How long have you been using Flash?

I've first started using flash when I was about 15 years old, so it's been a good four-five years now. I'm not the best in it, because I'm self-taught, but I've learned so much since my first flash movie (which was a dancing snake...) and I think time is the best teacher. But I really enjoy using flash, or at least enjoy animating, especially in contests or around the internet where people can watch my creations. Since I'm studying Animation at R.I.T., I love to entertain people, and flash is the quickest and easiest way for me to get my message out there.

What was your inspiration for this animation?

When thinking about the topic I wanted to pursue, I thought about many things that I guess you could call my inspiration: time, style, and overall feel. Even though I tried to keep it simple, the simplicity was actually part of what I wanted. Hunger gets down to the very basics, and the active, sketchy lines represent the pure humanity of the topic. It gets to the core of the big picture, I suppose is what I was going for. The music I found, by Kevin MacLeod (he is amazing by the way, I love all his stuff), matched perfectly into the mood I was going for. The song made from simple, repeated human noises. So my inspiration for this piece was not all the frivolities and extravagance of human existence, but rather our naturalistic, base human nature. Does that seem too complex? Haha.

How knowledgeable were you about global issues before this contest?

Before this contest, I was pretty well-versed with some things global. In college, people and teachers are more open to discussing politics and world events, so it's easier to learn and understand what's happening around you. But honestly, I think that I've become more globally aware ever since I entered into this contest back in 2006. Global Solutions made me begin to think more about the world, and opened my eyes to a lot of things. So I give kudos to them! :D

Why is your topic important to you?

Most people who think about world issues immediately think of politics, economy, or environmental problems. But, although those are really important, to me they lack a certain substance and are a bit detached from everyday people. However, hunger is very real. Everyone knows what it is, and everyone can relate. I honestly think that it's better to save another human being that it is to save one single tree, or listen to another filibuster. Human lives are valuable and unique, and people only have one chance to live. Hunger kills so many people everyday, and it's sad that no one seems to really care that much. Personally handing out food to a starving person and seeing the look in their eyes and the smile on their face is perhaps one of the most rewarding experiences anyone can have. People need to learn how to care more, how to help more, and then I think that once everyone understands how to help out their community then that's one step closer to a better world. People need to relate to something in order to join a cause, and people can definitely relate to other people. They just need to learn how to help them.

Did you have any weird, funny, horrible, or in some other way memorable moments during the making of your submission for this contest?

Well, since I was pressed for time, I spent three days straight trying to get this done. My roommates on the other hand had plenty of time since their finals were over, so they enjoyed torturing me with the constant smell of popcorn and "suggestions" to make my flash even better. One of my roommates thought the message would be better expressed to everyone if the story consisted entirely of lobsters or alien crabs or something along those lines. And I actually considered it.

Anything else you'd like for your viewers to know (random thoughts, last words, promotion for your website or upcoming projects, etc)?

I want to thank Global Solutions personally for helping me gain confidence in my art. You are part of the reason I'm doing what I'm doing today, why I'm studying animation and trying to make others smile. If it wasn't for your contest before, I don't know where I'd be. And if it weren't for this contest now... well, I'm just happy to have participated. You've encouraged me to be an even better artist and pursue my dreams while showing that I can also get my word into the world at the same time. Thank you for all the opportunities you've given me!