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22/04/2002 Interview with Bert Austin- the man behind designsbybert.com
How many icon sets did you expect to sell and how many have been registered so far?
As we started producing the actionnames iconset deluxe we expected something like 50 customers maximum. We could not have been more wrong. So far we have more than 1500 happy customers which we never expected having at any time.
What gave you the original idea and how long does it take on average to make one icon?
The amount of time we need in average to develop an icon varies a lot. But in average it is around 1 hour each icon. the reason is we do not just paint the icon we want it to have the extra kick and looks and as close to the reality as possible.
What can we expect to see in the next releases (do you have plans to come up with a way to integrate them with other icon sets)?
Because of the flexibility of handling icon sets in DateBK4 we will be releasing some additional icon themes. We plan to put out a Smilie Theme and some other Themes to use with DateBK4. ActionNames unfortunately only accepts one set at a time and doesn't allow you to customize your own set. We also start producing applications for the palm os devices. our first project will be a HangMan Game.
Action Names or Datebook4- which one do you use and do you have a favourite?
They both have their pro and cons. To be honest i do not really use them at all except for making the icons for the people that use these applications. But if I would have to choose one it would propably be ActionNames.
What PDA do you currently use and what was your first PDA?
I was selling PDA's and PPC and I was given a free Palm 505 in January 2002 because i was selling the most Palm Organizer. Since i was selling them i knew that Sony is in my opinion the better unit but for me they update their product line annoyingly fast. Longterm i think this is not a good thing because they will ever depend on what features Palm will put and support in their Palm OS operating system. I fear that Sony will have to cut back their Hi Res crazyness. But since I have been given the Palm 505 for free I didn't have nothing to complain about
What's your favourite music artist and song?
I do not really have a favorite artist since i am kind of a favorite of synthesizer music from the 90's ... I don't know it was long ago as it grabbed me I was still living and growing up in Germany and I was Sysop of a Mailbox in the time from 1991 to 1993 in which i had my best time. And during designing the BBS pages with 16 Colors and ANSI Symbols and programming the Mailbox System I listened to those computer generated MOD Files primarily made by the Amiga Scene people. If there is interest for these files please let me know and i can pass them over.
Do you have a favourite Palm application and game and if so why (for each)?
The only things I really use are: - The Built in Applications and some Astra Games
What one feature would you like to see in the next generation PDAs?
The installation and uninstallation schould be easier and better! The uninstallation kind of reminds me of my most hated operating systems: Windows it always leaves garbage behind!
What's your favourite web site (PDA and non-PDA related)?
ClieWorld: Always brand new information PalmGear.com: my favorite business partner in the usa Pdassi.de: my favorite business partner in germany designsbybert.com: I don't know what it is but i like looking up my own site www.stahl1.com : besides all my computer and design knowledge I like to follow my dream to become a professional wrestler. That proves once more that big is not necessarily always dumb . And this site is all about that and yes it is me but don't be scared because everybody who knows me calls me a gelly bear
What's the best piece of feedback you have received so far re the icons (quote if possible)?
We got soooo many it was so overwhealming for us and it still is. People love our icon set and our customer service. we were very happy about the 5 Cows from tuccows that gave us their highest rating for our product and that also ment the highest rating an icon set has ever been awarded. Now we also got for our ActionNames IconSet Deluxe the gear choice award from PalmGear.com. We also got some feedback from iambic.com the makers of actionnames : Katia S. :Thanks much for the set -- it's very, very cool! The whole company liked it! We also received awards for our great customer service. We received the Outstanding Customer Service Award in April 2002.
How did you learn to make logos etc. (Bert made the main banner for Clie World) and how would someone go about getting one?
Back in Germany besides Network Administrator, Computer Technician, Software Specialist, Webdeveloper I studied WebDesigner but to be honest I didn't learn to much during that time. I think I pretty much have it in my blood. Art is something you can't learn you have it or you don't. It is like with the music and i know I don't have it so i don't even bother touching an instrument . My major project back in germany was to design a webpage for a productline of BMW. They treated me very well and i loved working for them. Back in germany I drove a BMW but here in the states they cost 4 times more than in germany.
Thanks to Bert for the interview- you really do NEED to try his icon set if you use Action Names ot DateBook4- they are fantastic! After seeing those photos of him I'm not going to slag them off am I His site is here.