I'm really an absent minded person because something strange is always in my mind, thinking about my site or some work, or trying to imagine what I see in a vector world.

  Please give us a brief bio of yourself.

I was born in Rome and studied in a science oriented high school and later attended design school. At first I wanted to work in advertising but then I discovered the wonderland of the internet and animated design.

So, with my best friend we decided to try to build our own little company, now called www.Vianet.it. One year ago I moved to Milan and worked as a freelancer, sharing some work and looking for new clients for myself and Vianet.it.

  Please list 3 of your favourite sites.

Too hard to answer....I often have a look at: www.k10k.net, www.newstoday.com and www.shift.jp.org.

  What do you do for inspiration?

I always think and imagine something. I'm really an absent minded person because something strange is always in my mind, thinking about my site or some work, or trying to imagine what I see in a vector world.

  What do you regard as being your biggest achievement?

I think it's the new www.tokidoki.it, it is the thing I am most proud of and worked so much for it. As experience, the final of the Flash Film Festival last year...I was so happy to be in NY and meet so many nice and cool people.

  What software couldn't you live without?

Adobe illustrator is like a part of me!

  What projects do you have in the pipeline?

I'm doing an animation with some cute characters + robots. I'm also designing a couple of pieces for 2 books. One is with Rob from www.designchapel.com. As for work...I'm freelancing now, I'd like to go abroad for a bit, Europe or my dream, Japan (but it seems really hard there!).

  Who do you rate as being the top 3 design companies?

burodestruct, furifuri, brandnewschool.

  What area of web design lacks the most?

Maybe 3D on the web?

  What effect on traffic do your new designs have?

New tokidoki.it started with 9000 visitors per day, was a boom! Now, about 6000-7000. Before it was mostly from design sites, I was linked almost everywhere by the community... now I'm linked really on every kind of site.

I really have to thank (mt) for sponsoring me because the Italian server I had before was pretty bad.

  Who is your target audience?

Any kind ... I have lots of people that like Japan that check my site and write me to congratulate me on my site.

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

It was an animation with some robots..it was for a friend of mine that was dj. It wasn't super super bad and it's not on line anymore...but if it was I'd feel shy to show it! ho!HO!ho!

  Have you written any books, if not do you plan to?

NO... I 'm participating on some books with my works. If I ever do a personal book I would write just a few lines and leave plenty of space to design. I'm not good with words.

  Do you think Flash is here to stay?

Yes.

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

I think I never made something so hard as this version of tokidoki.it...it took a really long time, day and night, working days and holidays.

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

I learned little by little by myself.... just try and try. It needs passion and patience.

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

NO, I'm not a labels man...actually it's almost 7 in the evening and I'm wearing PJ and a sweatshirt! ho!!HO!Ho!

Generally I dress in a simple way, some jeans and t-shirts (plenty relating to Japan). When needed, I put something nice & smart on.

  Any parting shots or pearls of wisdom?

Ha!ha!ha! NO....Maybe...To do a new and good design, you should check not just the web but whatever is happening around you, people faces, toys, places etc Another thing.. Japan is a wonderful country.. don't listen to the stereotypes that people say! (^-^)y

  It's been a privilege, Simone, thank you.

Thanks for everything and your support! Was a pleasure - Simone(^-^)y