PowerPoint Heaven eConvention 2010

eCon 2009

eCon 2010 > eCon Awards > Contributor of the Year

eCon Awards 2010: Contributor of the Year Interview

Alex Fu is a member of PowerPoint Heaven Discussion Board. He joined the community in the July 2007. Alex specializes in graphic design and VBA. He has created many fantastic artworks in PowerPoint over the years.

1) Tell us more about yourself.
My name is Alex Fu, and I live in the US. I love graphics, animation, scripting, and am would like to consider myself knowledgeable in computer sciences. I love math and the philosophy, but I do not know what I would like to do for a future career. Optical sciences like realistic projections for example, are something I might consider doing. Teaching is another profession I might look into, but who knows? The future is such a vast place. Limiting one’s self to a few possibilities seems unappealing to me; I strive to become a well-rounded respected figure that will, in some way, leave a positive mark on this world.

2) What was your first PowerPoint and how was it like?
I first learned about PowerPoint in middle school. One of my classmates had drawn something amazing in it, and I was in intrigued by it. I started off by using the Mac version of PowerPoint, but when I got a Windows platform, I used Windows Office from there on out. My first PowerPoint was something simple. Slide by slide animation. Stick figures were a bit too childish, so I decided to draw blobby shapes using a mouse. This turned into my first animation, entitled “Mr. Little and JellyFace” Primitive, yes, but I was still proud of it.

3) How have you improved your skill over time?
I am proud to say that my PowerPoint skills have improved greatly over time. I went from drawing those primitive pictures to “masterpieces” complete with shading or complex animations. After getting a huge Wacom Intuos2 tablet, my drawing style increased, and I was able to finally draw decent shapes and pictures. Continuous obsession was the fuel for practice, and through this I was able to improve my graphical and analytical skills through a period of a few years.

4) Are there any areas in PowerPoint that you think you need to work on?
No, I’m a real beast at PowerPoint. Kidding aside, I really think that I should work on the programming aspect of PowerPoint. You can literally do anything with the VBA engine inside PowerPoint, and I have yet to try it out fully. What I have done is only the fraction of possible uses for PowerPoint

5) What motivates you for creating PowerPoint works?
The finish product. Definitely. Just the thought of the final piece and feeling of accomplishment is always the most satisfying of all.

6) Where do you get brainstorm or get inspirations for your PowerPoints?
I constantly have a flow of ideas for PowerPoints. Whether it be my favorite show or a programming idea, I jot it down for later remembrance. If I still feel enthusiasm for that particular project, I set off to do it.

7) How do you think PowerPoint compares against software such as Flash and Photoshop?
Flash, PowerPoint, and Photoshop are all great at what they do. Flash is for animation, Photoshop is for art, and PowerPoint is just the perfect child of both. In my opinion though, PowerPoint could easily be far greater than either of its parents if enough time was spent upon it. Used in unison, however, will produce far greater results. I can personally vouch for that.

8) What principles or concepts did you learn in PowerPoint that has also been applied to real life?
Perseverance and perfection. I will settle for nothing less than raw effort in my completed works. Anything less is not acceptable.

9) How has PowerPoint changed you as a person?
PowerPoint has helped me find a fun way to pass time. Instead of playing games all day long, I can create many forms of art, be “productive,” and have fun at the same time.

10) What else do you do apart from PowerPoint?
I love to study, script and program, draw, create artistic pieces, compose music, and do other miscellaneous graphical design work. I also run a (semi-private) Minecraft server in my spare time (contact me if you wish to join).

11) What do you consider your greatest creation?
Oooh boy. I have done so many works and projects that I have many favorites. I would probably say my “Misaka Mikoto,” Currently in showcase at the 2010 PPTH eCon. It features dynamic shading, as well as no lines. Each object is it’s own shape in the presentation.

12) What are your plans for future PowerPoint works?
I really don’t know. I have so many things I wish to do that it astounds me. I would probably draw a complex art piece from the show, Needless. It would feature dynamic shading, no lines, and complex shape forms.

13) What features do you think should be included in the next version of PowerPoint
I really liked the PowerPoint 2003 feel. PowerPoint 2007 and 2010 really ruined it for me, with all those complicated steps to get to places like gradients. Speaking of gradients, I liked the old system WAY better. I really liked the EASILY NAVIGATABLE DRAGGABLE toolbars that 2003 boasted. So, in the next version of PowerPoint, please have all the 2010 features, the old gradient selection system, draggable toolbars, and optimized performance for animations. Make it happen, Microsoft! I know you can do it!

14) Can you share with us some PowerPoint tips and tricks?
Music helps. Focusing on the thing you are working on is different from multitasking with a video and PowerPoint. Also, practice makes perfect. Do something enough times, and you’ll get the hang of it. Lastly, don’t let PowerPoint dominate your life. Live life with an open heart and mind. You will enjoy every second of it.

Special Thanks to the following PPTH Discussion Board members for the questions: : Emprovision, QueenJaydes, T&S8888, Jeremiah Lee.

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