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Fan Interview: Alicia Tishenko

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Could you tell us something about yourself, where you live, how old are you?

I was originally born in Kiev (Ukraine), and in ’93 moved to New York City with my family. Now I’m 20, and live & work in this capital of the world.

You are big fan of Lisa Simpson. Why do you like her so much?

I think Lisa sets a great example to kids who watch the show. She is witty, smart, outgoing, has great motivation, and happens to be a girl, so someone like me wants to relate to her character. I certainly became a bigger fan of Lisa after I started my web tribute to her.

Are you vegetarian, too?

No. I love meat. But I am much against animal cruelty.

You are webmaster of a Lisa Simpson site on the net. How did you find yourself making your first site?

I wanted to be a webmaster too, when I saw all those awesome Simpsons websites in the early 90s. The responsibility, the respect of peers, the creativity, was all alluring. So when I slowly figured out how everything is put together, I started Little Miss Springfield on Geocites, and from then on it grew. Remeber Simplenet?

Could you tell us how you start creating new design for your site. i.e. Do you have any special methods, like draw everything on paper first?

Before, I have always started working on the website’s design right in an image editor. But lately I have noticed that sketching out the layout on paper first really saves a lot of time, and is more inspirational.

How much time do you give your projects?

I plan out what exactly I want to create or modify, and then it’s all up to the mood that I’m in. I can get pretty excited or pretty lazy. It usually takes me a few days to finish a project. But it also depends on my schedule and how much time I have each day. If it’s something that requires a lot of drawing and programming, then I can stretch it out up to 3 – 4 weeks.

You use Macromedia’s Flash on your site. Is it better method to make webpages?

I find it a better method for my work. Flash is not for everyone, and it certainly takes time to learn it. One can’t just start creating advanced content in Flash even though they might be advanced in Photoshop or a 3D program.

Why do you haven’t add any banners on your site?

I think banner ads bring down the quality of the website. Since they don’t advertise content that is even remotely related to cartoons, they shouldn’t be on my website at all. Something like a Simpsons button or banner exchange is completely different, and I think more webmasters should participate in it. Banner ads became so extensive in the community over past years. Yikes! 1¢ per banner click isn’t worth it.

What do you think about today’s Simpsons sites on the net?

A general website today is much better than it was 3 years ago. The content is more rich in multimedia (pictures, sounds, movies) and there are is a lot more originality (games, contests, news). The community is definitely bigger and stronger, and it has a great effect on webmasters and the choices they make running their website.

Do you have any favorite one?

My favorite websites are Last Exit to Springfield, The Simp. Folder, Simpsons Showcase, Simp. Fanworks Central, and Maggied.com

Is there a Simpsons site you don’t like it so much?

I judge a website on it’s possibility to expand (not just in content, but in design and originality), and if it doesn’t take that chance, it’s a dull website. When it can’t meet it’s own standards, it’s not a website of my choice.

Are there any favourite Simpsons designers?

Those designers that trust and follow their own senses about their work are the ones who I respect most. My top picks are: you Jukka, Aaron Florian, Adam Wolf, and Matty Jorissen. Judging by their websites, the guys really pushed themselves to make an awesome design.

What are design styles you love and hate?

I like a design that is fresh, stimulating/interactive, different, and visually relates to the content of the website. Dull and over-simplified design doesn’t interest me. I wish there was more expermenting done in the community. Slacking off and cutting corners never pays off, and plus you don’t learn anything new and don’t excercise your skills.

MAC or PC?

Not a Mac. It’s a Fujitsu laptop, and it’s certainly not pimpin’ in fancy hardware/memory. But it has a nice display – 14″.

Why?

Portable! I can take it anywhere. And I do, that’s why it’s all scratched up now. And it had such a lovely smooth silver cover before…

What other programs do you use for your work beside Flash?

I use Paint Shop Pro and Illustrator to create designs. To put the pages together, I use Dreamweaver MX. I use very little of Photoshop.

Describe your desktop. What do you see around your computer?

My laptop is located in my bedroom, on a desk.. Sometimes in my bed.. My desk is very clean because I am posessive when it comes to space. I have some Simp. figures, Wacom tablet, CD/RW drive, a green file that stores various papers, and a huge mirror that is right above the desk.

What is your favorite episode on The Simpsons and why?

I have a lot of episodes I favor. I’ll just go by season. Season 5, 7, and 9 are my favorites.

Do you collect Simpsons merchandise?

I like to collect merchandise that I can use. I have a few comics, a few books, I have all CDs, some clothing items, calendar, trivia game, figures… One thing which I really want to get is an autographed Simpsons cell.

How do you see future of The Simpsons?

When there will be no new episodes, we still have an amazing 15+ seasons of The Simpsons, and that’s enough to keep me watching for years to come. I think a lot of networks will show reruns for years…

What other things do you do on your life besides run successful Lisa site?

I’m really interested in graphic design and photography. I want to be an art director in future. Other interests are: ballet, fashion, movies…

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