Interview with Critikill

Could you please introduce yourself to our readers?

My real name is Gordian, born in 1976 in good old Playa del Hamburgo. My mother gave me this name - which really has nothing to do with the "gordian knot" - really!

How did you get into the demoscene? When did you start being active in the demoscene?

Hmmm, my first computer was an Amiga 500 without extensions... It was back in 1991 - a friend of mine convinced me to buy one. Shortly after, I discovered Dpaint (about '92) and visual expression via computers. Later on, when I was smelling the scene flavor caused by cracktros and the first demos, I changed my ordinary name into the following nicks and started to do digital visuals: mcg ('93-'95), varix (96-97) and critikill (around '98)... In '94 I turned to PC/Dos and started releasing stuff...

What do you think is the main difference between the oldschool and the newschool scene? Do you like that progression?

This progression was important - the only thing missing is the ass-kicking movement and enthusiastic flair. Nowadays there is less scene activity and motivation because of the lack of newbies and time - we're getting older nowadays and all have our jobs, hehe.

What is your favourite demo?

Too many: my favourites were from Spaceballs, Anarchy, Silents, Black Maiden, Haujobb, Farbrausch, and a lot of other groups (sorry, can't handle all the demo titles and names).

What was your best moment in the scene so far? And what was your worst?

The best was to get recognized and to meet other sceners and create collaborative productions. The worst: to see, how the scene was getting smaller and smaller...

What are you doing for a living now?

Eating, drinking and having sex, hehe... besides earning money in a classical advertising-agency with the focus on print-media and tv-spots. (sometimes it's like making demos :-))

Why did you join Brainstorm?

Because Axel/BRS asked me - and I suddenly really was back in love with the scene. His inspiration and organizing talent and motivation were in fact an important point, too. Thanks Axel!

Can you tell us something about your current projects and any of Brainstorm's projects?

Not really - we focus on fun and have lotsa ideas ... We'll see what happens next - keep connected!

In which ways did your demoscene background help you get into the work you do today?

I learned to make concepts and to work in a team, exchange ideas and focus on a common project.

What do you think is necessary to bring the demoscene a bit more into the public?

Is it important to bring it into public? Guess not...

What things do you like besides computer work?

Art and music, my girlfriend and meeting friends...

Which parties did you like the most?

Mekka/Symposium & BP (the only ones I've been to, urg). I was hungry for "ASM" and "the PARTY" releases back in the 90s.

Where do you get your motives from? Do you draw sketches on paper before starting on a picture or logo?

That totally differs from picture to picture, depending on the idea and task.

What programs are you using when making your pictures / graphics?

Nowadays I prefer: Freehand, Cinema4d, Photoshop, Illustrator, QuarKXpress and InDesign - for Scene stuff I do use PS mainly.

Please name your 5 most favourite graphicians from the demoscene and tell why they are your favourites.

Made - the clean perfection
Cyclone - asskicking pixel technique
Bridgeclaw - fantasy at its best
Splif - funky, just funky and colorful
Lazur - great ideas and unique technique

What is the best picture or your most favourite you have ever made? And why?

"Surfing on mother earth" - I like the surreal taste and background.

What future demo projects will we be able to see your artwork in?

I don't have any plans, hopefully some BRS-Prods :-)

Any last words? Some greetings perhaps? Be my guest..

Regards go out to: BRAINSTORM & FARBRAUSCH and all the active and inactive sceners.

Magic & Critikill