Ezekiel Flores
www.code77.com

Tell us a little bit about your background?
I am a man-made creature who has an obsession with graphic design and digital abstract art stimulates my mind and soul. I fell in love with design at an early age. But I didn't take it seriously until I challenged myself to construct better designs that what was out there. I enjoy listening to house and dance music, watching sci-fi and horror movies, and playing video games. I am Filipino and Sagittarius with brown eyes.

Where are you from?
I was born in the Philippines and spent the first eleven years of my life in the city named Manila. After eleven years of difficulties, my family and I moved to Korea briefly, then to the United States to start over and have a better life and future. Currently, I reside in Alameda, California. Not to far away from the major cities, such as San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose.

Design education:
The highest level of education I have currently is a certification in Visual Communication with emphasis in Multimedia. However, I am in the process of obtaining a Bachelor's of Fine Arts Degree in Graphic Design. Hopefully, I can obtain the degree within two years. Because it seems that I have been in school for a long period of time. In addition, to my college education, I have read numerous design books and taught myself how to use various design applications, such as Adobe Photoshop and Macromedia Flash just to name a few. Some of my knowledge comes from previous hands-on experience.

How long have you been the New Media Director at Dystrick Design?
I have been employed with dystrick design since September 2003. As a New Media Director, one of my main responsibilities is to oversee and approve motion graphics and animations. Recently, I have switched from a part-time to a contractor employee because I feel more comfortable working as a freelancer and I absolutely need to accomplish my short-term goal, which is acquiring my B.F.A Degree in Graphic Design. Also, I would like to add that dystrick design has some of the most creative people I have worked with.

What do you see in the future for Flash and other Macromedia products?
I predict that in a near future Macromedia Flash would incorporate 3D application tools and program, similar to those popular software such as Discreet 3D Studio Max or Corel Bryce. Rather than Macromedia Flash as just a vector-based animation program and tool for creating rich content across desktops and devices.

How important is actionscript knowledge for the flash designer?
In my opinion, as a designer not a developer, basic ActionScript is extremely important even though you are only creating a simple web site, presentation, or module utilizing Macromedia Flash. Without basic ActionScript, such as putting a Stop() function on your layer or using incorrect operators, your flash piece will not work properly. In my experience, I have never had a project that did not require a single basic ActionScript.

How do you find working with clients as opposed to personal work?
In my opinion, working with clients is more restrictive and demanding as opposed to personal work. One of my common issues when dealing with clients is making them understand which design works better than the other. For instance, sometimes clients choose my least favorite design, however there is not much I can do after presenting strengths and weaknesses on each design concept or preliminary ideas because as the saying goes "the customer is always right." On the other hand, personal work has no restrictions and I can exercise my creativity without a limit.

Have you ever worked with someone who personally inspired you, if so who and why?
Yes. A few of my fellow colleagues who are in the graphic design program have inspired me in small ways. Each individual has his or her own unique style and manner of thinking. Those unique qualities allowed me to look at art and design in a different, new way. This permits me to keep an open mind and explore new possibilities.

What's your favorite video game (not PC) of all time?
I used to be a hard-core video gamer when I was younger. Apparently, I did not have an all time favorite game. But recently, I started picking it up again because it's my alternate way to eliminate designers block instead of smoking a cigarette. I have been playing Halo and Counter-Strike for XBOX often. If I had to choose one of these addictive and time-consuming distractions as my favorite, the winner would be Halo. Cannot wait for Halo 2 to come out soon.

With broadband a household necessity for all Internet users do you still think it's important to cater to those who still use dial-up and 56k?
Yes. Because it is important to remember that not everyone has a broadband connection. Some viewers who utilize dial-up or 56k will not wait for a website that takes a while to load. Therefore potential of losing business or services from these viewers may occur. Some Internet surfers cannot afford the monthly cost and some Internet Service Providers do not have the capability of providing sufficient coverage.

How would you describe an overused flash site?
An overused flash site to me would be one in which there is too much animation with no concept behind it as well as a lack of design principles.

Do you prefer technologically advanced sites or sites with simple but good design?
I have no preferences. However, good design should be used in any case. Remember that as designers, we sell design, not pretty pictures or technology.

PDC: I totally agree.

What inspires you?
Most of my inspirations come from nature and digital abstract art. Some of are from watching sci-fi movies, visiting a local art museum and looking at abstract paintings, staying up really late and listening to house/techno/dance music while working on a project, and browsing through design magazines, such as HOW and PRINT.

What are your bad personal and design habits?
Well, I don't know if everyone would agree but smoking cigarettes and drinking beer often (not an alcoholic) are my personal bad habits.

Design styles you dislike:
Individuals who are trying to be designers with no sense and knowledge of basic design principles and elements, typography, color theory, and so forth. Nowadays, people just design to produce eye candy and lack strong concept. Here is something to keep in mind, remember if you do NOT have ideas or concept all you have is style. Having style without concept and not understanding form and content will limit your creativity. That’s some great advice man.

We are seeing a lot of video in flash these days, will you be incorporating video into your flash pieces anytime soon?
No. Notanytime soon. Due to my hectic schedule with work and school.

Do you have any new projects coming up that you can tell us about?
Most of my projects are non-disclosure. However, I usually post the ones that are not non-disclosure on my news/updates section.

Favorite quote:
1) Study the history of art and design; knowing the past makes a creative future.
2) Believe those who are seeking the truth; doubt those who find it.
3) Poor is the pupil who does not surpass his master. -Da Vinci.

Final comments:
Never give up and have confidence in yourself. If fate does not adjust yourself to you, adjust yourself to fate. Lastly, I would like to thank you for this interview. It was a pleasure.

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