be abstract and still be good. Invoking thought and emotion...or , some such. I dunno, if it makes my brain tingle , I like it. I like brain tingles.

Q: What is good music?

A: most of the music I like has "relistenability". So it can't be blunt with its message, it needs to be abstract. Like , vague or metaphorical. When it comes to lyrics at least. I like allot of songs without lyrics. Something cool to play while I'm kicking ass in a video game! Dancing! Gets ya groovin'! *snaps fingers* bum-bum-bum-bum-bum. FEEL THE BEAT! or like...hmm... similar to art, ya know, emotions and thoughts and w/e. brain tingles

Q: Why do you like to sing?

A: Holy wah, umm... It's satisfying. Primordial. Progression of self. It's a fun challenge. Soothing. Therapeutic. The vibrations make me feel good.

Q: What are your experiences with swimming?

A: I'm a water baby! I can float! So I can swim endlessly! Much like singing, it's in my DNA. I am myself. I like me.

Oh! I tried swimming across the Colorado river once in the middle of the night naked. I turned back, then I got laid!

Q: What is Freedom of motion? What do you like about it?

A: I love dreamin'. Nothin' holdin' ya back except the limits of your mind.

Q: Why do you do funny voices and talk to your Kitty? What voices do you do?

A: kitty is a bit dim, but she's still kitty. A living creature much as I, full of emotions and thoughts. I talk to her. We talk. She says "meow" and then I say something, then I say something (usually multiple times). She understands some words but some get lost... The sounds, she hears the sounds. I'm just letting her know she's loved.

Q: How did you learn to do the Cardassian neck trick?

A: I was a little kid just messin' around with muhself. You flex your mouth then you get the flaps kinda like a lizard or somethin'.

Q: How would you describe the BBS! And no not the Brazilian Butt Slap. Bulletin Board System.

A: buhhh, again, havn't looked at it. Hmmm... *another google search* oh, so, the forums! Uh, I ...post in the supporter party occasionally to interact with uh my fellow newgrounders. Much like the kitty saying "meow" she says, "I am here" and then I say "I am also here, we are here together"

Q: Your advice for being happy

A: yeah! Do the thing!

Okay, what did I win?