Mike's

---

So.. what's so special about "Mike's Animations"?

Nothing really... if you told me two years ago that I would have a site full of goofy animations, I would have rolled my eyes and given you the "Oh yeah...right" look!

I am a computer programmer by trade, and to avoid becoming a dinosaur in my profession, took it upon myself to learn some internet technology. Well, HTML and Javascript eventually leads to web design, which eventually leads to web graphics, which eventually leads to animation, which eventually leads to... see where I'm going?

Two things triggered this interest in computer graphics, and animations in particular: I purchased Jasc Paint Shop Pro and Jasc Animation Shop. I began participating in the Weekend Theme.

If you want to get started in computer graphics of any kind, Jasc Paint Shop Pro and Jasc Animation Shop is an excellent way to start. There is a fully functioning 30 day trial version that can be downloaded for free, and if you like it, it is one of the most reasonably priced graphics packages available. (For other 'value' software, see my Resources page.)

To learn anything, you have to practice. I found the best way to practice was to participate in the Weekend Theme 'Contest' held in alt.binaries.comp-graphics. It's not really a contest at all, but a weekly challenge.

Every week (on Thursdays), a selected participant will supply an image for others to turn into their own form of art. The modified images are posted back to the newsgroup and everyone comments on the myriad of wonderful artwork that was spawned from the original image. It's a great way to get into a routine of practice... and, quite frankly, I probably would not have pursued computer graphics to any extent without all the wonderful encouragement I received from the folks there. Give a geek an audience... and look what happens!   :o)

Now, typically, most of the images are not animations... but it never stopped me from posting animations... and others do on occasion.

All the graphics on this website are done by yours truly (see special note on Weekend Theme graphics).

I hope you enjoy my animations. You can "borrow" them for non-commercial use as long as they are not altered in any way... and you give credit where credit is due by supplying a link back to my site. And please don't link directly to the images, download a copy and put it on your site. Also, don't be shy, drop me a line and tell me what you think.

A special thank you to those that have visited before and sent such encouraging email. It is a great feeling to know that I've made someone smile somewhere on this ol' planet!

Now, if a hack like me can do this, anyone can. So, get out there and try your own computer artwork. The products mentioned above have free trial versions and they won't break the bank when you purchase them.

So get busy... get creative... HAVE FUN!