LuisCastanon.com

SickDeathFiend

May 2007

Q:

New month, new interview. I’m particularly excited about this months guest because its a first generation Flash artist but most importantly his aura provides a nice contrast to my past guest, BomToons.
Just a brief bio on SDF before he speaks for himself, he’s basically this hardcore artist who dances to the beat of his own drum and comes up with the most dark themed Flash animations in the scene, even after all these years. It’s pretty insane to be able to hold that title with the influx of Flash artists these days. But rather than putting words in his mouth, why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself? How you got into the scene and all that good stuff…

A:

Well it all started after I finished killing and eating my last infant I snatched at my local mall. While rolling around in blood and feces I decided, HEY! I should do autobiographies in flash! err.. well thats what popular belief might be anyway.. and, I’m fine with that. Ever since I was a young fiend, I dreamed of making cartoons. I started with the flip books and drawing comics at like 8 or 9. I’d watch cartoons on tv, not just for entertainment, but to try and figure out how they do it..when I found newgrounds, and discovered this ‘flash’ stuff, It piqued my interest.. I had all but given up my animation dream, to go to the next best thing, comics. I had my big wooden draft table and a plethora of expensive, over-fucking-priced art tools at my disposal. So yeah, I was attending a tech college for graphic communications at the time, but I didnt really learn shit there. I had to scan tuts, and figure it out on my own, but eventually I got the hang of it. The biggest mistake I think I made was creating my first animation/flash to epic in scale compared to what I was prepared for.

Q:

Sounds like a familiar story of how we all got started. So now with the formalities out of the way let me just be blunt since this is what seperates you from most flash artists. A large portion of your work dives into what some might consider the grotesque or darker themes of animated flash shorts, what sort of influences/medications do you draw upon to get you into that creative frame of mind?

A:

Horror movies and games That I’ve enjoyed since I was 4. You know when you are watching a movie or playing a game, you are like, “fuck! why did they do it that way!! I’d do it this..way..” I also like my movies to reflect on the darker themese of our reality as well. Taboos people dont want to see, I want to show it to them. and the wipe it on their face. Growing up in a mormon atmosphere gave me a bit more angst as a teen than normal as well I would think. Being forced to goto brainwashing camp made me angrier.

Q:

Ahh ok, now its starting to come together. So while we’re on the subject of rebellion, do you ever get backlash for the rawness of your work from bored overprotective parents or nana’s? I dont usually get upset emails or reviews anymore, mainly because I havent done anything that contraversial in awhile but i imagine your stuff has occasionally twisted a few nipples anything interesting negativity that you’ve come across?

A:

I’ll never forget the time I showed my mother ‘ham hams final hour’. She had her hands over her face the entire movie. I’ve lost count to all of the wonderfully entertaining hatemail I get. My favorites are of course the ones that think, in order to tell a twisted tale, you have to have done it yourself or want to.. The most commen remark is “I loved your movie but you need help!” Truth be known, I was sent to a counselor before, and he said I was fine. Do you need help for liking the movie? Lets try to remember, The more stupid you are, the more likely you are to become ‘offended’ by something. and there is a LOT of stupid assholes out there.

Q:

You’ve been around newgrounds about as long as I have and I’m sure you’re well aware of the fact that mass marketted themes and regurgitated polished turds (I’ll link to something here) seem get more fame and fortune than more imaginative pieces… have you ever gotten to a point where you have even for a minute thought of well maybe i’ll tone it down a bit or maybe ill drop in a pointless Frodo cameo for the sake of getting some damn recognition? What is your view on artists who go that path?

A:

The thought has crossed my mind, but then my stomache starts to ache and I run for the toilet. If an artist wants to do that, then more power to them. What pisses me off is the fans who will love crap and shun original pieces because it doesnt have their favorite movie/game character making cameos. It shouldnt be a popularity contest. I’ve done fan art, did a short doom peice, and even made a full parody movie on the tv show Hamtaro(hey that show had it coming). But normally I dont like to devote an entire movie to someone elses work, unless its for pay, or a contest. I love a good parody, if something erks me enough it might be fair game. People ask why I havent entered anymore pico day contests. The simple answer is I already made a pico movie, 1 is enough for me, unless Tom Fulp wants pay me upfront of course :)

Q:

If this was a nicey nice interview id ask you who your favorite artists / animations but while we are on the subject of turds maybe a better question would be .. what artists do you absolutely hate? Theres gotta be shit out there on newgrounds or wherever that is like nails on a chalkboard anytime you run into it. So what do ya hate? What irks you about it? :)

A:

I dont ‘hate’ any other artists. It takes alot to make me hate someone. Its the crowds of zombies that praises crap like Foamy, Legendaryfrog, all the stupid sitcom style teen cartoons, and sprite ripped type drivel that erks me, and at the same time shun and talk smack about the good stuff.

Q:

So what other sorts of things do you do when you arent behind the computer? Stuff corpses under your mattress? Take romantic trips?

A:

Drink waaaay to much. speeking of which, I think its time for some jack n 7. Mostly right now its trying to find work. Living in poverty is teh suck. I’ve recently opened commissions work, so if anyones interested.

Q:

Hmm. If there is anything all my guests have had in common its the alcohol… anyway, do you have any interesting projects coming down the pike?

A:

Yes I’m working on remaking my Dead Rain series. Since it was my first animation, I tend to grate my teeth at the shoddyness of it when I look at them now. I’m currently working on episode 1! so stop asking for dead rain 6, eventually the new series will catch up to where part 5 left off, and it will be all good, so stop spamming my email people. Also working on 2 other series, which both have an episode out already, Test (kitten apoclypse) and Death’s Curtain.

Q:

Ok last question, which one of these cereals would be your last meal: FrankenBerry, Boo Berry or Count Chocula?

Count chocula bitches. EDN