Sacrificed many hours and years of no-sleep for self learning of 3d, graphics, art, music, flash, and programming.

  Please give us a brief bio of yourself.

Born in Wroclaw, Poland, family moved to Chicago when I was 3. I come from a family of mechanical/electrical engineers.

I’m interested in architecture, graphics, and music. Went to a lot of rave parties, Studied Electronic Engineering, Sound Engineering, and Computer Science. Sacrificed many hours and years of no-sleep for self learning of 3d, graphics, art, music, flash, and programming.

Worked for a few local shops and freelance gigs locally then moved to California to join forces with 2advanced studios, during that time I started www.HDRImaps.com and continued my knowledge in media. Moved back to Chicago, finished HDRImaps and joined a start up 3d animation studio as Technical Director.

After 6 months decided to finally open my own shop and do business for myself. Currently work remotely for clients on West/East coasts and work freelance on-site at Chicago Agencies.

  What do you do for inspiration?

Photography, Music, Gym, Cooking, Driving. Basically anything that will get me away from the computer. Then I let the ideas sub consciously process in the back of my head.

  Please list 3 of your favorite sites.

www.google.com, www.weather.com, www.newegg.com

  What do you regard as being your biggest achievement?

Being able to do what I do for a living, live well, and grow as an artist.

  What software couldn't you live without?

3dstudio Max and Photoshop

  What projects do you have in the pipeline?

I am working on a project for Arizona Jeans, wrapping up Propel Fitness Water website, update version of Dj John Patterson website, an online 3d Shockwave Battle racer game, working with Pier Interactive on a showcase video, flash work for Gatorade and working with the M5 group on a video which will be displayed in Times Square.

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

Too many to mention.

  Who is your target audience?

Artists, designers, directors, creatives, and potential clients ;)

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

It was called Tribe Systems, blue monochrome colors, and barely any content. Glad it’s no longer up ;)

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

Never wrote a book – never plan to. Not my area of expertise.

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

I had a really hard time merging Flash and Director for a few CD-ROM projects earlier in my career. Burning the midnight oil finding solutions to software bugs.

  Do you think Flash is here to stay?

Yep! With a new version just over the horizon it’s exciting to see how mature the product has evolved, and now with the recent merger of Adobe and Macromedia - good times ahead :)

  What are your views on design/graphic school. Do you think someone can get into the field without educational experience in a school environment?

I never had any formal art school training – but I was extremely interested in creative history, thinkers, and artists so I had to study using my own techniques and schedule.

I think art school is a great investment if you are going into Advertising. Software classes and seminars are CRUCIAL if you don’t want to read a 4000 page software manual.

  When your company was just getting started, what did you find was most effective for getting new clients?

Having a portfolio with diverse forms of media.

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

Books, tutorials, design seminars, online forums. No sleep ;) Less Bars and Clubs on the weekends. And the most important - learning from your mistakes.

  What is the most expensive thing you've bought in the last week?

Another 20” LCD monitor and new wheel and tires for my WRX.

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

I’m more of a T-shirt, shorts, and sandals guy so I’m a walking advertisement for Threadless. Partytime I’ll rock the G-Star Raw and some Diesel.

  Any parting shots or pearls of wisdom?

Travel, experience life, change is essential, grow, learn, and do a ton of traveling!!!

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

Thanks Rob, great to see the new FWA site up !!!