Spring4Sims: Hey Petchy, let’s start with the typical question: tell us a little bit about yourself. What’s your real name, how old are you and what do you do in real life?
Petchy: Hi Hanna Spring! I actually go by “Petchy” in Real life, so I’ll stick with that. I’m a middle-aged teen and I’m a great lover of Drama and Music.

Spring4Sims: When did you first find your game and why did you decide to create?
Petchy: I first “found” my game when I was around the age of 11 or 12. TS2 had only just come out, and I was torn between either getting TS2 or TS1 will ALL EPs! I obviously went with the TS1 option, but I don’t regret it because I could have become bored with the game much earlier – plus I have all the experience of playing all three games so far in the series.

Spring4Sims: You seem to have a real passion for the game… you create basically anything! I first stumbled across your downloads at LL30 Sims and I thought that you only create Sims, but now I found out that you make even neighborhoods, skintones, beddings or even Sims wallpapers. What makes you so creative?
Petchy: I have no idea! I would like to say it has something to do with my Crazy and unexpected personality, but I really don’t have a clue. I guess it’s got something to do with the feeling I get when I see creations from others – I get an urge to do something every time I see someone has posted a picture in their Thread on TheSporeCommunity, or even an update on my Friend List over on LiveJournal.

Spring4Sims: I see. But let me ask now one thing: from all of the things you create, what do you like to create the most and why?
Petchy: Sims. Simmies, Simmies, Simmies – why do you think I have so many?! I would love to even make them on the go – Imagine a Bodyshop for my iPod, I could use my finger to slide between different faces and rotate the sim to get a decent look; better still, I could send it through Mail to my PC and continue from there… I’m full of ideas like this, even if they aren’t possible! I love to make Sims because I can create a new face from something default, original, and tweak it to be something that I enjoy to see.

Spring4Sims: That’s so true! Your stuff is very original. I think I see that there’s a lot of fantasy inspired stuff, especially your Sims seem to be “out of real world”. You must be a big comic books fan, or you have to like sci-fi…
Petchy: You know, Comic Books aren’t actually that big over here. Odd, I know. Actually, I’m a Sci-Fi Fan mostly because of my Simming adventures! I’m one of these people who feel embarrassed when someone makes a reference to something like a TV show or Book and I read up on it! From the Twilight series to Star Trek and even to Cartoons, I just like to be in a rough and brief know about these things. I haven’t seen many classics – Dozo will agree – and I have also missed out on some media and such that would have been great to have in my library, but, Alas, I was probably on the computer when it was out!

Spring4Sims: So I was partly right! But let me ask you something a little different: Did you have any skills with paint programs before you started creating? Or did you have to learn everything at once?
Petchy: Simming has been in my world for over Four years now, and I’ve always been someone who has loved being on the Computer. The tutorials out there – for those who search there are *millions* to be found – are always great, they evolve and the creators of them give feedback, I personally would advise anyone to use the Create area on MTS for this main reason! I have used my PC and the tools on it – like my Trusty Paint.NET – for so long that I know what I can do and what I can’t, but I always love being able to find a new plug-in or a tutorial to make it easier!

Spring4Sims: We can see your creations at many places. You have a MTS profile, your own website, LiveJournal blog, minisite at LL30 Sims… Tell us – which is your favorite?
Petchy: This is a tricky one! I upload to different sites for different things, you can see that LL30/bP sims hosts my Sims and some Bodyshop Content, but I would never think of putting a Neighbourhood terrain on there! Likewise, I’ve had problems with my Sims on MTS, but I would always say that my Terrains are at home there too. Plus my Desktop wallpapers on NSF, and random pieces and stories on my LJ… the list goes on!

Spring4Sims: I see you really feel home at all of the places. But when I was looking at your Sims, I completely fell in love with Bubble. She’s so pretty and I love her skintone! She’s just special. Between the many nice Sims you created, which one is your favorite?
Petchy: Hard, HARD, question! You good at finding things which have no answer! “Peter Trenchton” and “Freak Show” are two very important sims, in my mind, for me. Peter was my first ever Plantsim – and my first “Alternative” or “Unusual” sim on my page. He was created to look cool, and he sticks to that title even now I have made so many more. “Freak Show” is memorable to me, too, because of his soft face and painful curse of a skintone. He’s based on a favourite song of mine; I could never let him go! But then again… Oh, there are really too many!

Spring4Sims: Plantsims are so much fun! And they’re also great for storytelling… in fact, I think that you’re fascinated with making up stories about your Sims. I love them! Do you feel very attached to your Sims?
Petchy: Yea, I’m in love with making Bios for my Sims! I wouldn’t say I was *Attached* to them all, but they all do share a part of me. I sometimes worry that I make them too dark or sinister – especially the ones I use for my writing – but I guess I go for those because they are the most interesting!

Spring4Sims: Have you ever created a Sim based on you? If yes, where can we find it?
Petchy: I have actually made a selfsim, three in fact. However, none are up for download yet!

Spring4Sims: Maybe you’d like to share your selfsim somewhere. Anyway, you said that you can’t create meshes. Have you ever thought of learning that? Maybe you’d be able to make some pretty cool fantasy furniture.
Petchy: Oooo, Me learning meshing? That would be very hard to pick up now! Around last year, I decided that I was going to make a good stab at it, so I read tutorials and FAQs, downloaded a few things, and even decided on a handful of projects to do, if I got good. However, it was all deserted when I found interests in other things – Sim Creation and Picture Taking for examples – and I gave it a miss. Maybe I’ll try in TS3, when it becomes easy for almost everyone with a brain to do. (LOL)

Spring4Sims: Hahaha, I think I ended up in the same part of process as you did. But I think that most people who create – whatever it is – want to reach some goals. Do you have any?
Petchy: Yes, I do have a few goals. I try as hard as I can when making a Sim to make them use the best of the features they have, I also try to use inspiration, too. I look at work by other members of LL30/bP Sims a lot; Keely, for example, has the most amazing and unique Sims that I have ever stumbled across and I wish I could host something like that on my page, under my name, one day…

Spring4Sims: What do you think about The Sims 3 so far? Do you like it or are you sticking with The Sims 2?
Petchy: TS3 is a Beautiful game; Really, I have a strong feeling that it will be used for a long time. However, Making Sims in TS3 is actually much harder than in TS2. Almost everything relates to a slider, or wheel, or something like that. Unlike in TS2 where you have *fixed* points, Clicks, TS3 is hard to work with because you have *less* control, because of the *more* options. It’s weird!

Spring4Sims: I think that everyone has really different opinion on this, it’s so funny! Because personally, I find creating Sims a bit easier now… But when you look back, what were your favorite expansion packs so far?
Petchy: Either Nightlife, Seasons or Apartment life. These three added so much to the game that it’s almost impossible to not use an interaction of feature of them in normal sim playing. Really Handy things added too, Ceilings… Cars…. Weather… and those are just the main things!!

Spring4Sims: Weather was absolutely amazing, it was a big plus for the whole game… You know, I was just thinking that I pretty much live my life with the game. I suppose it’s a never-ending relationship for me, because it affects me in many things I do… Why do you think the Sims games are so special?
Petchy: Why are they so Special? I have no idea, to be true. I think they are almost at the opposite side of the spectrum to most “normal” (*ahem*) games out at the moment. Someone said to me, “The Sims is so pointless, you make countless people and play them and do nothing.” Which deserved a reply of, “And Shoot-em-ups’ have a stronger purpose? I see nothing that can change apart from shooting Bad guys or Shooting Zombies, or both. In the Sims, the focus always changes with everything you do, the two are no different.” And I stick to that point strongly! Plus, the community side is brilliant – I can’t see a forum designed for extracting, showing pictures of, or discussing ways to kill zombies… can you?

Spring4Sims: Hahaha, I always say the same thing! There are so many people complaining about the game, but they’ve never actually played it. Maybe because they just can’t see all the things behind. Uhm, but do you also play other games than Sim games?
Petchy: SPORE, RolerCoasterTycoon (2, of course, novelty never runs low!), SC4 occasionally, and… *thinks* I think that’s it for my PC! I don’t play that much else because I have so much fun with what I play with at the moment. I can never get into others as well as I do for the series.

Spring4Sims: And apart from playing, what keeps you busy in your real life?
Petchy: Drama, lots and lots of Drama! Along with Music lessons and Schoolwork too, I get enough on my plate for a normal person, but I somehow manage to fit it all in!

Spring4Sims: If you were a Sim, what would the most crazy day in your life look like?
Petchy: Probably my latest story, Numericallity, which is on my LJ! *laughs* I’d wake up as an alien or something, or maybe a Plantsim… ooo…. the storylines!

Spring4Sims: I think I should start catching up on the story then. We all have some sites that we love to visit everyday and basically, they just boost our addictivity. What are yours?
Petchy: The Spore Community is just brilliant for Chatter – The Chatbox especially – but I do think that we need some more input into the normal forums. Natural Sims is another site I check every day and I am very fond of them all over there. NS was the second site I migrated to, the first being Custom Sims 3 – Owned by Wes.

Spring4Sims: Here’s some space for your final words – if you think there’s something more you’d like to tell us, then speak up your mind!
Petchy: Well, firstly, Thank You to all the creators out there who have helped me grow into the creator I am today – you know who you are… I think (LOL) – and also thanks to the communities who I visit all the time because everyone is always so supportive, and I hope that I give that back too. Lastly, Thanks for having me, Hannah Spring!

Thanks for joining the chit-chat, Petchy! I hope you’ll continue creating many new pixel dolls for us!

You can see Petchy’s creations at LL30 Sims, take a look at his own site, Mod the Sims, Natural Sims or LiveJoural.

Spring4Sims: Let’s start with your name first: WLSE. Who’s really behind the W, L, S and E - what are your names, how old are you and what do you do in real life?
WLSE: Well, we’ll keep our names secret, of course! W, L and S are 16; E is 19. W, S and E are all cousins (S and E being sisters) and L is a friend of ours who we have known forever! W, L and S all go to school, whereas E is of studying Biology at University.

Spring4Sims: Haha, it almost sounds like a puzzle to me… Do the Sims actually look like you in real life?
WLSE: We try to make them look like us in real-life, the faces aren’t perfect but features like L’s larger chin and E’s nose are added. We’re always on the lookout for hairs but for now we’ve got the perfect combination. We assign colours, though, so you easily find out who we are if you can’t spot the faces.

Spring4Sims: How did you four get into making funny Sims videos?
WLSE: We’ve always loved the game, and we had lots of ideas to share that stories wouldn’t do justice to. It’s hard to get a story out there, as they easily get lost in the exchange. We tried making some movies (to varying levels of quality) and once we were happy we could make decent videos, we started publishing them.
As for deciding to make funny videos specifically, everyone likes a laugh and the game provides many hilarious outcomes.

Spring4Sims: That’s true. But did you have any skills before you started creating with The Sims 2? What tools do you use for making them?
WLSE: None of us had any skills when it came to movie making… we all just enjoyed the game and learnt as we go. We use Windows Movie Maker to edit our videos, nothing else. It’s simple, easy, effective and free (I sound like an advert, don’t I?!)

Spring4Sims: Haha, don’t worry about that. Are some of the stories based on something that happened to you in real life? 
WLSE: The movies are really based on events, we like to come up with situations that we know we could find ourselves in. L’s bravery/stupidity means he does accept a lot of ludicrous dares, even if it’s not climbing up an Easter Island statue.
In fact, E has tried to give up chocolate for New Year… with the same result as the video!

Spring4Sims: Yes, I liked the video with chocolate, probably because I have the same problem all the time. But considering there there are four of you, isn’t it hard sometimes to split the tasks?
WLSE: I wouldn’t say it’s difficult, to be honest. L is very much involved in the music and editing of the videos, he really enjoys that. S normally comes up with ideas and practices things as her computer has lower specification. W is in charge of shooting the movies, but it’s a very collaborative task. E is off at Uni now so she’s just a movie star rather than being part of the crew!

Spring4Sims: So, I see there’s not too much of arguing between you. But I think that one of the hardest things about making videos must be the humor. If the videos are not funny, people just don’t like them that much… How do you come up with all that awesome jokes?
WLSE:  We take funny elements from the game and try to expand on them, like alien abduction or simply getting chased by bees. I don’t think our movies ever really have any laugh out loud moments, but I believe they are entertaining and engaging to the majority of people, especially Sim players who have had the events we put into our movies.

Spring4Sims: I see. Can you tell us some secrets on how do you make some of the scenes? For example, I’m very interested how you managed to make that video with gnome. S was dancing with it, bathing with it or they were even having a WooHoo. It seemed really amazing – how did you do that?
WLSE: That is to us what the secret recipe is to KFC. I can tell, though, that it is a rather simple process with amazing results. We are all very proud of Gnome Love and if we are remembered for any movie, I think it is that one.

Spring4Sims: Oh, and I was getting excited to get some juicy information from you, haha! Anyway, how long does it take you to make one video? I’m sure quite a lot of time, because I think you need to prepare the scene, think about what happens and then prepare the interactions. I’m sure that the poses are the hardest part, aren’t they… ?
WLSE: Movies are a lot easier to shoot if you plan ahead. You don’t need to sit down with a pen and paper (although that can help!) but if you know roughly what each shot is going to be, and you know you can do it in-game the longest part becomes making the set. It only takes a long time to shoot a movie when you head into uncharted waters, which we did in Gnome Love especially. That took us a lot of time (and a lot of retakes) to get right but the video deserved it.

Spring4Sims: Alright. But now when I think about it, I don’t think I’ve seen any custom content in your videos. How’s that even possible? Do you ever use some? Or is it just the videos and that you want to keep that Maxis-friendly?
WLSE: We do have some custom content, although a lot is simply edits or recolours of Maxis content. If your idea and story is good, we don’t think you need a lot of CC to show what you’re trying to tell…. In fact, it can distract from the story. We try to recolour our own outfits, to suit our taste and to match our own colours. We joke we’re like the Power Rangers as we always wear the same colour!

Spring4Sims: Power Rangers, indeed, but much better! But they also had some pretty cool “pets”. Do you have any favorite in-game creatures? You seem to like them a lot.
WLSE: The witches are really cool, as there are so many different things you can do with them, and from a movie making perspective the lead to a lot of new stories, even if the spells don’t exist in-game. Some creatures, though, such as Bigfoot aren’t really that cool in my opinion, as it’s basically just a funny looking Sim!

Spring4Sims: Yeah, I think you’ve taken a big advantage of the witches. And they’re really great in your videos! But let’s move on to another topic. The community is now all excited about The Sims 3 and you’ve already written you’re going to create movies with the new game. How about The Sims 2? Do you think it will eventually die? Or will you stay faithfull to it?
WLSE: I think it’s very difficult to back track. Once you’ve played The Sims 3, I’m assuming it’ll be difficult to go back to the set recolours of The Sims 2. Although the modding community won’t be there at the beginning of Sims 3, they weren’t at the start of Sims 2. I think overtime the new features of The Sims, with the custom content from the community will, well not render The Sims 2 obsolete, but make it annoying less playable and malleable.

Spring4Sims: Will you use the same characters for The Sims 3 or create new ones?
WLSE: As the characters are based on real people, we’re hoping to bring them into The Sims 3. However, we may add some “secondary cast” as it were. We’re not making many promises, yet, as we haven’t played the game and wouldn’t like to commit ourselves to anything!

Spring4Sims: Of course. Were there sometimes moments when you thought “I’ve had enough – I quit”? If so, what made you hold on and go on?
WLSE: There have been a lot of those moments, especially when making tricky movies that require a bit of set-up. Normally, it’s our own persistence to keep going, although if a movie won’t look good or be funny you can normally tell.
We’ve never really wanted to “give up” The Sims altogether, although we have had dry spells where it has been very difficult to come with ideas for movies.

Spring4Sims: I think we’ll agree that it’s the community that usually keeps the creators going. Can you tell us what do you love the most about it?
WLSE: The community – well, the majority of it – it very positive and people are always leaving our movies nice comments. We then want to make more movies to keep them entertained. As for other aspects, away from movie making, the community seems very eager to help new creators and players out. The Sims franchise would be nothing without the community behind, and I’m sure The Sims 3 will become very popular when the first bits of CC start popping up.

Spring4Sims: How about the YouTube community? Do you think it’s the right place for you to become popular? 
WLSE: I think YouTube alone can’t get you everywhere, but it’s a very good place to start! It can get you a lot of fans, but to get the exposure from the Sims community you need to advertise your movies on the BBS and other forums. I love YouTube’s simplicity, you don’t have to pay or log-in to watch videos, you can just go there and enjoy yourself.

Spring4Sims: That’s true. Have you ever thought of how long do you think you’ll be able to stick with it?  I can truly say for myself that I’ve been growing up with the Sims games…
WLSE: I think as long as the game remains fresh and the community still exists there will always be a market for a game like The Sims, on whatever platform or under any name. It reaches out to people in a way most other games can’t; it’s customisability and aspect to all ages and both genders is something you don’t find it many other video games, or anything for that matter!

Spring4Sims: If you could give some advice to people who are only starting with making the Sims videos, what would it be?
WLSE: As clichéd as it sounds “Practice.” The only way to get better is to make a movie, then watch it back. You’ll always find something you don’t like about it; that you rushed maybe or that could have gone better.
My other advice would be to get your movies out there; no matter if you think they’re bad. If you think people would want to watch them, get them out there! Although the videos that are low-quality and of a Sim walking around don’t make you a Sim movie maker, and will generally annoy people who watch them. Make sure you post stuff people will want to watch!

Spring4Sims: What were your most favorite expansion packs so far and which would you like to see in The Sims 3? (Or what new would you like to see in TS3?)
WLSE: FreeTime was a very good, all rounder expansion pack, as was Seasons. You didn’t need to go anywhere to bring the new features to you, unlike Bon Voyage, for example. They added some very nice objects and animations, which for a movie maker and for a player are very helpful.
As for The Sims 3, I think an expansion pack which added more hobby objects, like FreeTime, would go down very well. I think expansion packs such as “Theme Park” and “Zoos”, although they would be very good, would cross circles with already successful games and wouldn’t be done well enough to give the themes justice.

Spring4Sims: Do you even have time to play the game? Or do you only create the movies? Also, do you sometimes play other games than the Sims?
WLSE: We do all play the game; it’s where we get a lot of our inspiration from. A strange event can lead to a whole movie, and sometimes it’s nice to take a break and know you’re Sims and sets won’t be scrutinised my others!
L enjoys a lot of other video games (especially driving and shooting) but the rest of us pretty much just play Sims. We all enjoy a good game of Mario Kart Wii, from time to time!

Spring4Sims: What other hobbies apart from the game do you have? 
WLSE: W joys the cinema, especially Disney movies (lame, but they’re so cool and everyone loves them secretly.) L is really into BMXing and goes out most weekends on his bike. S is a British Champion at gymnastics, and spends a lot of her time training. E used to be a gymnast to, but now enjoys Uni life, which for her means staying in and gossiping with her flatmates or curling up with a good book.

Spring4Sims: Oh, you sound like you all have very busy lives besides makin your fantastic videos… Here’s a some space for your final words – if you think there’s something more you’d like to tell us, then speak up your mind!
WLSE: I can’t think of anything else, really. Thanks for interview us! You’re site is very nice and a very good place to find custom content! Keep up the brilliant work!
Spring4Sims: Thank you for your patience and bringing the awesome videos, guys!

Visit WLSE’s Studios site for news or tune into their YouTube channel for some awesome videos. You can also follow them on Twitter.

Are you a creator? Would you like to like to tell your fans more about yourself? Than what are you waiting for? Read our FAQs before you apply and then send me an email at HannahSpring (at) gmail (dot) com and become more popular than you were yesterday!

Spring4Sims: Hey, icedMango! It’s pleasure to talk to you. But before we get onto the real questions, can you tell us what’s your real name, how old are you, where do you come from and what do you do for living?
icedMango: Hi, nice to talk to you, too. Well, my name is just Magda (not Magdalena) and I am 27 years old. I live in the capital of Austria (Vienna City) but my origin is Polish/Egyptian, and yes, I speak 4 languages (German, English, Polish and Arabic). I am acting in social insurance business and care for people who are social insured and need e.g. surgery approvals.

Spring4Sims: Hello, fakepeeps! I’m sure I’m not the only person who’d like to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a little more about yourself? What’s your real name, how old are you, where do you come from and what do you do in real life?
fakepeeps7: Hi there! Well, I’d rather not tell you my real name. Anonymity is kind of fun, don’t you think? But I will tell you that I am in my early 30s and I live in western Canada. I come from a work background that includes copy-editing and a good deal of Photoshop work.

Spring4Sims: When did you get to the game for the first time and what were your thoughts?
fakepeeps7: I’ve been playing TS2 for quite a while… almost since it came out, actually. In fact, I bought my current computer with the game in mind. I’d played The Sims before, so I was really blown away by TS2. I loved the fact that faces were customizable and animated (instead of just flat masks) and that there were different age groups that actually aged.

Spring4Sims: Oh, I see. The difference between TS1 and TS2 was really big. But why have you decided to start making custom content? Are you just that creative or was it just because you found it fun?
fakepeeps7: I’d made a few pieces of custom content for the Exchange, simply because I’d been playing around with Body Shop and had made a couple of things I liked. I like being able to customize things, so doing that to my Sims’ clothes seemed like a fun thing to do.

Spring4Sims: What is your muse and what keeps you enthusiastic about creating?
fakepeeps7: I’m not sure if I really have a muse. I take some of my inspiration from catalogs and fashion sites on the Internet. I guess as long as there are new fashions, I’ll have new clothes to create for Sims.

Spring4Sims: You’ve only started to put your creations on MTS in May 2008 and your creations have been downloaded more than 650,000 times. How does it feel?
fakepeeps7: Overwhelming. Especially when I look at the number of uploads I’ve done. I’m sure it must look like I have no life outside of TS2!

Spring4Sims: Haha, I know what you mean! Sometimes I feel the same. And have you ever thougth of creating your own website? I think that a lot of people find the upload-system on MST quite difficult and your own site could be more personalized… 
fakepeeps7: I have thought about it, but I don’t know a lot about actually running a site that would include downloadable items. Plus, there’s the cost factor (in time and money).

Spring4Sims: Sure, but creating also cost some time… Did you have any skills with making textures and 3D objects before you started creating?
fakepeeps7: I worked a lot with Photoshop in one of my previous jobs. But I have no experience with making 3D objects. Learning to mesh took me a while (and I’m still no expert!).

Spring4Sims: You’ve created tons of stuff for children and toddlers. It seems like you must like them very much. Why have you decided to create skins for this age group? Have you ever thought of creating for other age groups?
fakepeeps7: I create stuff for the little ones for a number of reasons. The first one is that, when I started creating, it seemed like those age groups had been neglected more than the others (both by Maxis and by custom content creators). But kids’ clothes are just plain cute and they’re a lot of fun to make. I have thought of making clothes for other age groups, but it seems to me that anything I make would be redundant; there are already lots of great clothes out there for teens and adults.

Spring4Sims: You’re totally right about that. And as far as I can see, you prefer Maxis-match or I would at least place your creations into this group. Why do you like this type of downloads more than the real-looking ones? 
fakepeeps7: I like things in my game to look like they belong there. I used to have a lot of photo-realistic clothing in my game from other creators. But it was always pretty obvious when my Sim walked into a room that his/her clothing wasn’t part of the original game. I’m also not crazy about the flattened look of some photo-skinned clothing. My computer won’t display bump maps, so that probably doesn’t help.

Spring4Sims: The sets for kids usually include pretty lot of recolors. The creations might look effortless but I’m sure it takes a lot of time to get it all done. Do you even have some time to play the game? How much does it take to create one set?
fakepeeps7: Depending on the mesh, it usually takes me about a day to create one set. If the Sims’ elbows are bending in the wrong place or her legs are poking through her skirt, it can take a little longer. Once the mesh is done, though, the textures usually don’t take me too long. Making recolours takes even less time, because of the way I build my Photoshop files; it’s very easy to change the colour of a pair of pants or the picture on the front of a t-shirt.

I do still play the game, though. In fact, I played it a couple of days ago. My Sim had three rather ugly children…

Spring4Sims: Rather ugly children you say? That sounds pretty common to me… why are the childern so ugly all the time anyway? I thought children were supposed to look cute… Anyway, I’m sure there’s something about creating that you love the most. Can you tell us what is it? Was there ever something that you hated to make or maybe something that has almost made you quit your hobby?
fakepeeps7: One of my favourite parts of creating is playing with that new piece of clothing in the game. It’s fun to see your Sim walking around in something that you made yourself. The customizability of TS2 is one of its best features, as far as I’m concerned.

Spring4Sims: In the past few years, there’s been a lot of things going on in the Sims community, for example a lot of drama has been done when it comes to sharing payfiles and selling downloads for Sims… I don’t mean to discuss this topic, because I want to keep a friendly atmosphere on my blog, but how do you think people could unite again? 
fakepeeps7: That’s a tough one. I’m not sure there really is any way for people with such differing opinions to come together at this point. I don’t think that selling downloads is right (it’s also against the EULA, isn’t it?). I’m not sure what I think about sharing payfiles, though. It seems to be sort of a grey area. Are you going against the creator’s wishes by sharing those files, or do their wishes not count because they’re violating the EULA to begin with? It’s a tricky subject, and I’m not sure I’ve sorted it all out in my own mind yet!

Spring4Sims: I see. Honestly, I don’t see that happen very soon… Apart from all the trouble, what do you find most appealing on the community? 
fakepeeps7: I like the sharing of information and ideas. If you don’t know how to do something, there’s probably someone who does. If you’re looking for a particular download, someone can point you in the right direction. There’s a lot of helpfulness in the Simming community, and that’s nice.

Spring4Sims: Although the release date of The Sims 3 has been postponed, it’s still comming pretty soon. Are you going to swich the games and start playing TS3? Or will you stick to TS2?
fakepeeps7: Unless a couple thousand dollars falls from the sky into my lap, I won’t be playing TS3. My poor old computer doesn’t even meet the minimum requirements for the game! So I will be sticking with TS2 (for now, anyway).

Spring4Sims: I guess you’re really not the only one having this problem. But still, which of the new features in TS3 do you like the most so far? Do you think there’ll be something that we all will miss?
fakepeeps7: To be honest, I haven’t really seen much that appeals to me other than the graphics. I don’t like the idea of all my other Sims aging while I’m playing with one family. Sure, it’s more realistic. But the way I play, many of my favourite Sims would die without me having played them much.

Spring4Sims: And how about creating? Can we expect to see your creation in TS3 as well?
fakepeeps7: I would love to create for TS3, but until I get a new computer with a better video card (and EA drops the invasive SecuROM from the game), I probably won’t be creating for TS3.

Spring4Sims: How long do you think the game will last? 10 years? Maybe 15? I’ve been playing it since the beginning and I still love it, how long do you think you will play it?
fakepeeps7: I’ve been playing it for years, and I’m still not tired of it. As long as there are new things being created for the game (in the form of expansion packs and custom content), I think it will have the ability to stay fresh. I don’t know how long I will continue to play it… but I can’t foresee myself giving it up any time soon.

Spring4Sims: Yeah, I think that the EPs and new custom content make the game much more fun. But besides from having fun with the game, what other hobbies do you have apart from The Sims?
fakepeeps7: I enjoy genealogy (tracing my family tree). Photography and photo manipulation are also pretty fun.

Spring4Sims: Do you play other games besides The Sims?
fakepeeps7: I recently bought a great game called Crayon Physics Deluxe. I also sometimes play an online board game called Toulouse (it’s based on a real-life board game called Carcassonne, which is loads of fun).

Spring4Sims: If you think there’s something more you’d like to tell us, then speak up your mind!
fakepeeps7: I can’t really think of anything. I just hope people keep enjoying playing TS2!

You can find fakepeeps7’s creations on her MTS2 profile or visit her Sims-blog.

Are you a creator? Would you like to like to tell your fans more about yourself? Than what are you waiting for? Read our FAQs before you apply and then send me an email at HannahSpring(at)gmail.com and become more popular than you were yesterday!

Spring4Sims: Hey, Criquette! Let me ask you a little about you before we get to the other questions. Where do you come from, how old are you and what do you do for living? 
Criquette: Hey there. Before I start, I must say this – excuse me for my English! It’s not so good as it should be. Well, I’m from Moscow, Russia, here I was born and grew up and here I live now. I’m 25 years old right now and I’m a designer (cosmetics industry) – that’s what I do for living.

Spring4Sims: When did you start playing the game? What was your first impression?
Criquette: Oh, I’ve started to play the game a very long time ago, as it was released. Before TS2 I’ve played TS, but still I must say I’ve came to The Sims from SimCity. I’m an old simcity geek (playing this game series since I was 12, some people that use custom content for SimCity 4 might recognize such a creator as Marrast – it’s me). The first impression on TS2 was… umm… some kind of “Wow! Free camera”

Spring4Sims: Haha, yeah, I see. You were not the only one who liked the game was 3D. But when did you first found out about custom content for the game? What did you think about it? 
Criquette: Umm, actually, can’t remember when and where I’ve findout about CC. I just remember that these times I’ve had a limited bandwith traffic, so i haven’t downloaded much then. But I was inspired by building tutorials at MTS2… all these pagodas, half walls and so on. That was really remarcable.

Spring4Sims: You haven’t really made a lot of sets for the game, but I think they’re very popular. I guess it’s mainly because they’re neighborhood decorations and there are very few of them to download. Why did you decide to create this kind of custom content?
Criquette: Oh, actually, ‘hood decos is the only thing that made me learn how to make a custom content with SimPE. As a SimCity4 player, I’ve already had a good experience on a custom B.A.T.s for the game, but there’s a different way to make custom buildings. So! Especially that there’s an extremely big lack of good ‘hood decos, I’ve finally decided to start creating my own. I really do not understand why didn’t anyone created some things like piers, marinas, good railroads and stuff like this before. I know it’s a little too late for me since TS3 will be released soon, but still, I have some plans for making even more sets for the ‘hood decoration.

Spring4Sims: That’s great, we can’t wait to see more! Anyway, is there a place where you get the ideas from? Becuase when I think about it, I don’t think I could just make athletic fields or an airport from scratch…
Criquette: Well, since there’s still a lack of decos I have a lot of ideas for them. It might be regular for SimCity, but really helpful in TS2 – highways, railroads, stadiums, airports, etc. So when i want to build another set, I just choose one from a bunch of ideas I have. And if you meen do I make the sets based on a 3D models I’ve found – no. I’m making all the models from scratch myself, so I’m free to choose what idea to release next.

Spring4Sims: Your downloads look rather realistic, but they look very Maxis-like at the same time. What kind of custom content do you prefer yourself – one that looks real or the Maxis-match?
Criquette: You know, I don’t believe in realism in any contemporary game. No matter if it’s Sims, or another game. I believe in atmosphere. A good believeble game atmosphere. Many creators release their extremely detailed custom content and it looks good in any way, but not in the game. There’s no balance in it. So I prefer a good balanced custom content. Something between a 100% realistic and Maxis-match. 

Spring4Sims: Oh, I see. And how much do you actually play the game? There are a lot of creators who create more for the game than play it… How about you?
Criquette: Well yes, I do not play much. Sometimes I can play weeks long, sometimes I don’t play at all. But at this time I must say that correlation is about 50/50.

Spring4Sims: What part about creating do you like the most? Which one the least?
Criquette: Well, most of all I love an import-to-the-game part of it. Seriously, when I put an object I’ve created for the game and it works quite good – that’s always a great feeling. I also love working on textures,  too. 

Spring4Sims: How much time does it take to create one set?
Criquette: Well, if I could work 24 hours non-stop it could take about 24-48 hours. But since I have to work, sleep and do other real life stuff, it usually takes about 3-4 days to make a good detailed set with a few objects inside. Sometimes it takes a week, when I don’t have enough time to work on it. 

Spring4Sims: That’s actually quite a lot of time. But where did you learn to make all the stuff? Did you have any experiences with 3D tools or creating new textures?
Criquette: Oh, creating an object is the easiest part of CC making for me. Since i have a 10 years experience in Photoshop and some kind of a good experience in 3D modeling, I didn’t actually learn how to do modeling and texturing. When I came to TS2 CC creating, I just use my already earned skills.

Spring4Sims: That’s really impressive! There are many creators who have started from scratch. Has creating helped you somehow in real life? Maybe working with various programs can be helpful for you…
Criquette: Umm, not sure. It’s rather inside out – reallife skills and a lot of practice on a few designer programs helped me start creating.

Spring4Sims: You put your downloads on MTS. It’s a big community and a lot of people start there to get recognized. Have you ever thought of running your own site?
Criquette: I thought about it, yes. A Sims related page with my creations. The thing is that I already have a personal site. It’s not Sims related at all, it’s some kind of a portfolio with my reallife artworks I create. Since I’m a designer, I love to make some art from time to time… But I can imagine how it confuses people who came to my site from my MTS2 profile and there’s nothing concerning Criquette’s stuff, neither TS2. But still, I think I could make a page on my site that will be a TS2 related. I also thought about uploading my stuff at TSR but since they offer some kind of pay content, I’ve decide not to do it. I think it would be unkind to upload even one of my set as totally free, when there’s some messy, oversized and low quality ‘hood decos that you can get for money. It’s like an American Gangster stuff – high quality product is cheaper than a low quality. I’d rather stay on a totally free site where even a high-end quality content is totally free (yes, I do not like Sims-related paysites).

Spring4Sims: I’m really happy to see that you want your creations to be free. So, what’s your opinion on MTS and community in general? What do you most appreciate on the fanbase?
Criquette: Most of all I appreciate the knowelge that it provides. If you have any question all you need is to  search. Most of questions are already asked. So the knowelge is the best thing about MTS2 and community. I also love it because of people sharing their creations, ideas, pictures and so on. 

Spring4Sims: The Sims 3 is comming out in less then a month. How do you like it so far? Are you going to play the new game?
Criquette: Yes, it will be released soon, but I’ll play TS2 until TS3 will be oficially released here in Russia. I do like what I saw concerning TS3, especially the neighborhood views. So I’m rather going to play it, yes.

Spring4Sims: Do you also plan to create custom content for The Sims 3? Or will just stick with The Sims 2?
Criquette: I hope so! As soon as it will be possible, I’ll start working on custom hood decos for TS3, huh. But I don’t think i’ll stop creating for TS2.

Spring4Sims: Great! I would especially like to see your creations in TS3. But we know there are a lot of other games to play than The Sims? If you play any other, which are they?
Criquette: As I’ve said, I came to The Sims from SimCity (last one was Simcity 4). Last year I don’t even play SC4. The Sims 2 only. Sometimes I play other games, some actions or quests, but it’s really rare. Oh, and yes, my alltime favourite game – Interstate ‘76 – this is a game, I still play from time to time I even created some custom maps for it.

Spring4Sims: Apart from creating custom content and playing, what do you do when you have some free time?
Criquette: It depends on the mood. Some times I’m too lazy for creating so I just go and play. Right now i rather spend some free time in 3dsMax instead of a game.

Spring4Sims: What was the best experience with the game you’ve ever had? Like something funny or unexpected happened…
Criquette: Oh, umm… there was the one. When my Sim finished his college, he’s got two additional aspiration slots – that was truly unexpected and I was really impressed.

Spring4Sims: Which of the Sims’ aspirations would suit you the best? What skillpoints and badges would you have? Or maybe you’d like to become one of those creatures… ? 
Criquette: Oh, this is a difficult question, haha! I meen, since i play a local TS2 release, I’ve got it all in russian so i don’t know how it originally called… But if I was a Sim, my aspirations would be in Arts, or maybe Knowelge. And no, I wouldn’t become one of those creatures, haha.

Spring4Sims: If you think there’s something more you’d like to tell us, then speak up your mind! 
Criquette: Oh, what else can I say.. It was a pleasure for me to talk to you, answer all these questions an so on. Hope my english is good enough to bring you the idea of what i’m trying to say, huh. Actually, don’t know what else can I say concerning my creations… Hope I’ll make people a little bit more happy with them. Knowing that, it allways makes me glad. Glad to know that some people really find the things I do really intresting.

You can find Criquette’s creations on his MTS2 profile or visit his personal site.

Spring4Sims: Hello, Naty! Can we know you a little bit better? Could you tell us how old are you, where do you live and what do you do for living?
Naty: I am 23 years old, married, from Brazil, I have a small bussines and I love cats and movies.

Spring4Sims: When did you first started to play the game?
Naty: I knew the game when I was in my cousin´s house, it was The Sims 1, but I only started playing in 2006, I have been playing for 2 years and I am publishing my creations for a year.

Spring4Sims: How do you plan to spend your Christmas holidays?

• Agustin (Fabulousims): Well, I always go to my grandpa’s house with my whole family (there are like 20 of us), and wait until 12 o’ clock to open the presents. Then we stay some more time just chatting and having fun.
• Antonio (CoolSims): Well, I’ll be with my family and playing with my gifts. *_*
• Dave (SimGuys): We plan to spend the most of time with family.
• Joseph (Fresh-Prince Creations): I plan to spend my Christmas holiday traditional. On Christmas day, my family will come over, and we’ll play games together, watch a movie, give gifts, and my mom will make a 7 course meal in which we all won’t be able to eat for the rest of the week, hehe. I’ll just be hanging around Christmas week.
• Judie (All About Style): We have a new Christmas puppy… a little Pekingese puppy so I am sure it will be a fun Christmas.
• Mirraaj (Mirraaj.com): I plan to spend my holidays eating and enjoy all the Christmas food I can find. Also hanging out with friends and family. I hope everybody reading this and throughout the community a very Merry Christmas.
• Tanja (Lifestyle for Sims): On Christmas Eve we are going to my parent’s house and give presents to each other. Then we eat a little bit. In the first Christmas Day comes my Family to us for eating a Goose. On the second Christmas Day, our friends visit us. We drink coffee and eat delicious cakes. My boyfriend and my daughter have holiday, but I must work.

Spring4Sims: Will you take a break from Sims or plan to play the game all the time?

• Agustin (Fabulousims): I don’t know about it since I create when I’m in the mood, and maybe Christmas inspires me, so probably yes.
• Antonio (CoolSims): Play… not, but create custom content probably yes.
• Dave (SimGuys): Probably I will have a short free time for other stuff but as I have my MacBook close to me, I will be in touch, LOL.
  
• Joseph (Fresh-Prince Creations): Definitely take a break, probably play with new things from Christmas. I might play a little Sims, or make some stuff.
• Judie (All About Style): I never take a break from the Sims although now that you have mentioned it I would like to take some time off later to improve my meshing skills especially if I am going to stay with Sims 2 or do both.
• Mirraaj (Mirraaj.com): I will probably take a short break, but knowing me I won’t be able to. I was planning on making a Christmas set, but it’s a bit late now and I’m working on my new site, Cubed, so I never had the chance.
  
• Tanja (Lifestyle for Sims): Not between the holidays. This time is very stressful for me, but in the new year I will definitely again.

Spring4Sims: Can we expect more downloads from you in this period?

• Agustin (Fabulousims): Not really. The thing is I have a big problem with my hosting and I can’t upload files anymore, LOL. So please enter SimGuys.net and donate! If we get more money, we’ll upgrade the account and be able to keep uploading.
• Antonio (CoolSims): Maybe I’ll upload a special update the 24th.
• Dave (SimGuys): Hum, I really want to make something for Christmas but I have problems with my hosting right now so I am not sure. But take a look around the forums anyways! Haha!
• Joseph (Fresh-Prince Creations): Oh yes, for sure! Everyday up until Christmas, and including Christmas, I will have a new gift for everyone. Lots of cool stuff! Also I will have a car for New Years Day. There’s a lot of stuff heading your way. I hope everyone will enjoy my Holiday gifts. Thanks again, and I wish everyone Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
• Judie (All About Style): Sure!
• Mirraaj (Mirraaj.com): As I said, probably not, but I’ll be back in action, uploading as much as I possibly can before The Sims 3 takes hold of me and custom content is no longer creatable… Yet. LOL.
• Tanja (Lifestyle for Sims): I’ll try to have a new update every week.

Want to know more about these artists? Read the past interviews then!

Agustin (Fabulousims) | Antonio (CoolSims) | Dave (SimGuys) | Joseph (Fresh-Prince Creations) | Judie (All About Style) | Mirraaj (Mirraaj.com) | Tanja (Lifestyle for Sims)

Spring4Sims: Hey, Judie! First off, let me ask you a few questions about you: where do you come from, how old are you and what do you do for living?
Judie: I am from Pennsylvania in the USA… I have been retired for awhile so I am clearly over 21.

Spring4Sims: When did you start playing the game?
Judie: I started playing with Sims 1 early on… almost from the beginning… I still miss Sims 1 sometimes and I do on rare occasions re-visit my old game still available to me in a drawer… The people were soooo little!

Spring4Sims: When you found out that players can make their own creations, what did you think?
Judie: When Sims 2 Bodyshop came out I was stunned to find that you could actually see detail and pattern unlike the little people in Sims 1… With that I was hooked. I had just started to learn how to skin in Sims 1 when Sims 2 came out… so Sims 2 really peaked my interest.

Spring4Sims: Tell me – why skinning? After all, you could choose anything else to create…
Judie: I have always loved fashion especially designer fashion… I would do nothing but runway fashion, but not all Sims are into runway clothing. I think they prefer more casual clothing.

Spring4Sims: You update your site very often and with a lot of new downloads. How do you do that? Sometimes I think it’s even impossible to be that creative!
Judie: Being retired I do have the time and spend many many hours on my computer doing this… I do get stumped some times especially when I finish a themed project… It’s like… What’s next! While I don’t do requests I do hear from people with ideas or movie suggestions and that does help to direct me… Once I get started with a project I am completely engrossed in it until the next one.

Spring4Sims: You’ve made loads of casual stuff, but also designer outfits and a lot of your creations are based on various historical periods. It’s a very impressive portfolio of various content. How do you manage to cover all these themes?
Judie: I wish that there were more hours in the day… I do have difficulty keeping up with all of the themes… I have lots of ideas, but not the time to get to them all.

Spring4Sims: Which of the mentioned themes is your favorite and why? Is there anything you don’t like to create? Tell us!
Judie: My favorite is the Victorians mainly because I do have a Victorian neighborhood and there is never enough clothing to go around. One thing that I don’t like doing is “Hair”… For one like me who loves detail I have no patience for coloring hair let alone to mesh hair. My kudos to those who do.

Spring4Sims: Do you use all of your stuff in the game? Or do you just create to feel satisfied, without really needing all that stuff in the game?
Judie: I really do create just for my own pleasure and hoping to please others in the process. I do use my own Victorian things though.

Spring4Sims: When you started to create new content, did you have any experience with paint programs or any 3D tools?
Judie: I had no experience whatsoever… I took an online course from my local community college to learn how to use Photoshop7. I had played around with meshing with Milkshape for Sims 1 so I had some knowledge, but learned nothing like what is happening today with meshing… My skills are only basic.

Spring4Sims: If Maxis should release new tools for making skins and meshes, what would you definitely improve?
Judie: Easier tools for meshing would be my hope.

Spring4Sims: A lot of creators and even non-creators don’t like the Exchange. It seems like the whole system hasn’t been made very well. If you could suggest any changes, what would they be?
Judie: I haven’t visited the exchange in a long time… I find it aggravating to see my entire Victorian section up on the exchange with rarely any acknowledgment of from where the clothing came. I don’t think that I care so much about lack of credit, but so many claim the designs are their own or at least leave that impression. I don’t really think anything can be done to change that.

Spring4Sims: Has running a Sims-website and creating helped you in real life, too? Have you earned some useful experiences?
Judie: I had always wanted a career in art, but took the practical route so I could earn a decent living… Creating for the Sims and hearing from people all around the world gives me great satisfaction… I would have never dreamed of doing anything like this!

Spring4Sims: You’ve been running your site for four years. How does it feel?
Judie: Considering how quickly time goes I am surprised to have been doing this for so long… It also feels good to see improvement in my work which only happens with time so I guess it is a good thing.

Spring4Sims: It seems like a lot of people are going to move on to The Sims 3. Are you joining them? Do you think you’ll continue skinning with the new game, or will prefer The Sims 2?
Judie: I will wait and see what Sims3 brings… If all we can do is create whole Sims and recolor or re-pattern their clothing it doesn’t seem too challenging to me… If and when we can work on clothing in Photoshop etc., then that would be a different story… I don’t think that it is well known how custom content will be handled… I think soon we will learn more… Many website owners have been invited to visit Sims 3 in California… We may learn more then… In the meantime I plan continue with Sims 2 or do both.

Spring4Sims: There are a lot of people who say they won’t get the game because of the ads for real brands (like Ford cars etc.) that will be a part of Sims’ world. What do you think about it?
Judie: It won’t stop me from buying the game… I am too curious about it… I don’t play much anymore because I don’t have the patience for all of the load times… Sims 3 will change all that… so maybe I will get back to playing the game. I think that using ads is just deplorable… especially the manner in which it will be handled.

Spring4Sims: Apart from Sims games, do you play anything else?
Judie: No… I am not really a gamer.

Spring4Sims: Now when we know the game has come to an end, who do you feel about it? Do you have any special memories that make you smile? Because when I think of playing The Sims 1, I always think this or that was so cool and I just miss it now. What do you think will you miss the most?
Judie: I probably was more attached to Sims 1 as I have never really played Sims 2 much after I had my website. What I do love about Sims 2 though is the awesome ability for endless decorating and building that became available thanks to all of the creative people who create things for the game. The detail in the game is just incredible.

Spring4Sims: If you could become one of the creatures in The Sims 2, which one would you like to be the most?
Judie: I don’t’ like any of the creature characters in the game… If I had to pick one though it would be a vampire.

Spring4Sims: What other hobbies than playing the game and creating downloads do you have?
Judie: I paint miniature paintings and show them in miniature painting shows around the country… Other than that and the Sims I love cooking.

Spring4Sims: If you think there’s something more you’d like to tell us, then speak up your mind!
Judie: I would just like to thank all of the Sim fans for supporting my site all of this time.

Thank you very much, Judie, for taking your time to answer my questions! I hope you’re going to have a lot of fun creating in the future and hope the inspiration won’t leave you!

You can download Judies’s creations at her site – All About Style.

Are you a creator? Would you like to like to tell your fans more about yourself? Than what are you waiting for? Read our FAQs before you apply and then send me an email at HannahSpring(at)gmail.com and become more popular than you were yesterday!

Small sneak-peak: In the next week, you can read a Christmas Special about your favorite creators that have already been featured in the Chit-Chat. We’ll chat about this holiday seasons and some possible gifts for you!

Spring4Sims: Hello, Fresh-Prince! Before we get to the questions, let me ask you something little about you. Where do you come from, how old are you, what’s your real name and what do you do for living?
Fresh-Prince: Hello there! Well, I am from the United States, I am 16 years old, my real name is Joseph, and for a living, I go to school.

Spring4Sims: When did you first get to know The Sims?
Fresh-Prince: On my 11th birthday, my parents got me the Sims Deluxe, and I loved the game ever since!

Spring4Sims: Whan you first found out about custom content, what did you think about it? Did you want to try it as soon as possible, or did took you a while to get into it?
Fresh-Prince: Well, I thought that custom content was really cool! It amazed me on how people could make such wonderful things for a video game. I tried as soon as possible to make custom content, but I could never just get it right. It took almost 2 years for me to actually start making stuff, but I was definitely interested since the beginning.

Spring4Sims: You really must love making cars. Why’s that so?
Fresh-Prince: Yes, I do love making cars. Why? I just love cars soo much, even when I was a kid. I don’t know why, but there’s something about cars that I just find awesome. There’s a great feeling cars have. My cars just have a great special feeling to me. My family thinks I’m crazy on how I could name just about every car on the road, lol. I’m a car fanatic, and I like to express that with my sim cars.

Spring4Sims: And there are so many of them! Can you, please, tell us, what keeps you enthusiastic all that time?
Fresh-Prince: Inspiration! As I said before, I love cars a lot! I see so many car commercials on TV, and that inspires me to make cars. Or I just look outside and see how beautiful a car is! It may sound weird, but even a car light will inspire me to make a car.

Spring4Sims: I always wonder about one thing – do you make the cars from the scratch or are there any pre-made models you use for creating them?
Fresh-Prince: Unfortunately, no I do not make my own models. I get permission from people who make models. That is sort of where people fall off the boat, and a lot of people think I don’t have talent, cause I just “steal” a 3D model and slap a texture on it. But believe me, a lot more goes into a car, and I do mean a lot. So that’s a downfall for me, and I’ve tried before with making my own meshes, but I have yet to succeed.

Spring4Sims: Did you have any skills before you started creating?
Fresh-Prince: No I didn’t have any skills. Creation was basically just a trial and error process for me.

Spring4Sims: Do you think that creating has influenced your life somehow or maybe brought some benefits to it?
Fresh-Prince: Oh yes, definitely. If I could do this for a living, and actually work for a company that does video games or something, I’d be in heaven working with something that I love. It’s definitely influenced my life into which career I go in, and has given me a lot of experience and benefits.

Spring4Sims: What’s your favorite part about creating? Or maybe there’s something you’d really like to skip? Tell us!
Fresh-Prince: My favorite part is texturing, mostly on cars. A texture makes or breaks an object. I love making textures for my cars, it’s just so fun to put detail into cars just with a texture! Also, 2 things I would love to skip! I hate UV Mapping, I just do, lol. Also, I hate grouping cars, because sometimes I get car meshes with over 500 groups, and let’s just say it takes a long time to organize that!

Spring4Sims: If you could choose one of those cars in real life, which one would it be?
Fresh-Prince: Hmm, I would probably have to go with my Audi R8, I love that car! It’s just full of awesomeness.

Spring4Sims: Do you really need that many cars in your game?
Fresh-Prince: No, not really, lol. But some people like certain cars, and don’t like certain cars. I like to give a variety of cars so lots of people can enjoy them. I don’t use my cars in my game, so it doesn’t really matter to me.

Spring4Sims: Sharing a lot of custom content can be a little difficult for creators. For those who wouldn’t choose sites like MTS, how do you think Maxis could improve The Exchange?
Fresh-Prince: Yes, it could be very difficult. I think Maxis could improve the Exchange with some more moderation to it. Also, I wouldn’t mind if they added a object section for those of us who make objects. Or you can create a free website with freewebs, blogspot, and all those other ones. You have to start off small before you go big. You get people to know you, you can make a new website, and if people love your stuff, they will donate to help pay for the site.

Spring4Sims: And when it comes to tools – do you think that Maxis should also release an official tool for object-making?
Fresh-Prince: Yes I do. I think that would be really cool, and easier for a lot of people.

Spring4Sims: How do you like the Sims 3 so far? Do you plan to start playing it?
Fresh-Prince: I’m liking it so far. I do plan on playing and buying the game. I’m hoping that Maxis will be making something along the lines of a tool for objects for the Sims 3.

Spring4Sims: And how about creating – are there any chances you’ll continue creating with the new game, or will you just stick to The Sims 2?
Fresh-Prince: I’d definitely want to create for The Sims 3, depends on the tools we’ll get with The Sims 3. But until then, I’ll be sticking to the Sims 2.

Spring4Sims: Do you play some other games that The Sims?
Fresh-Prince: Not really. I mean there’s a lot of games I play here and there, like Gran Turismo, James Bond, but The Sims is my main obsession.

Spring4Sims: What other activities fill your free time?
Fresh-Prince: I don’t do much other than Sims, it’s actually quite sad though, lol. Sims is my free time. Other than that, I just listen to music, and hang out occasionally.

Spring4Sims: If you were a Sim, what would you aspire to? What would you be really good at?
Fresh-Prince: If I were a sim, I would aspire to have a wife, kids, a nice home and own one of my own cars, hehe. I’d have good skills in creativeness, and that’s basically it.

Spring4Sims: Could you give us some sneak-peak info about the “12 Days of Christmas” project? I’m dying to know more!
Fresh-Prince: Well, I don’t have much to say, don’t want to give it away. I’m about 60% done with the project, and I’ve been working on it since November 3rd. Just expect some nice things, that’s if I finish in time, lol. You’ll be seeing some more promotion as it gets closer to December 14th. I’m sure it will have something for everyone to enjoy, hopefully. I can’t wait to finish it!

Spring4Sims: If you think there’s something more you’d like to tell us, then speak up your mind!
Fresh-Prince: First off, I would just like to say on how much I appreciate this interview! It means a lot to me! It will show people that I’m not dead and I’m actually working on something, lol. Second of all, once again, I want to say how much I truly enjoy your site! And last of all, thanks once again, and have a good holiday season, expect something soon!

Thank you very much, Jospeh, for taking your time to answer my questions! Wish you lots of luck on your future projects!

You can download Fresh-Prince’s at Fresh-Prince Creations or his MTS2 profile.

Are you a creator? Would you like to like to tell your fans more about yourself? Than what are you waiting for? Read our FAQs before you apply and then send me an email at HannahSpring(at)gmail.com and become more popular than you were yesterday!

Spring4Sims: Hey, Anna! First of all, let us know something about you. Where do you come from, how old are you and what do you do for living?
Anna: Hi to everyone! Well, I am 21 years old and I am from a little town from Romania and I am just a student.

Spring4Sims: I think a lot of people really like your site. But where has it all started?
Anna: A friend of mine told me about the game and after playing a while I thought that it would be great if I could create my own clothes.

Spring4Sims: Why creating mainly skins, accessories and make-up? I think a lot of people choose this kind of custom content for one of the two reasons: it seems easy or people like fashion. Or do you have other reason?
Anna: I love fashion world very much and until recently I was only creating clothes in a lots of styles and then I thought that it will be awesome if I can create accessories and makeup and in that way the people can choose whatever they like.

Spring4Sims: Did you have any skills before you started creating, or did you just have to learn everything at once?
Anna: First I have read a lots of tutorials and more than this a friend of mine, Liana, from LianaSims2 helps me very much.

Spring4Sims: Have you ever thought of switching the style, like creating something totally different apart from what you usually create?
Anna: I don’t think that I’ll change my style to soon because I like it how it is now (casual).

Spring4Sims: Where do you usually get the inspiration from? I see you use a lot of photos to create the stuff…
Anna: My inspiration cames first of all from the real life and from the celebrities’ life.

Spring4Sims: You update the site really often and with quite a lot of content. Isn’t it a little time consuming? Do you even have some time to play the game?
Anna: I don’t have to much time for playing the game or any games but I love to play with Sims.

Spring4Sims: Actually, what keeps you enthusiastic?
Anna: Which is keeping me enthusiastic is the fact that people like my creations and this is very important for me.

Spring4Sims: You’re also a select artist at TSR. How does it feel? Do you think the site has brought you a lot of new fans?
Anna: Being a SA at TSR it’s a big opportunity for me and I think that people from TSR likes and my site, too.

Spring4Sims: Do you think that Maxis could somehow improve Body Shop? If yes, how?
Anna: For me, the Maxis’ tool is very useful and easy to use it and if it had more colors or a better graphic, it would be more than useful for everyone.

Spring4Sims: Has the creating of custom content given you some benefits in real life?
Anna: For me creating the custom contents for The Sims 2 it has become a hobby and a big pleasure; it’s just fun!

Spring4Sims: As far as we know, it’s going to be a little bit easier to create content for The Sims 3. However, many artists are getting excited about it. Do you plan to continue with creating with the new game, or will you stick to The Sims 2?
Anna: I am very excited to know more of The Sims 3 but I will keep creating for The Sims 2.

Spring4Sims: What is your most favorite expansion pack for the game and what’s the least favorite?
Anna: My favorite EP is Seasons and the least is Pets.

Spring4Sims: How do you prefer to play the game? Is it like a real life to you, or do you like to play with all that creatures and fun stuff that comes with it?
Anna: I prefer to play like a real life.

Spring4Sims: Do you play some other cool games apart from The Sims?
Anna: Yes, I play other little games but just when I have time.

Spring4Sims: What would you be like as a Sim (primary and secondary aspiration)? If you could be one of the creatures, which would suit you the most?
Anna: Like a Sim primary would have a family aspiration and secondary a romance aspiration and about the creatures – I really don’t like them.

Spring4Sims: What do you like the most about the community? Do you have a special place to go to chat with other fans?
Anna: I like very much to discover new websites and finds of Sims’ Sites and first at all to make friends of over the world.

Spring4Sims: What other interests apart from creating skins do you have?
Anna: I just love to create makeup and this is becoming a hobby.

Spring4Sims: If you think there’s something more you’d like to tell us, then speak up your mind!
Anna: I think that creating for The Sims it’s very interesting and fun. I love that the people from all over the world likes what I do and this is enough for me. Thanks Hannah for the interview and Happy Simming to everyone!

Thank you very much, Anna, for taking your time to answer my questions! I hope you’ll always enjoy skinning and bring us lot of nice stuff!

You can download Anna’s creations at AnnaMaria Sims or her TSR profile.

Are you a creator? Would you like to like to tell your fans more about yourself? Than what are you waiting for? Read our FAQs before you apply and then send me an email at HannahSpring(at)gmail.com and become more popular than you were yesterday!

Spring4Sims: Hello, Antonio! First of all, let’s talk a little about yourself: can you tell us how old are you and what do you do in real life?
Antonio: Well, I’m 15, and I’m a student of high school.

Spring4Sims: How long have you been playing the game?
Antonio: Hmm, my first game was The Sims Unleashed, since then, I’ve bought all the other games. So… many years.

Spring4Sims: When did you realize that you really like creating custom content for the game? Did you miss something in it or just thought “I’d really like to try it!”?
Antonio: I started to create custom content about 2 or 3 years ago, things like clothes and hair recolors, but they weren’t very good. Then I wanted to create things in 3D, so I searched many forums, and I started to upload hairs in one forum. Then I decided to create my own website, CoolSims, it was very simple and the download weren’t very good, but I made some progress and now I make things much better than before.

Spring4Sims: You’re a boy, but it seems like you mostly prefer creating stuff for girls. Why is that so?
Antonio: The reason is, I like doing hair meshes, but girls have more hairstyles than boys, although I’m making male ones, too.

Spring4Sims: From all that stuff you have on your site, there are a lot of hairs for females. Why do you find this kind of downloads so interesting?
Antonio: The first hairs, I don’t think they’re good, because when I started to make meshes, I wasn’t very good at it. Now I’m making a pack with my friend Chandra from TharaSims.com and I’ve made many pretty hairstyles!

Spring4Sims: I’d say that most of the stuff have Maxis-like look. Do you prefer when your Sims look real or “cartoony” in the game?
Antonio: I prefer real Sims, but if you say it for the hairs I can tell you the reason: I have learned a lot of hair tutorials, and all of them are different, so I made different textures. Now I make them more realistic, like this one – this hair and the textures are like that – more shiny and real.

Spring4Sims: What usually inspires you to create?
Antonio: Well, it’s probably my sister’s hair, or my friends, who send me images or requests, and I try to make them. I’m not very good at meshes, but I try to improve my knowledges about them, I would like to be as good as Peggy or Rose, but I think that is impossible.

Spring4Sims: And where did you learn to create meshes and textures? Did you get any help from somebody else? Or were you just self-studying?
Antonio: I learned on my own, because all my MSN contacts (Spanish people) didn’t know anything about meshes, so I tried to make meshes every day. The first ones were horrible, but with more practice, I learned a lot, textures… the same, I used maxis ones at the begin, then I found a tutorial in TSR, it was good, the most of the textures were from this tutorial and they look like this. Then, I found more tutorials, and I saw one that I think is the most real, but I need a tablet for make the textures better – now I’ve got a mouse.

Spring4Sims: How do you find working with SimPE? I think many people find this program hard to use, but it’s the only one we have… if you could change it somehow, what would you change?
Antonio: SimPE… I hate using simPE, because I think it’s boring. But I prefer a boring software rather than no software. Yeah, it’s very hard to use, but I only know basic things for create meshes… But I think, SimPE would be better if it contained less words and more images, and just would be more simple.

Spring4Sims: What’s your most and least favorite part about creating?
Antonio: The most favorite is 3D Studio Max, because you can create everything, you can design and make your creativity free. The less, I think it’s SimPE.

Spring4Sims: Does creating for the game bring any benefits in your real life? Maybe new skills you can use at school or something like that…
Antonio: At school no, but in the future, at university maybe yes, I want to be an architect, graphic designer or something related to computers.

Spring4Sims: Have you ever thought of creating for some other site like MTS2 or TSR?
Antonio: I uploaded clothes at MTS2, but I think is very difficult to upload things there… Many steps to upload 1 thing…

Spring4Sims: Or how about other people joining your site? Would you like somebody else to participate, or is it just your own project?
Antonio: I prefer to work on my own, because I’m a little disaster, and maybe the other people will get angry with me. Chandra helps me when I need it, and I help her when she needs me, so, I think I do not need anyone else. Cool Sims also has a great staff, and it helps me with the web and with personal problems, so I’m happy with them.

Spring4Sims: Do you play some other games apart from The Sims 2?
Antonio: Some games for PS2 like Jak & Daxter, Sly, and when I was younger, Spiro. Games like that, adventures, magic, etc…

Spring4Sims: Do you have any recipe for staying enthusiastic when it comes to playing the game? For example, sometimes I have a problem to find the game really interesting, but it usually gets better when I download new stuff…
Antonio: Well, I think the new things that you can do with new expansions, like traveling, or find the “rare” Sims, like Plantsims, lycanthropes, witches, etc…

Spring4Sims: What do you usually do when you’re not playing or creating for The Sims 2?
Antonio: I do a lot of stuff with my computer, listen to music or chat on MSN…. I also go to an English academy, so I don’t have so much of free time.

Spring4Sims: What’s your most and least favorite expansion pack for the game?
Antonio: I like Bon Voyage or Nightlife the most. I don’t know which one I like more. And the least… Pets, there’s not many items on this EP, only the pets.

Spring4Sims: What skill points would you have as a Sim?
Antonio: I don’t know, probably creativity, logic and clean skillpoints.

Spring4Sims: If you think there’s something more you’d like to tell us, then speak up your mind!
Antonio: Hmm, something more… I want a wacom cintiq, if anyone wants to gift me one at my birthday, please contact me LOL. (Joke) I’m very optimistic, so, when I started to learn how to make meshes, I never stopped trying it. Because many people do it – when they can’t do something, they stop doing meshes, and that’s the problem, you have to try and try and try until you can. That’s a recommendation.

Thank you very much, Antonio, for your nice answers! Wish you lots of luck in the future and in your future projects!

You can download Antonio’s creations at CoolSims or chat with him at his forum.

Are you a creator? Would you like to like to tell your fans more about yourself? Than what are you waiting for? Read our FAQs before you apply and then send me an email at HannahSpring(at)gmail.com and become more popular than you were yesterday!

Spring4Sims: Hey, Mirraaj! Let me ask you a few questions about yourself: what’s your real name, how old are you and what do you do in real life?
Mirraaj: Well, I can tell you that I am 23 and that I work with graphic design and marketing. As my name suggests – Mirraaj is a funny spelling of the word Mirage – so that’s how I like to keep it.

Spring4Sims: So, where did all that passion for playing and creating for the game comes from?
Mirraaj: I bought The Sims 1 the year before The Sims 2 came out and I absolutely loved it. I was pulling sickies left right and center to play that game. In 2007, I discovered custom content (I know – I was late). I found MTS2 first and was instantly in love. From there I began life as “Vertex”. After a few disappointments, I was then renamed to MFC (Micro Fashion Co.) and started skinning for only about 3 weeks. Nothing was ever uploaded, many sets were made though. I left MTS2 and started at TSR as a different username. After an unfortunate event I had to rename to “Mirraaj” in May 2008. The previous statement posts why I can’t disclose my old username. So far, almost all my old accounts are removed, and I’m working on getting the rest removed.

Spring4Sims: How did you actually learn to make all that stuff? Have you worked with some paint programs and 3D tools before, or did you have to learn all of that at once?
Mirraaj: My meshes were awful to start off with but I was willing to learn and not willing to fail. Under a few of my older usernames I was one of the worst, but around April 2008 it all clicked and I was making some fantastic meshes. The first great ones I made were the Firenze Entrance Hall. My textures are the easy part. I use Wood Workshop and photoshop to create my textures, but sometimes even Google Images if it gets hard. I have had a lot of practice with paint programs like Photoshop and Gimp 2. So that’s why my preview images are sometimes too extravagant. (I’ve recently started cutting back on the amount of photoshopping I put into the images).

Spring4Sims: Why did you choose to make modern art design? Personally, I love to download stuff like this but why did it become your hobby?
Mirraaj: Modern is always the thing I found that was lacking in the game. Electronic Arts and Maxis made great quality stuff, but it was very “old fashioned”. I found Murano Mobilia and that website was the inspiration I had to push on and keep trying. His content was so wonderful and surprisingly realistic to me back then. When I found it I thought it was actually real! So I suppose that modern has always been the inspiration, and the stuff I’ve downloaded. So I thought I’d give it back.

Spring4Sims: What’s the hardest part about creating custom content? And what do you really love about it?
Mirraaj: The hardest part is perfecting the .obj (3D Mesh). It’s quite difficult in some programs so that’s why mine are always simple. But I always take advantage of that and make up for it with the texturing. The thing I really love is preparing the sets for upload, taking pictures and setting up scenes for the objects. And then hearing the great feedback from the downloaders.

Spring4Sims: Have you found something that keeps you enthusiastic about creating? There are lots of people who start their own websites, but later they’re closed because of lack of time…
Mirraaj: I think that the comments that people post are the push I get to keep going. Like – after my bedroom sets, there’s always something to follow shortly after, because there’s always so many comments and downloads. My highest downloading set is the LaFlat Bedroom from TSR which has had over 4,000 downloads (for the set alone) and over 4,000 downloads for each individual item.

Spring4Sims: Do you think it would be good if Maxis/EA Games created an official tool for creating new meshes?
Mirraaj: Definitely not. Too many people would do it. And I think the thing that makes the community great is that people know of great creators and the upcoming great creators. But if everybody does it, it would ruin that I think. And really, custom content is something that should be something to learn, not just make, or else why should EA bother to make anything at all?

Spring4Sims: Where do you take ideas from? Do they just pop out in your head or do you browse magazines and websites to find some inspiration?
Mirraaj: The Vivienne Lounge was from a website, but everything else is either parts of something else I’ve seen off a catalogue, or just out of my own modern quirky head.

Spring4Sims: Most of the players say the game is time-consuming. Is it the same with creating custom content? How much does it take to create one set?
Mirraaj: A set for me doesn’t take long because they’re often smaller than most other artists. I’m sick of our Miscellaneous section being filled with nonsense, so I only make what the point of the set is like a bed, end table, lamp and dresser. That’s all a bedroom is for my Sims. I don’t need “clutter”.

Spring4Sims: Have you ever thought of doing something different like skins or genetics?
Mirraaj: I have previously tried those, but nothing has turned out as well as my objects have. I have ever only done home decor and that’s how I want Mirraaj to stay.

Spring4Sims: You’ve recently started your own website. Does it mean you’re migrating from TSR, or do you plan to keep your downloads there as well?
Mirraaj: TSR is my home. I will never leave but obviously my uploads will be getting affected by my new website – I only have so much time. Hopefully it doesn’t impact my progression too much. I would love to achieve higher levels at TSR. My website is going great though, almost 1000 hits in less than a month so that’s just fine with me. I won’t be moving my sets from TSR to Mirraaj.com though.

Spring4Sims: Everyone plays the game for some reason. What’s yours?
Mirraaj: My reasons used to be to have fun. But as I’ve gotten older I just want to make new scenarios and make things happen that wouldn’t normally. It keeps me interested in playing. As most creators just drop off playing all together, I wanted to keep on going.

Spring4Sims: Actually, how long have you been playing the game?
Mirraaj: 5 Years this Christmas.

Spring4Sims: When the Sims 3 hits the shelves next year, do you plan to buy it? And what about creating? Do you think you’ll continue?
Mirraaj: I’ve already placed a deposit on the Collectors Edition. Very excited. And I will play for a little while, enjoy the game and I’ll continue with creating for The Sims 2. When tools come out to create, I’ll drop off my The Sims 2 creating and start learning The Sims 3. Hopefully it doesn’t change too much.

Spring4Sims: What’s been your most and least favorite expansion pack and why?
Mirraaj: Most favourite: Open for Business – I love the amount of money you get. Least favourite: Seasons – What is the point of it? To grow veggies in a greenhouse? Worst $50 I ever spent. The older expansions are better, now they’re just pulling them out of the who-hey.

Spring4Sims: If you could choose a primary and secondary aspiration for yourself, which would it be?
Mirraaj: Primary: Popularity – need I say more? Secondary: Pleasure – because writing restaurant guides gets lots of Simoleons!

Spring4Sims: What else apart from creating are you doing in your free time?
Mirraaj: Free time, what’s that? Actually at the moment not much else, setting up a website the way I did it was hard work. Now I spend most of my time relaxing and watching TV. I am taking a few days break from custom content because I was getting tired of it. I want to stay enthusiastic so I’m just keeping away for a while. I also like hanging out at shops and in the city.

Spring4Sims: The community of The Sims games is incredibly big. What places are your favorite to chat about the game and what do you like the most about the community?
Mirraaj: Definately the TSR forums. There’s so many people to chat to about the game and custom content creation. So I find that a heaven after a long day.

Spring4Sims: If you think there’s something more you’d like to tell us, then speak up your mind!
Mirraaj: I am planning on changing style from elegant modern to quirky modern. This means more colours, and more lines of detail. Hopefully this will interest you as much as my previous sets. I would also like to thank everybody who downloads my sets. My affiliates Sims in Paris and Rose Sims 2 and my mates at TSR! Also, thanks Hannah for interviewing me and giving met he opportunity to show the community what I am.

Thank you, Mirraaj, for all your perfect answers! I hope your skill will get better with every set you create!

You can find Mirraaj’s creations at The Sims Resource or Mirraaj.com.

Are you a creator? Would you like to like to tell your fans more about yourself? Than what are you waiting for? Read our FAQs before you apply and then send me an email at HannahSpring(at)gmail.com and become more popular than you were yesterday!

Spring4Sims: Tell us a little about yourself – what’s your name, how old are you and what do you do for a living?
Madeleine: My name is Madeleine, I’m 23 years old and I’m currently studying history and art at university.

Spring4Sims: When you created custom content, your did skinning. Why did you choose this type of creating?
Madeleine: It was the easiest custom content to create, and in the beginning I used skinning as a way to learn more about my paint program – Paint Shop pro 7, I still use the same program.

Spring4Sims: Did you have some skills like working with painting programs before you started skinning?
Madeleine: Not really…

Spring4Sims: What was your favorite part about skinning? Was there something you found hard to do or maybe even disliked it? How long did it take you to create one skin?
Madeleine: My favorite part was that I finally had somewhere to place my obsession about fashion design. I realized I wouldn’t make it in real life but at least I could make my Sims wear my creations! Making pants was probably the thing I disliked the most about skinning.

The most time I’ve spent on a skin is probably about 3 days, other skins took me 15 minutes to create. Depends on how much you make from scratch, I re-used a lot of textures in my skins.

Spring4Sims: Where did you take inspiration for all the stuff you created? I mean, you created dozens of skins!
Madeleine: I never really had a source of isnpration, just my crazy mind! I know a lot of other skinners used fashion sites as their inspiration, but I wanted to be all original. I wanted to create something unique, something that you wouldn’t find anywhere else.

Spring4Sims: Most of your skins were hand-drawn. Is it actually easier or harder to hand-draw textures? Why did you choose this method?
Madeleine: Again, I wanted to be original. And I also think that good hand drawn skins looks better in the game, it is animated after all. I think It’s just as hard to make a good photo-based skin as it is to hand draw one. All the tweaking you need to do to make it look good can drive you insane. And It’s also very hard to find good photos for skin making.

Spring4Sims: You’ve been creating for quite a few years (how many?). What was the thing that kept you hooked?
Madeleine: I started to create in 2002. My website, Flashy Trendy Stylish opened up on February 11th 2003. So I’ve been creatig on and off for six years now.

Spring4Sims: You had your own site – Stajl, a forum and a Mod the Sims 2 profile where you put your creations. What did you find most comfortable?
Madeleine: Even though most work went into uploading my creations at my own site, I found it most comfortable. That way I could present my skins as I wanted them to be presented. I could make my own graphics and then choose my own layout.

Spring4Sims: The Sims 3 will hit the shelves next year. Do you think you could possibly start creating again?
Madeleine: Well, I have to admit I haven’t really been reading much about Sims 3. And I’m not in the mood for buying or upgrading my computer at the moment so it could play the game… I will probably not create for sims 3. But you never know.

Spring4Sims: What was the most favorite part of the game for you (except creating skins)? And what do you think the game was missing?
Madeleine: Something that I loved about Sims 2 was to create themed neighboorhoods. Unfortunately I always seemed to loose interest in these hoods when they were finished… but it was fun as long as it lasted. I’m not sure really what I think was missing. Maybe they could have made bodyshop more user friendly (better light as an example).

Spring4Sims: What other games apart from The Sims do you like to play? And if you don’t play games, what other hobbies take up your free time?
Madeleine: I’m not much of a gamer, and the games I do play are very outdated… lol. I sometimes fire up Rollercoaster Tycoon that I got for Christmas 1999 and sometimes I get nostalgic and play Theme Hospital. Other than that I like to paint and draw. I have also gone into some sort of college-party-never-stops-mode, so a lot of time is taken up by studies and parties… haha.

Spring4Sims: What was your favorite part about the Sims community?
Madeleine: My favorite part about the community was all the friendly people. But I have to say I also kind of like all the drama as well.

Spring4Sims: When you think back, is there something that being a part of the community and creating custom content has given you?
Madeleine: News skills in Paint Shop Pro… absolutely! And I also got the highest grade in my webdesign class about 4 years ago, all because I learned html when I created my site. So yeah, that was cool.

Spring4Sims: Here’s your final word. Share your thoughts!
Madeleine: I don’t think I have seriously played the game this year, so my interest in the game is probably dead now, but I know that I will always remember all the fun I had. All the nice people in the community and all the other fantastic creators!

You can find some of Madeleine’s creations on MTS2 and The Sims 2 Graveyard! (The name is a little misspelled though – it’s Stajil.)

Thank you, Madeleine, for answering all my questions!

Are you a creator? Would you like to like to tell your fans more about yourself? Than what are you waiting for? Read our FAQs before you apply and then send me an email at HannahSpring(at)gmail.com and become more popular than you were yesterday!

Spring4Sims: Hello Tanja! It’s so good to talk to you – your creations are really lovely, but before we talk a little more about them, could you tell us a little bit more about yourself?
Tanja: Hi, I’m 36 Years old and I live in South Germany with my partner, my daughter and our dogs in a small village!

Spring4Sims: People know your creations from your site – Lifestyle for Sims. When you first played the game, have you ever thought you would create your own site? When did you first realize that you’d like to share your downloads with the community?
Tanja: I’ve been playing The Sims for 7 Years, I like to create my own site since I’ve start playing Sims, but 2 years ago, I’ve started my first website with free downloads for the community. I love to share my houses with others.

Spring4Sims: Why did you choose houses? There are many more options apart from creating houses…
Tanja: Decorating and furnishing is my passion. When I’m driving with my car – looking outside I found new inspirations for my next house.

Spring4Sims: I’ve noticed you update your site quite regularly, about once a week. What keeps you enthusiastic?
Tanja: I’ll try to create a new update each week – but often I didn’t get the time for it.

Spring4Sims: You often add a lot of custom content in the lots, but there are also some unfurnished lots on your site. What interests you more – the interior design or architecture?
Tanja: That’s a difficult question. I think it’s both. The interior design makes a house more interesting.

Spring4Sims: Do you create houses and buildings you’ve seen before, for example on the internet or magazines, or do you prefer to create them yourself? If both, what’s more challenging?
Tanja: Sometimes I have no plan, I am building simply on it. I create many houses which I’ve seen on the internet before and of course I try to copy them. However, this is not easy.

Spring4Sims: If you could add any special tool in the game, what would it be? Maybe creating some mansards or maybe glass roofs?
Tanja: I am not interested on glass-roofs but I would love to create mansards!

Spring4Sims: Is there something you really love or hate when you’re building something new?
Tanja: Most of the time it’s so hard to choose walls or plants for my houses, there’s so much of it and that’s a though choice!

Spring4Sims: If you could choose a house from your site you’d live in, which one would it be? Why would you choose it?
Tanja: BTW, I love all my houses. But I would love to live in this Beach House – and listen to the sound of the sea and enjoy the silence.

Spring4Sims: We can see a lot of different stuff on your site. Some of your lots are big, some small, they’re also created in different styles such as twikki vacation lots or in more industrial style (My Ghetto Lot). Which do you like to build the most?
Tanja: I like the ghetto-style. But I enjoy to built beach houses – these are my favorites. I didn’t like to built simple modern houses – that’s the reason you’ll not find them on my site.

Spring4Sims: Have you ever thought of creating for other community sites like MTS or TSR? Many creators say that they become much more popular. Or are you not interested in so much popularity?
Tanja: I’ve received an offer by TSR and other websites. But I prefer to offer my houses for free. And I am sure that my website has become popular itself.

Spring4Sims: Do you plan to stick with The Sims 2 when The Sims 3 is released? I’m sure there will be many more possibilities and options to create lots…
Tanja: I’m sure that I will buy Sims 3 and I am looking forward for the new building options. But I am sure that I continue with building my houses with The Sims 2.

Spring4Sims: Is there any other game you like to play?
Tanja: No – of course I’ve tried many games – but no game is as funny as The Sims 2 for me.

Spring4Sims: And if you’re not playing, what keeps you busy?
Tanja: I love to read, I enjoy reading fantasy books (Harry Potter/Lord of the rings), I love to decorate my own flat. My newest hobby is photographing and photoshopping. And I love to design Webseites.

Spring4Sims: What’s the most important part of the game for you? The gameplay, building, creating characters or the community?
Tanja: I love to share all my creations with the community – that is why I love to built houses.

Spring4Sims: Do you think there’s something more you’ve learned by creating custom content? I mean, a lot of creators has never made their own website before they started creating. Has it helped you to gain any new skills?
Tanja: I think that my style gets better with each house I’ve built. In my real life I am looking for more details, when I am watching real houses. There are so many details I’ve never noticed before.

Spring4Sims: Let’s turn the conversation to something different now. What was the most funny thing that happened in your game?
Tanja: I don’t play that often, but the last time I’ve been in the game the evening comes and it has been a gorgeous sunset, first everything turns orange and suddenly the darkness has come and all my Sims wander around in the darkness.

Spring4Sims: What is your favorite creature in The Sims 2 (Vampires, Witches…) and if you had to choose, which would you like to become?
Tanja: I love the good witches – and would love to be one for myself.

Spring4Sims: If you were a Sim, what would be your Primary and Secondary Aspiration?
Tanja: If I were a Sim, my primary aspiration would be to live in an awesome house, and the secondary aspiration would be to live there with lots of pets.

Spring4Sims: If you think there’s something more you’d like to tell us, then speak up your mind!
Tanja: I love to say thank you to all the fans of my houses. Saying a big thank you that so many visitors join my website and leave nice comments. And of course thank you to Spring4Sims for this interview – I’ve enjoyed it very much!

You can find Tanja’s creations on her site – Lifestyle for Sims!

Are you a creator? Would you like to like to tell your fans more about yourself? Than what are you waiting for? Read our FAQs before you apply and then send me an email at HannahSpring(at)gmail.com and become more popular than you were yesterday!

Spring4Sims: Hey, TheWestKid11! I already know something about you, but could you tell something about yourself to your fans?
TheWestKid11: Hi everyone, how are you all doing today? My real name is Alek, and I’m 16 years of age. I’m still school-age, so I am a high-school student.

Spring4Sims: We all have some story behind how we found The Sims games. What’s yours? How long have you been playing?
TheWestKid11: One day, just eight years ago, I was at my cousin’s house, and we were being baby-sat by our grandmother. My cousin was 2 years older than me, 10, at the time and was really excited to show me a new computer game that she got. It was, as you’ve probably guessed, The Sims. My cousin and I spent the whole day creating our “sim-selves” along with decorating our dream home. Of course, toilets were placed on the lawn, the pool took up over half the yard, and the bedrooms took up the other. The day after I went and bought a copy for myself: I was hooked.

Spring4Sims: The portfolio of your works includes mostly houses, but there is some stuff made with The Sims 2 Homecrafter as well. Why do you prefer making this kind of custom content?
TheWestKid11: I’ve always enjoyed making houses, mostly because I have wanted to become an architect ever since I could remember. I think the fact that every single person in the world needs a place to call home, and the possibility of me helping them get there has always pushed me in the direction of professional architecture. That and the ability to explore my creativity in a less traditional manner. As for Homecrafter, I mostly use it to fill in the gaps of what I think Maxis is missing, I use it to fulfill my architectural vision of what I see the house cosmetically looking like. All in all, they walk hand-in-hand.

Spring4Sims: Most creators need some kind of muse that will keep them enthusiastic about their work. What is yours? Or maybe who?
TheWestKid11: For me, it’s the comments, criticism, and praise that I receive for my work. Honestly, the number of downloads are not important to me anymore. Sure, they’re nice to have, but it’s what the public thinks of my work that really drives me. The Sims 2 allows me to explore and use my creativity in so many different ways, so that also helps me “mix it up” sometimes, so I won’t ever become bored.

Spring4Sims: Do you use some architectonic plans to create houses? Or do you create them in your head?
TheWestKid11: Most of the designs that I create are straight out of my head. I look at architecture and even ordinary things while driving throughout my community, and I receive inspiration to create homes and floorplans. I also think that taking an architecture course in school has really helped me, because now I have a greater feel for what works and what doesn’t in a “real home”. Sometimes I do use house-plans, which can sometimes be very fun and challenging to recreate. It may seem easier, but once you get into translating feet or meters to grid squares, it can get tricky and complicated. That’s one of the reasons that I prefer thinking of my own plans.

Spring4Sims: I see that some of the lots you’ve created are really big, some furnished, some unfurnished. How much time does it take you to create one house?
TheWestKid11: It definitely varies. For example, “The Eco-Friendly Contemporary” took me about a week to finish, because many building cheat codes were used, and the lot was fully furnished and landscaped. But when I set out to build a “starter home” (under $20,000), I can usually build it and take the pictures in only a few hours. But now that school has started up again, all of my building time has become scarce. I have been working on one lot for over two weeks! It all depends on the size of the project, and the amount of spare time that is available to me.

Spring4Sims: I’ve noticed you don’t usually include custom content in your lots. Why is that?
TheWestKid11: To be completely honest and blunt, it’s because I don’t use it myself. I know that my computer cannot handle a lot of custom content besides Homecrafter items, and I don’t want people that have the same situation as me to be turned away from my creations. There is a lot of wonderful custom content out there, but not everyone’s computers can handle it in large doses.

Spring4Sims: When I usually play the game and try to build a new house, I always find something that I’m missing in the game. Are there any specific tools you’d definitely love to see in The Sims 2 or maybe in The Sims 3?
TheWestKid11: One thing that I’ve always wanted in-game was the ability to expand and shrink your lot size during play, sort of like in The Sims 1. I sometimes find myself picking a smaller lot, but then realizing that the lot that I have already started building is only a few grid squares too big to fit! If the ability to expand or shrink lots, without mods, was included in The Sims 3 I would be very happy.

Spring4Sims: What’s your favorite part about building?
TheWestKid11: My favorite part of building would have to be creating the floor plans. Coming from an architecturally knowledgeable background, I know for a fact that a layout can make or break the home. I usually sketch this part out before I build, so that way I have an idea of what the lot is going to look like before I even open the game. But in all honesty, I just love all parts of the building process, from sketching to furnishing!

Spring4Sims: What would your dream house look like?
TheWestKid11: If I could have my dream home, it would definitely be in the ultra-modern style, located along some body of water, be it a lake or an ocean. I love the city life though, so it would have to be fairly near a large city. And of course, it would have to be a mansion… But realistically speaking, I would love a nice-sized two story home in a suburb. Just your “average joe” type of life, I have a feeling that’s what I’ll end up in.

Spring4Sims: Now imagine you’d have skills to create anything you’d like to – meshes, skintones, objects… What would you start with? What would appeal the most to you?
TheWestKid11: If I could create anything, it would be the ability to mesh. Although I try to stay away from custom content myself, I think that it’s so awesome how creators and artists can craft a 3D object to be used in-game. That requires a lot of talent… In the near future, I would like to learn how to re-color though, as I have learned that Maxis sometimes forgets to include some “good looking” patterns to choose from when decorating!

Spring4Sims: Although you already told me you plan to “wean off the Exchange”, most of your creation are still there. Do you have any specific reason? I think most of the creators don’t like to upload their files there. What are, in your opinion, the advantages of the Exchange? What would you like to see better?
TheWestKid11: In the future, I would definitely like to upload less frequently to the exchange, because I see it as an unfair uploads site. The site as a whole has its pros and cons, with the cons outweighing the pros in my opinion. I don’t like the rating system for one, it’s very easy for random people to click on your link and give you a “1 star” to “downrate” your lot, without even looking at what you’ve created. I also don’t like how it’s not regulated very well. For example, I have had more than a few uploads taken from me and uploaded on different sim-pages, and there’s no real way of fix that! But one of the pros of the site is the amount of traffic it gets, as well as it being a great place to begin your building career. You get a lot of opinions and downloads so it’s a great confidence booster when you’re just starting out. I have some of my lots still on there not for downloads, but more so because I still have friends on that site, and because I feel an emotional connection to my building roots.

Spring4Sims: Where will we see your creations the most in the future – on MTS2 or CC4Sims? Or have you ever thought of having your own site?
TheWestKid11: The thought of my own site has always been in the back of my mind, ever since I started to realize that I really love creating for The Sims 2. I was actually considering starting one for myself, but that’s when the lovely ladies at CC4Sims.com contacted me and requested me to become an artist on their site. After seeing what beautiful things they create and do, I was hooked and am now a happy resident artist on their site. I the future, I see most of my uploads there.

Spring4Sims: The lots you make are created in different style – some are modern, some are country houses and some Victorian. It’s quite a big range of different architecture. Do you have a favorite one?
TheWestKid11: I would have to say that I really don’t have one specific favorite style. I like to build in many different styles, like the ones that you mentioned above, so that I am constantly challenging myself. Of course, I do have a few favorite styles that I like to go back to and build, such as “contemporary”, “country”, “Victorian”, and “city”. But if I never experimented with different styles, I would never know how diverse of a builder I am or could eventually become. Who knows, I might just be an expert at building “Mediterranean” homes, and I don’t even know it yet!

Spring4Sims: As The Sims 2 is getting older, we know it will soon be replaced with The Sims 3. What will you do then? Do you plan to move on or just stick with the old one?
TheWestKid11: That’s a really tough question for me to answer. Being a junior in high school, I am well aware of the tough life that’s ahead of me in the university level of my schooling. Knowing that, it’s really hard to imagine me studying and working through college, but also finding time to play many videogames. To answer the question, I will probably stick with The Sims 2, because I already have put a lot of money into the series. For me, going out and buying The Sims 3 to play for one year just isn’t worth it.

Spring4Sims: Considering making houses is kind of a hobby to you, what do you do when you’re not building anything?
TheWestKid11: When I’m not building, school and friends are my primary focuses. Homework is usually the first priority for me, but if I get asked to go to the movies with a really cute girl, some exceptions can definitely be made. I also work a few nights a week at a coffee shop, so that’s something else that takes up my Simming time. Sporting events, extracurricular meetings, and family time will fill out the rest of the day. In total, I usually have less than an hour, give or take, for The Sims 2 each day.

Spring4Sims: How would you describe The Sims as a game? What do you think about it and why do you like it?
TheWestKid11: The Sims 2 for me is like a virtual dollhouse, only with many added bonuses. Not only can you play with your “dolls”, but you can also build for them, design and decorate their homes, create clothing for them, give them new looks, take pictures of them, and include them in your stories. Now where else can you find that on a store shelf? I like it so much because of all of those creative outlets that you can go into. You can be interested in one genre of creation, or you could experiment in all of them! It’s all up to you, the creator. That, I think, is brilliant.

Spring4Sims: Do you have any other favorite games?
TheWestKid11: Surprisingly, I combine The Sims 2 with many other videogames to create my favorites list. For instance, I love to play Halo 3 on my Xbox360, as well as rock out on the drums on Rock Band for Wii! I also have always been a fan of Mario Kart and other classic Nintendo games, but that’s more of a multiplayer thing when friends are over.

Spring4Sims: Let’s change the topic a little now and continue with some fun questions. If you were a Sim, what personality points would you have and what aspiration would you choose?
TheWestKid11: Ooh, I like this! If I were a Sim, I would be fairly sloppy, a little shy, fairly active, playful, and very nice. And if were given an aspiration, I would go with fortune, with a secondary aspiration of family.

Spring4Sims: Do you think that the game is addictive? For example, when I do some shopping and see something, I have to say for myself “Wow, I have this in my game!”. Do you have any moments like this?
TheWestKid11: I definitely think that the game is addictive, and it sticks and stays in my head even after I save and quit! For instance, the other day I was in my room, and I noticed that I had the same exact IKEA dresser as one of the Sims in my home did! I had known that it looked familiar, but the difference in color threw me off a little. I thought that was a little funny, and really cool. The next annual IKEA trip that my family takes will be a fun one, I will on the lookout for “Sim stuff”! Another instance happened at my local H&M, where I bought one of the sweatshirts that was featured in that stuff pack on a clearance shelf! Definitely a little surreal.

Spring4Sims: If you think there’s something more you’d like to tell us, then speak up your mind!
TheWestKid11: I just wanted to thank you all for having me here for an interview. I really enjoyed speaking my mind and sharing my opinions and thoughts on The Sims 2 as well as my own creations. I love this site, and wish you all the best. Thank you again, so much, for having me. It’s truly an honor. And I hope that all of you, the readers, will be seeing a lot more of me soon!

You can find Alek’s creations on his MTS2 profile, on Exchange or on site CC4Sims. If you’re looking for some walls & floors, look here!

Thank you, Alek, very much for taking this interview! It was pleasure to ask you questions – I hope your enthusiasm lasts forever!

Are you a creator? Would you like to like to tell your fans more about yourself? Than what are you waiting for? Send me an email at HannahSpring(at)gmail.com and be more popular than you were yesterday!

Spring4Sims: Hello, Agustin! Let’s start from the beginning – how old are you, where do you come from and what do you do for living? Is Agustin your real name?
Agustin: Hello, I’m 14 and from Argentina. Well, I do nothing for living since I’m that young. And yes, Agustin is my real name.

Spring4Sims: You’re really talented and you’re only in your early teenage age… How did you get in touch with the game and creating?
Agustin: My cousin used to have The Sims 1 and when I first played it I was like “Oh my god, this is too awesome!”. After some months, I decided to buy the new version of the game, The Sims 2, and of course fell in love with it! But then, I started to get bored of just building, decorating and living and I left the game (yes, I did). Some time later, a girl added me to MSN and showed me some of her creations. When I heard this I thought “Erm, what? Custom creations?” Now, I had discovered custom content! She linked me to MTS where I followed each tutorial and started to become a creator.

Spring4Sims: It seems like you’re pretty much into skinning, creating make-up and skintones. Why do you like this most?
Agustin: I like creating this stuff because it’s not that difficult and it’s really fun to make, and skintones well… I just don’t know, I feel really well when I finish something that is so hard to make.

Spring4Sims: Do you find making meshes hard? I think most creators prefer making textures…
Agustin: It is hard, the whole process and the Milkshape thing, more with hairs. But when you see the final result, with brand new mesh which has never been seen and new textures, is like you have really created something.

Spring4Sims: Is there any reason why you like to create stuff for females when you’re male yourself?
Agustin: For hairs because I have many more possibilities for the styles and stuff, and the other content because I just got used to it, I really like making male content, too!

Spring4Sims: Where do you take your ideas from? I’d say you look like a fashion-addict. Do you watch fashion shows or something like that?
Agustin: Meh, no, I just watch common TV series, haha. I just search images on the web and ask my sister, her opinion is really important. (She’s the one who watches fashion shows, project runway, fashion magazines, etc.)

Spring4Sims: How much time does it take you to make one set or a skin? Does creating takes you more time than playing, or is this just the way you play the game?
Agustin: Creating is the only thing I do related with the Sims. I do not play, the game is just there to take pictures. I am very perfectionist so it takes some hours to make something. For hairs, I take like a week!

Spring4Sims: Is there something you really really love about creating custom content? What do you dislike?
Agustin: I just love taking pictures for the previews, I could say it’s the best thing about creating! Also, I have lots of fun adapting the textures, making new meshes, etc. But well, here it is the bad thing: I hate animating my hairs. It brings me a lot of troubles, there’s always something bad with them, thank god I have my dear Nouk helping me with that!

Spring4Sims: Actually, where did you learn to make all that stuff? Before you started skinning, did you have any experiences with photo-editing and 3D programs?
Agustin: No, I had never opened Photoshop, Milkshape, or anything. I started from 0. I think the tutorials on the web were my best teachers, I have to thank them for all the techniques they gave me!

Spring4Sims: Have you ever thought of making something else than skins? Maybe some decor objects or something completely different?
Agustin: Actually yes, I have a set I made for myself but I got bored of objects very quickly. Anyway, I think I could create some objects for you. Also, I made a poses hack which I never use, but it’s there in my game for any case.

Spring4Sims: Your site, Fabulousims, gives you probably the best way to express yourself. Then you have also a MTS account. Do you think that more people will recognize your work if you post your downloads at more places?
Agustin: Probably, but since MTS is the biggest The Sims 2 custom content site, I think you can’t get more famous than you’ll get in there. Maybe if I start posting at TSR, GOS, etc., some more people will recognize me, but I’m really happy with the level of Fame I have reached

Spring4Sims: I’ve noticed that you’ve started to put some Sim-art on Flickr. Do you plan to expand your collection?
Agustin: Yes, I do. Actually I’m really interested in photo editing (not only Sims). I think I will add more pictures when I get inspired, I don’t publish every little piece of crappy art I do, heh.

Spring4Sims: What does the game means for you?
Agustin: The Sims 2 has been my partner for lots of hours, and it was always there for me! It lets me do whatever I want, from creating to taking pictures, to playing a bit.

Spring4Sims: How long have you been playing The Sims?
Agustin: Err, I think that like 5 years, starting with The Sims 1.

Spring4Sims: What expansion pack is your favorite?
Agustin: Seasons, definitely. I love it. When I got it, I really played it and I was already a creator! I was super excited with it, wanted to use all features, the snow was great!

Spring4Sims: If you met a Genie, what would you wish for?
Agustin: Haha, well I think that I would wish to keep my family and friends safe and healthy, a Wacom tablet definitely!, and becoming a Featured Member at MTS, I have always dreamed of that.

Spring4Sims: EA Games keeps updating the official site of The Sims 3 with new pictures, videos and articles. How do you like the new game so far?
Agustin: Oh, this question looks difficult to answer. I usually check the site for updates and I like the game. But I think I will let The Sims 2 in a corner and won’t play anymore, when it actually gave me a lot of good and funny moments. Anyway, I’m really excited about it, I wanna see the options of custom content we’ll be able to create!

Spring4Sims: When you’re not playing with your Sims, what else do you play?
Agustin: I don’t play any games, just those Facebook ones and I’m always using Photoshop.

Spring4Sims: And when you’re completely without computer, what keeps you busy?
Agustin: I love photography, drawing, and playing the piano! The last one takes me lots of time and effort, but it’s really worth it. Of course school keeps me really busy, too.

Spring4Sims: The community of The Sims games is really big and strong. What do you like about it and how do you feel about being a part of it?
Agustin: It’s cool, I like checking the finds, discovering new sites, making affiliates, looking forward my visits at Fabulousims, etc. I sometimes feel like such a little part of it, like nobody recognizes me, but then I got a pm or something and that makes me happy to be there

Spring4Sims: If you think there’s something more you’d like to tell us, then speak up your mind!
Agustin: This game has given me so many close friends, who I talk to every day, many many hours of joy and fun, the skills at Photoshop, Milkshape, and it has become a wonderful hobby.

You can find Agustin’s stuff on his site – Fabulousims, on his MTS2 account and also some pictures on his Flickr account. All pictures featured in this article are made by Agustin.

Agustin, thank you so much for answering my questions! I wish you a lot of patience with your future projects!

Are you a creator? Would you like to like to tell your fans more about yourself? Than what are you waiting for? Send me an email at HannahSpring(at)gmail.com and be more popular than you were yesterday!

I was thinking about what to bring to my site and then this came up to my mind. I think that everyone wants to know something more about people who are behind the stuff that is created for us. There are so many talented creators in the community, so why not to get them know better?

The first interview featured on Spring4Sims is made with Dave from SimGuys.net. I’m sure most of you know Dave and love his work. Make sure you read the article and post a little comment!

I hope you’ll enjoy this new section. If you’d like to get interviewed, feel free to email me at HannahSpring(at)gmail.com. Don’t worry, I don’t bite.

Spring4Sims: Dave, tell us a little about your self – how old are you, where do you come from and what do you do in real life?
Dave: Hello, I am a 20 years old boy, I am from México. I don’t know what to say about me, I am a Graphic Designer that loves music, cartoons, manga and a big list of other stuff.

Spring4Sims: Is Dave your real name or is it a nickname?
Dave: No, my real name is David but a long ago my friends started to call me Dave so I adopted this as my nickname in the network.

Spring4Sims: I think you’re quite popular in the Sims community. How has it all started?
Dave: Well, SimGuys began as a kind of news portal in Spanish called MyFormulae, what a weird name for a Sim-page, right? But to tell the truth it was not in my plans to create a Sims 2 website, it’s just happened… after a few months I realized I wanted to do something different and so SimGuys.net was the result, a small site that would focus on CC for male Sims.

Spring4Sims: Why did you choose creating skins, especially sets for males? Is it because you’re male or did you have any other reason?
Dave: There were two reasons: as everyone knows, the vast majority of artists/fansites are dedicated to girls and I wanted to distinguish by something special. And perhaps the second has to do with being a guy, I like to create clothes that I would have or dress, this makes the entire process much easier.

Spring4Sims: You also create body-meshes. What do you find harder: messing with Photoshop (or any other paint program) or 3D programs?
Dave: Oh, definitely 3D Programs, I don’t know much about it and what I now know about meshes of The Sims 2 is thanks to my great mentor and friend Yakov (best known for his excellent work with BB on InSIMenator.net).

Spring4Sims: Have you ever thought of designing furniture or objects?
Dave: Not really, it’s not something that catches my attention, but whenever I see the beautiful things of certain artists from the community, I would like to begin testing.

Spring4Sims: Your work is full of colors, latest trends in fashion and, in my opinion, a little metrosexual style. Why do you prefer this kind of look?
Dave: Because I like everything about Fashion and clothing designer, a lot of clothes I’ve published are based on fashion magazines or in such events. I’ve heard so much that it is somewhat metrosexual, the truth is that I enjoy creating clothes that only extravagant Sims can use to wear at work perhaps? Hahaha, I think that it’s what the whole game is about, to do things than ever imagined.
Spring4Sims: I see! I must say I love the colors! I would definitely wear your stuff in real life. Fashion is a great thing for sure.

Spring4Sims: What inspires you to make all of your stuff? Do you visit certain sites or places that give you new ideas?
Dave: I’m definitely inspired by events and fashion photographers, when I see pictures of this kind I say WOW – I want to prove that in the Sims!

Spring4Sims: We all know that The Sims 2 is a really time-consuming game. Does skinning take you more time than playing the game? How much?
Dave: It doesn’t really take me much time when I am pretty inspired, probably do not realize it but when I update in a very short time it’s because I had done something that was not planned, it’s very entertaining for me. Frankly, that’s the way I play The Sims 2.

Spring4Sims: What’s your favorite part about making custom content? Or is there even something you really hate about it?
Dave: My favorite part… could say that the only thing that I hate about this is when I have to wait to load my game to test the stuff, everything else can I say that is something I enjoy.
Spring4Sims: Haha, I know exactly what you mean. The load screens are so annoying!

Spring4Sims: You post your creations on various places – on your site, forum and TSR account. Which of the places is your most favorite?
Dave: My website for sure, I update my Web-Forum when I do things that do not fit into the system that I have for the website (or when I must confess I have laziness to update, haha).

Spring4Sims: How do you feel about being a Select Artist at TSR?
Dave: I feel good, some people hate that fact but everything is still for free. TSR was a good way to reach people who didn’t know my creations.

Spring4Sims: You have posted about 200 photoshopped Sims-pictures on your Flickr account. That’s quite a big number. What’s a bigger passion – skinning or taking pictures of your Sims?
Dave: Oh, this is difficult one, the truth is that I think they’re complementary, taking photos is inside the process of updating my site and it’s something I really love and a lot, but I usually take pictures of the new things I do.

Spring4Sims: How would you describe The Sims?
Dave: The Sims is just a whole new world, anyone can have fun with this game and what I like most is that you can play with in different ways, creating, living life, building, recording, taking photos, even coding… I think it is a universal game.

Spring4Sims: The latest statistics about The Sims games has shown that the games are played a little more by women than by men (the ratio is circa 3:2). Do you think that male players/artists are given a little more attention than the female ones?
Dave: I think that if you are a girl or a boy, it doesn’t matter when people like your work, unfortunately as the statistics prove there are more females playing and hosting fansites, probably every time that you enter a site your first thought is something like “Oh this girl has a good taste…”, but we really don’t know if it’s a girl or a boy; just in this case the community probably gives us less attention.

Spring4Sims: I’ve noticed that some fans are rather disappointed with The Sims 3. We know that there will be a lot of new things, but still it’s a bit sad to move on from one game to another. Do you think it’s going to be worth it?
Dave: Until a few days ago was not interested in The Sims 3 but then I saw a behind the scenes The Sims 3 video on the official website, I found it very interesting. Not so much to become a fanatic, I am not a person who only conforms with something popular and new, I hope they release soon a Beta version of the BodyShop as when The Sims 2 was close to be out, then I should know If I’m gonna buy that game the first day when it’s out.

Spring4Sims: Do you plan to create custom content when The Sims 3 is released?
Dave: No for right now, let’s see when the game’s out or when they release a BETA for BodyShop.

Spring4Sims: When you don’t play the Sims, do you play something else?
Dave: Yes, I like many video games, I have a Wii and DS, I also greatly enjoy Age of Empires or legends like FF, RE or Silent Hill, my favorites.
Spring4Sims: Age of Empires is one of my favorites, actually.

Spring4Sims: What other stuff do you like to do in your free time when you’re not creating custom content for the Sims?
Dave: I do a lot of things, many random things – I hang-out with my friends, watch movies, play videogames, go hiking, shopping, or I’m designing… many things.

Spring4Sims: What do you like the most about the community?
Dave: The chance to meet people around the world, it’s absolutely brilliant.

Spring4Sims: If you’d like to say something you didn’t have a chance to say – do it now!
Dave: This game gave me the opportunity to implement my abilities in many things I like as web design and I am very happy for this, it’s also given me very special people who I love so much, it’s incredible where you can find people who share your interests and become part of your life.

I want thank to all those people who have helped SimGuys.net to be where it is, I am glad that people enjoy playing the things that I’m doing. Thank you.

You can find Dave’s stuff on SimGuys.net, SimGuys Forums and his TSR account. If you’d like to see his Sim-pictures, see his Flickr account. All pictures are created by Dave.

Thank you, Dave, for answering all my questions! I Hope your inspiration will always be a bottomless pit!

Are you a creator? Would you like to like to tell your fans more about yourself? Than what are you waiting for? Send me an email at HannahSpring(at)gmail.com and be more popular than you were yesterday!