As in any other craft, it's a matter of work. Hard work. If you want to be a Samurai, you'll have to master the sword.

Please give us a brief bio of yourself.

Parallel to a lot of things that have nothing to do with design, I always drew, painted and designed.

I spent some time making graphic design for surfing, painting surfboards and walls, experimenting with still motion, making music and some other stuff before I went into web-design. Then I ended up in Tribal DDB Lisbon as its Creative Director.

What do you do for inspiration?

I see what good and talented people create, in any field. It's always amazing and inspiring.

What do you regard as being your biggest achievement?

To be able to deserve the commitment and effort of the people I collaborate with.

What software could you not live without?

I like to think I would survive in a world without electric power.

What projects do you have in the pipeline?

"Pipeline" is the name of the main and most powerful wave in the North-Shore, Hawaii. People die there. And some do the waves of their lives. In pipeline, projects are only projects.

What effect on traffic do your new designs have?

I try to focus on the effect they may have on a person. I always find it hard to think in terms of general public. Hopefully if it works for you, it will work for many.

Who is your target audience?

People who like ideas. People sensitive to detail. People that like to like.

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

I can´t remember. Luckily

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

No books. Only a published scientific paper about antioxidants and flavonoids.

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

Maybe a video-clip for "The Temple" called "Diesel Dog Sound - the movie". It’s still online.

I spent more than 6 months to do a very simple thing that could probably be achieved by other means. I'm very obstinate in working with the tools I feel comfortable with.

Do you think Flash is here to stay?

Nothing is here to stay.

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 would like to think so. Otherwise I wouldn't be here.

I never had a single lesson about art or design. I studied Biochemistry and did scientific research after college. I left when I was on the way to a PhD degree. I believe that with enough curiosity and interest you can achieve things by yourself.

Eventually you spend more time, and have more trouble. But at the same time it makes sense for me that you have the questions before you get the answers. In school, that is something that usually happens the other way around.

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

Good work, of course, and motion!

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

As in any other craft, it's a matter of work. Hard work. If you want to be a Samurai, you'll have to master the sword.

As for the advice, my advice is not to take advice... except for this one. Find out how other people work, but be sure that you'll have your own way to do it.

It's very important to be comfortable with your tools. And believe that it has all to do with work and commitment.

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

A crazy Dodge Dart Sport from 1975

Any parting shots or pearls of wisdom?

No. I wish I could do that.

It has been a privilege, thanks very much.

My privilege. Thank you.

Tribal DDB Lisboa