Generally I try to capture concepts and ideas from nature, either real or virtual. If that doesn't work I know that by the minute I lay my head on my pillow all these rush of ideas arrive as a truck without breaks!

  Please give us a brief bio of yourself.

Born in Portugal on the last day of 1978, I have lived most of my childhood in a quiet isolated small farm in the north of Portugal, Penafiel to be more precise. After primary school and early years of secondary school, I picked electronics as the career to pursue in the later years of secondary school. This choice was however only due to the narrow range of areas to choose from.

What I really wanted to do was something that would let me communicate visual creativity. I found the medium through which I can do it four years ago, on my arrival to the UK and with the commencement of a Media Technology degree.

First with Macromedia's Director and later Flash I have, since then, done several Multimedia projects (with the major one going to be launched early June 2002) which can be viewed at Ant's Roots.

Now that I have boarded this fast speeding train that is Multimedia I wish it never stops!

  What do you do for inspiration?

Go to sleep! Generally I try to capture concepts and ideas from nature, either real or virtual. If that doesn't work I know that by the minute I lay my head on my pillow all these rush of ideas arrive as a truck without breaks!

  Please list 3 of your favourite sites.

I'm afraid I can't do that. It would be inequitable to the other couple of thousand!

  What do you regard as being your biggest achievement?

Still to come. I don't feel I have yet accomplished a big achievement just a couple of small ones, which includes Ant's Roots.

  What software couldn't you live without?

I would be lying if I said notepad! The truth is Flash, Director and Photoshop. Ho, and of course Black & White which I would advise to any Multimedia lover. This strategy game has beautiful interactivity and serious A.I. going on.

  What projects do you have in the pipeline?

Multi-User Gaming coming June 2002, you don't want to miss it!

  Who is your target audience?

The target audience would be everyone who enjoys simple and clean content presentation, with intuitive still fun and interactive navigation.

  What did your very first site look like? Is it still online?

My first website was done as part of some HTML and Photoshop coursework. It was hand coded HTML and displays my very first Photoshop graphics (the navigation). The remaining content was extracted from the web. I think it's still online here. http://www.comp.glam.ac.uk/students/acluis/ (no longer online).

  What was the toughest thing you ever did with Flash? How long did you spend on it? Is it still online?

The toughest thing I've ever done (still doing) was my final year project. It incorporates Flash and actionScript, Director with Multi-User Server Lingo and a little of 3D Lingo.

The asynchronous programming was the toughest part of the project mainly because there aren't many resources available. It's almost ready but I am still fighting the “bugs”! Ant's Garden (beta) is going to be launched early June 2002... stay tuned.

  Do you think Flash is here to stay?

Yes I do, without doubt. Well, at least for the next couple of years anyway. Can't wait for the 3D capabilities though

  How have you learned so many Flash/design skills and techniques and can you offer any advice for newbies?

In the early stages of my flash learning, the F1 key would do the magic. Once I knew the basics of flash I acquired most of my skills by exploring open source flash files. Most of them from people and websites listed on the Links section of Ant's Roots.

Of course that previous Director experience has certainly helped. Also, when I got stuck I would post questions in flash dedicated forums. These are great flash resources and would advise any Flash beginner to explore them.

  What type of overcoat do you wear when Flashing, basically are you a labels man?

Pyjamas! Quite often I find myself unable to sleep due to a night raid of ideas! I've got no choice than to rush to the machine and put them into practice. During daylight I generally wear my old blue jeans, T-shirts with some kind of sketch or phrasing and sports shoes. I absolutely hate formal clothes.

  It's been a privilege, Ant, thanks very much.

The privilege is mine. Thank you :)