I first read through almost all of the Action Script reference books on the market. After understanding what is technologically possible, I began to understand how it can be put to practical use.

Please give us a brief bio of yourself.

Akira Fukuoka, Flash Developer for FICC inc. and founder of Another Bookmark

What do you do for inspiration?

Observing the details of all the works I come across.

Please list 3 of your favourite sites.

FWA of course.

FUTURISMO ZUGAKOSAKU for the constant search in new forms of expression and technology.

calcr for its simplicity.

What do you regard as being your biggest achievement?

Another Bookmark, and also joining FICC.

What software couldn't you live without?

What else is there but Flash?

What projects do you have in the pipeline?

The website for the next collection of ANTEPRIMA, and a major renewal of Another Bookmark.

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

That's a hard one.

Let me get away with 3 of my favorite creators or creative productions of the moment.

Mill

Escape Route

Atomike Studio

What effect on traffic do your new designs have?

Our purpose for designing (both artwork and engineering) is to correctly convey the message or the identity of the client.

If our design results in increased traffic, I believe that it confirms our methods to be correct, and that we can build further upon them.

Who is your target audience?

Anyone who finds me "interesting".

What area of web design lacks the most?

Analisys of human beavior. Technologies such as eye tracking has improved our understandings of human behavior and actions when viewing a website, but I believe there is much more room for exploration in this field.

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

Simple, minimal, white background with black lines. A collaboration portfolio site with 2 other designers. Sadly, it's offline now.

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

I don't know if I have such talents, but I would be interested to write something that is not technical in nature. Maybe one day I can publish my blog?

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

I try my best to make sure that the ongoing project is the most challenging.

Do you think Flash is here to stay?

Yes, surely at least for a few more years. Despite the speed that the technology in our field advances (Java Script for example, has shown major technological advancements in recent years), there is still no other technology that easily incorporates visual imaging with a highly free developing environment as Flash.

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

It is a very fortunate thing to be able to study ones true interests. I myself have been educated in an engineering school, and joined this field through my interests in Design and self expression.

Although this field requires much expertise, there are many aspects involved in it, and I believe that anybody with the right interest and passion can join, no matter their education.

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

Yahoo.

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

Read. I first read through almost all of the Action Script reference books on the market. After understanding what is technologically possible, I began to understand how it can be put to practical use.

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

A washing machine. It dries automatically too.

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

No, definitely not. Clothes have to be clean, nothing more. Although I must say that the new UT store and all those T-shirts are quite enticing.

Any parting shots or pearls of wisdom?

To keep secret is to flower. (flourish)

A proverb by Zeami a 14th century Japanese playwright. I believe it expresses somewhat the philosophy behind FICC.

It's been a privilege, thanks very much.

Thank YOU!