Morgaine Price: What do you design/create in SL?

Siyu Suen: Masks mostly, as well as other costume accessories I get the whim to make.

Hunt gift from Illusions

MP: What is your store name?

SS: Illusions

MP: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

SS: Ever since I first started, I’ve had a passion for historical costumes and things outside the norm.  Some of the first things I ever made were piratey things, masks and other things that could be considered fantasy.  I just consider them fun!

MP:Do you RP? Do you have time?

SS: No, but there was one time early on I did get all dressed up and visited an RP sim.  I went afk and ended up tabbing over to work and completely forgot I was there, and got banned from the sim!

MP: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

SS: My father was the first one to tell me about it, he had read an article about it in Wired magazine and he knew I liked games. Back then I thought that SL was more of an MMO, and it being free appealed to me.

MP: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

SS: At first I was one of those noob campers, and with my hard earned lindens I started shopping.  When I couldn’t find what I really wanted, I decided to try making it myself.  Making things is really the only reason I’m here, that and to be pretty.

MP: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

SS: Mostly from history and nature, historical costume and the evolution of fashion is fascinating for me.  I also love taking something from nature and using it in a way that’s not normally seen, like gazelle horns on a human or a woman with a cat’s head.

MP: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

SS: That’s almost all I do!  I’m constantly improving my sculpting and artistic abilities, it’s almost all I work towards as I strain every day to make my latest project the best one I’ve ever made.

MP:If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

SS: I would love to wake up one day and find that LL had really cracked down on content theft, and made it not only easier to report and remove items but also easier to permanently get rid of copybotters.  I think its a dream a lot of content creators have.

Morgaine Price: What do you design/create in SL?

Hig Bing: Fantasy clothes for male and female, mostly fairies, but not only, also elves, medieval clothing, witches, gypsies…
Fantasy builds : mushrooms, flowers, tree houses and all sorts of things, furniture, emitters etc…

MP: What is your store name?

HB: Hig’s

MP: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

HB: 2 years and 2 months ago, I wanted to build treehouses and started visiting the fantasy sims to get an idea of what there was in SL . I felt my clothing was not appropriate for the places I visited, but I didn’t have money to by some, so I decided to try to make my own clothes, and that’s how it started.

Hunt gift from Hig's

MP: Do you RP? Do you have time?

HB: Nope… because well, nope !

MP: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

HB: A friend talked about it on a forum. Curiosity.

MP: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

HB: Wow. To make it short… mmmmh… the limitless possibilities to build and create, and have here a “talent” that I don’t have in rl. Be able to actually create things I think of that are not possible in real life.

MP: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

HB: Mostly in nature and my own imagination… actually, I have more ideas than time to create them.

Hunt gift from Hig's

MP: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

HB: Yes. well, SL building and texturing skills… and as for RL, learnt to use the Gimp.

MP: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

HB: Not paying tier once you have bought your land (yeah, I know, this sounds mean and you can delete this one if you want to… but believe me, it is hard to feel the threat every month, not knowing if you will be able to make it this time… I would like to be building just for fun, and not only wondering if such and such creation will sell) And also, I would like to find a way of protecting my work against theft.And also, be able to link phantom sculpties and solid regular prims.And also, I want to fly… oh, but hang on… I do fly in SL .

Rarely Obscure: What do you design/create in SL?

Morgaine Price: I make a variety of things but my true passion is clothing. My designs are mostly medieval, fantasy, and gorean in nature. They are suited suited for roleplaying and costume events.

Rarely Obscure: What is your store name?

Morgaine Price: Mer-Elf Creations

RO: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

MP: Two weeks after signing up with an account, I got a mermaid avatar.  When I found out I could make my own clothing, I started making mermaid tails. Then as I roleplayed more, I started making clothes. I opened my shop 2 years ago.

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?

MP: I love roleplaying so much. But alas, I don’t get much time.

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

MP: I found it randomly one day on google and I wanted to see what it was.

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

MP:  Having been an artist all my life,  I am motivated by a burning need to create.  Coincidently my RL name also means creation .  I’m also motivated to stay because of the friendships I have built inworld.  The love I have for them and  the crazy conversations we have .  Last but not least, I am addicted.

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

MP: I draw inspiration from; the gowns I used to make for my Barbie dolls, all the stories I grew up reading and still do,  my lifelong love for medieval/ fantasy cloth, images in my head,  and inspiring historical people… the list goes on and on.

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

MP: I barely knew anything about photoshop when I first logged in,  but now I use it regularly.
SL gives me the platform to practice my digital art skills.  I am also learning how to do 3-D modeling and someday when I have time, LSL.  I am planning to combine my RL computer science study with digital art and get a job in the graphics industry. People tell me I am good at marketing and SL has taught me so many business related skills.

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

MP: Hmmmmmm, there are too many things that need changing, but I do want to see a better avatar mesh someday.

RO: I hope LL is reading this, because we really need a better quality avatar mesh.  Thanks Morgaine.

RarelyObscure: What do you design/create in SL?

Opal Lei: Mermaid tails, gadgets, jewelry, ancient fashion reproductions, teddy bears, and whatever else I can think of.

RarelyObscure: What is your store name?

Opal Lei: I have three brands: Mer Betta, Ms.O.Lei-ny, and Ancient Visions.

RO: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

OL: Mer Betta started when a friend invited me to the LL concierge party in 2007; the theme was “underwater”.  I didn’t want to spend too much on my costume so I bought the cheapest mermaid tail I could find.  But I wasn’t happy with the tail.  Long story short, by the time I got to the party, only the scale pants were originally from that bought tail; I redid everything else and added a few extras.  I got compliments about the tail, and people asked where I bought it.  One even wanted to buy it off my back.  So I cleaned it up, made my own scales, and created three more.  And Mer Betta was born.  That was August 2007.

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?

OL: Yes, occasionally.  However, I use an alt for RPing for several reasons.  1) I’m less likely to get interrupted in that alt so I can focus on the RP.  That’s out of respect for the people I RP with.  2) Customers tend to be somewhat self-conscious around a designer, especially with mer tail designers.  I don’t want them to feel like they have to wear my tails just because I’m around.  I like seeing mers wearing my tails, but I also like seeing diversity out there.  3) When I’m RP’ing, I’m not Opal, I’m that character I’m portraying.  I don’t want any special privileges; I’d rather earn my reputation there for what I do there, not for what I do as Opal.

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

OL: I was reading articles in score.org and found article teasers about “SL this” and “SL that”, so I Googled “SL”.  I was already planning to explore The Sims Online because of the creative aspect.  It looked like playing Legos with an endless supply of blocks.    But since SL was free and TSO was not, I went with SL and signed up.  Within a week, I went premium anyway so I could buy land. 

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

OL: The creative aspect of it, the amazing innovations of ordinary people.  But it’s really more than that.  As a whole, virtual worlds have incredible potential to change society — how we live our lives, how we do business, how we define relationships, how we mold realities, how we view ourselves and the worlds we live in.  Virtual reality is still at its infancy; this is just the start of a wave of change.  I want to be a part of that wave and I want to be here when that wave crests.  So I keep logging in.

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

OL: Mother Nature.  Nothing beats her. 

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

OL: I was a techie before SL, so scripting came naturally.  And building is just like playing with Legos, but I learned how to torture prims from friends and others.  I did artistic work in different media as a hobby, but I had to learn Gimp (which is more powerful than my old photo editor) and sculpts and animations.

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?RO:

OL: Only *one*?  Hmmm, that’s a hard question….  I’ll get back to you after I narrow down my mile-long list. 

RO:  Thanks Opal, btw would you be an official spokesperson for SL?  Your description (of why you keep logging on) is superbly brilliant!

RarelyObscure: What do you design/create in SL?

Beastia Cortes: Actually I cant say I have any specific area I belong to. I started with latex outfits. Then I jumped into tattoos and T-shirts. Next, there were shapes and gestures. Finally now, I’m working on my first furniture line.  Sometimes I want to play with textures in Photoshop, other times I get into building with prims.

RarelyObscure: What is your store name?

Beastia Cortes: Cortes’n'Rossini

RO: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

BC: To tell the truth, creating items for this hunt will be my first experience. But I already have  ideas for further  development.

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?

BC: I never RP in SL.  It’s not only a question of time, but SL for me is almost the same as the RL me.  Of course I don’t have wings and tail iRL… *smiles*  I always say, “I don’t play SL, I live SL.”

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

BC: I created my avatar in 2007. I still have some snapshots of what I looked like back then. *laughs* I wore the ‘cybergoth’ preset avatar (no prim hair, plaid white skin and strange red/black clothes). I roamed around for a while and then disconnected. I understood nothing and it was a complete disappointment.  Almost a  year passed before I logged back again.  Finally, that attempt was successful;  I soon got accustomed, made new friends, and found a new family…

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

BC: First of all, my friends and then the nature of SL itself. Yep, I’m addicted *smiles*.

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

BC: Oh.. completely everywhere.  RL clothes, those shown in fashion magazines, worn by people I see on the streets, movies, cartoons, and pc games…

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

BC: First of all, my English. I live in Russia and the “English language” we learn at school is nothing like the English spoken in U.K./ U.S.A./etc.  None of my SL friends speak Russian so English is the only way we can communicate.

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

BC: I think we all wish SL could be less laggy.  Being a programmer iRL,  I’m familiar with grid technologies enough to understand that some lags are unavoidable. Oh and yes, all ways of converting lindens to real money and vice-versa do not work in Russia. But it’s more about PayPal and political drama *sighs*.

RO: That’s completely and utterly unfair!  (paypal/goverment issue)  Thanks Beastia

RarelyObscure: What do you design/create in SL?

Surreal LeShelle: Costumes/clothing

RarelyObscure: What is your store name?

Surreal LeShelle: Deviance

RO: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

SL: I started making making things for myself around Jan of 2008.  A bit later that year my friends convinced me to open a store.

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?

SL: No to both unfortunately.

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

SL: I heard about it online somewhere, and being a Sims player, it sounded like just my kind of thing

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

SL: All of the unrealized projects I’ve got floating around in my head, and the fantastic people I’ve met.

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

SL: Just about everywhere. Finding the time to make them all is the hard part.

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

SL: I like to think that my photoshop and 3d skills have improved

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

SL: More clothing layers, flexi sculpts that don’t cause oodles of lag, sculpts that animate with the body… anything that lets us dress our avatars in more ways.

RO: Thanks Surreal!

RarelyObscure: What do you design/create in SL?

Bijoux Lefavre: shoes!!

RO: What is your store name?

Bijoux Lefavre: Heart & Sole

RO: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

BL: I don’t do much fantasy per say, but everyone needs shoes! I think I make shoes that can go with any theme though.

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?

BL: not really, no time

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

BL: LOL Watched a special on tv, about how bad Second Life is, and rushed to sign up!

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

BL: the people, I have made the most amazing friends, some I have known almost since I started, so over 2 years!

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

BL: Sometimes from shoppers, they send me ideas, I love it! I also love shoes in RL, so I am always shopping for them and looking to see what I can bring into SL.

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

BL: That is an understatement! I never even touched Photoshop before SL. I have never tried anything like the building here, so it has really been amazing to me.

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

BL: Just one? Put an end to content theft!

RarelyObscure: What do you design/create in SL?

Suki Syakumi: As Suki Syakumi I create medieval, fantasy, elven, and some movie outfits for both men and women and with scripts for resizing in them you can also shrink them for smaller avie’s.  I do have a secondary business from Karmas Destiny in which I do sci fi, star wars, victorian, steampunk, and vintage outfits for both men and women.

RarelyObscure: What is your store name?

Suki Syakumi: Suki’s Silken Fashions

RO: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

SS: I was tired of paying someone else for outfits I wanted and with a little self training I knew I could do it for myself.  For the last four years roughly.

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?

SS: I do, but I dont always have the time.  I have four businesses.  Suki’s Silken Fashions, Destiny’s Designs (Karmas Destiny), Silmae’s Essentials (skins from Silmae McCarey), and Kirkorian Institute of the Arts (Rivin Kirkorian).  But the last one, in which was intended to be a university turned into a lesson in building selling enterprise.

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

SS: While playing WoW one day one of my guildies made an offhand remark about SL being nothing more than a place to have virtual sex.  I had a chuckle then asked another guildie about it.  He said, “It’s not just sex, you can build”… my creativity bug bit me and I came to see what SL was about.

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

SS: I can create worlds and give back to people some joys in which they have given to me… kind of my way of “passing on the favor”.  Eventually it will return around to me and it has.  My motivations to log back in… I have a need to create. This is where I often spend time with my sister, Kateefa Abernathy, whom I have gotten to finally realize her own creativity in making jewelry.

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

SS: In my loved ones especially Kateefa Abernathy, Celelond Windang, my more enthusiastic customers, and my friends who simply make a remark like, ooo I loved the outfits from that movie…

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

SS: I think my skills at using the paint program GIMP, the making of sculpties using the TATARA program, and my research for finding just the right texture and blend to create what is in my head have all improved dramatically.

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

SS:  One thing?  There is a lot of things I would change and waaaay too many things to mention.  The one thing I think I would comment on though is the Linden’s Business Manager… whomever he or she is… they need to rethink their strategy and stop killing the dream that is Secondlife…   Secondlife’s dream is to make a new world and the sky is the limit.  Don’t take that dream away by making life harder for the people who come inworld.   You all started the dream, now I ask you to uphold your end, and help make it possible.

RO: Yes I agree , LLs vision has become clouded and is fading by “the bottom line”.  Thanks Suki!

RarelyObscure: What do you design/create in SL?

Dyisi Oppewall: Mostly random things.  The odd themed belt, jewelery, wands inspired by the world of some oddly now famous boy wizard.. I do make buildings as well, really whatever strikes my fancy.

RarelyObscure: What is your store name?

Dyisi Oppewall: Dilettantish Tragos.

RO: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

DO: Hard question, since it’s just not fantasy things I make.  I make more beachy themed things, but when the mood strikes I’ll delve into fantasy things.  As for how long..  just about two years maybe? I really don’t know how long I’ve been playing with prims.

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?

DO: I have the time, just not the place…  Let’s just say I’m not a fan of meters and not many places accept my Satyr-y self.

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

DO: Ohh a long long time friend was begging me to join. When I finally got a computer that could (somewhat) run this game I joined.

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

DO: The friends I’ve made. The artistic outlet it’s given me. Most importantly now, my partner.  (awww! *snickers*)

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

DO: The ocean.. surfing, verious things.  Like with the wands I make. Yes they’re inspried by Harry Potter’s universe, however my love for world mythology is mixed in so there are wands that are Austrailian Aboriginal themed, or First Nations themed.. even African. So all in all.. the world is my inspiration!  And verious things friends will IM me with, all “Hay! You should make …”  LOL

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

DO: I would say.. my eye for detail has sharpened.  And my understanding of the axis.  (X/Y/Z) Though if I could just figure out sculpty makers..

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

DO: Seriously? Lower the price for sims tremendously.  Make it more affordable.

RO: I feel any RP sim should feel privileged to have a Satyr, thanks Dyisi.

Rarely Obscure: What do you design/create in SL?

Odine Diavolo: I make dresses for fairies and elven. Preferably for fairies because I love wings. I also love to create particle effects, animations and such little specials.
For my private use I build also furniture and buildings.

Selina Forder: Dresses of fantasy for elves, fairies, and other creatures of fantasy.

Rarely Obscure: What is your store name?

Odine Diavolo & Selina Forder: ~*Elvenbreath*~

Rarely Obscure: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

Odine Diavolo: I started first with a selection of clothes made from snakeskins only.
But I love to make things which only works in fantasy – and in my opinion that’s  what SL is for.  It’s so boring to use it to duplicate the real world. Wearing jeans and shirts in SL . . .unimaginable!   I started with the fantasy theme one year ago when I met my dear friend Selina.

Selina Forder: Oh, I think about one year. I was really inspired by a book, “The elves” from Bernhard Hennen and my friend Odine Diavolo.

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?

OD: No, not yet – I think it could be fun   But I haven’t the time to do it.

SF: No, I don’t have time for RP and I can´t do it! o.O )  I will make clothing and other fantasy stuff. I want to meet friends here and have fun!

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

OD: My friend told me about it. Before SL, I played the Sims 1+2 for years and I created lots of stuff for that game and shared it with the community.
So my first impression of SL was that it was like the Sims, but with real People – how exciting!!! From the very beginning, my intention was to create stuff here like I did for the Sims.

SF: I started in February 2007. I saw it on TV… so wanted to see, what it was.  I created my account.

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

OD: ahh good question I started SL at the end of 2006. (I use more than one accounts SL is never boring – you always meet new people from around the world.
It is a large world with so many options.  With further developments of SL these options are always growing.  I remember when we got  flexible prims! (yeah), sculpties, and the support of *png instead of *tga files only (what a pain ;D )  SL is getting better and better, I believe I will never leave it.

SF:  My friends and the big fantasy world of SL. Sl has given me my fantasy back. I lost it for
many years. I worked and learned techniques but my fantasy was away. SL showed me that there is so much more possible in my little RL world.

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

OD: I always loved books with fantasy stories. I also love to crawl the internet for pictures. But I’m often inspired by an interesting texture, patch, or an effect which I see and create myself.  I start from scratch in my head and the rest follows.

SF:  Most inspiration I find in my books about elves from Bernhard Hennen. But sometimes from my imagination only,  ideas come for dresses.

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

OD: Sure! I use my Programs for Graphics much more effectively than before. I also learned how to do animation and working with scripts. Another aspect of SL is that you learn much about humans. (especially about men *rofl)

SF: Yes, I have found my fantasy again and my English is better than before. )

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

OD: These days I wish that SL could offer more security for us  builders so that new griefer viewers have no chance to steal our work so easily…

SF: Makes some sculpties flexi!!!! ))) And make SL secure … I don’t like that people can copy  stuff without paying.
We spend a lot of time on our work and our nerves, but they kick our work with feeds. This would be the first thing I would do if I could make changes.

RarelyObscure: What do you design/create in SL?

Kouse Singh: I design and create Medieval, Fantasy,contemporary themed gowns, and jewelry for women.

RarelyObscure: What is your store name?

Kouse Singh: Kouse’s Sanctum

RO: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and  for how long?

KS: I was a Medieval/Fantasy Role Player since my second month in SL.   I’ve been creating in that theme since about July of 2007.

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?

KS: I don’t RP as much as I used to, but I do when I can and I still love it.

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

KS: I saw it featured on the local news and thought I should try it, it looked fun.

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

KS: What makes me stay are the friends I have and customers I’ve met.   Without whom I would not have the inspiration or ability to bring my dreams into this world in the forms of clothing and jewelry.

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

KS: Most are completely free form random designs, some based off suggestions of customers, some off of real like costumes of the past.

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

KS: Yes I have. I’ve been an artist for a long time but I’ve found working with prims and creating textures to be my favourite medium.

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

KS: I’d want to be able to have all primitive shapes to have the ability to be flexy. That would be amazing.

Thanks Kouse!

RarelyObscure: What do you design/create in SL?

Wisp Jinn: I design highly detailed fantasy apparel such as medieval and renaissance gowns, goddess and Fae costumes, doll-like dresses, and silks.

RarelyObscure: What is your store name?

Wisp Jinn: Wishbox.

RO: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

WJ: I’d been spending my time in a beautifully designed fantasy realm called Everwind when I got my first version of Photoshop. It wasn’t long before I was photosourcing those awful tank tops and making them into outfits for the other faes in the realm. That was in the fall of 2007, so thankfully I’ve had time to improve!

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?

WJ: Not anymore. I am happily engrossed in Wishbox.

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

WJ: I really wanted to try the new Final Fantasy games that were released for PS3, but I had neither a PS nor a TV. So I signed up for the closest thing to an MMORPG I could find that was free.

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

WJ: Design and administration are truly addictive to me. Frankly, it may be mild OCD, but I’m making it work for me.

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

WJ: Fairy tales, especially the Brothers Grimm, have been monumental. I’m inspired by my favorite visual artists and take little things from everywhere, but I like to think there is always that overarching theme of enchantment, innocence, and storytelling in my work.

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

WJ: Just the obvious things like making dresses and photoshopping.

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

WJ: There are so many technical issues going on, but I’m actually just thinking: how can we make it more beautiful?

RO: Such a positive outlook on the future of SL!  Thanks Wisp

RarelyObscure: What do you design/create in SL?

Skyler John: I design and create fantasy roleplaying clothing and gowns. Mostly medieval in theme.

RarelyObscure: What is your store name?

Skyler John: My store name is ~Mystic Sky~

RO: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

SJ: I started designing fantasy clothing because I wanted a bigger selection of medieval gowns to wear while RPing. I have been designing clothing now since June of  2009.

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?

SJ: I am involved with the sim ‘Avalon Island’, which is scripted medieval questing. I am a Knight (admin) there.

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

SJ: I read a news article about SL.  Decided it seemed interesting, so I made an av and logged in.

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

SJ: At first I thought SL was not going to be for me. Then I met a few people and began exploring the depths of SL. Once I started to see that SL was all the product of someones imagination, it became so much fun I just kept coming back. It’s a great creative outlet for so many talented individuals.

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

SJ: I get alot of my inspiration from reading fantasy novels. I love to get lost in a good fantasy book series and it’s the perfect setting for medieval clothing. Looking at medieval pictures helps and using my imagination to make them into a design fit for SL.

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

SJ: Of course! There is always something new to learn when designing and creating. Once you put a limit on art it loses the fun. I have really gotten some good practice at shading and wrinkles by designing in sl.

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

SJ: The copy botting issue that seems to be getting worse by the day. It’s really sad to see someones hard mad work being stolen.

RO: We are so glad you pushed the limits of your Art as well, thanks Skylar

RarelyObscure: What do you design/create in SL?

Adele Rhiadra: Floral arrangements

RarelyObscure: What is your store name?

Adele Rhiadra: Zoe’s Garden

RO: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

AR: I began making flowers 6 months ago

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?

AR: I do not RP, I don’t have the time for it. Wish I did!

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

AR: I saw SL featured on CSI:NY and The Office, and so I was curious to see what they were talking about. I immediately made friends though, so I stayed.

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

AR: I initially came here just for the relationships I had formed, as SL was primarily a social thing. However, about six months ago I began to make flowers, and now I love creating floral arrangements and the challenges associated with making custom orders or items for specific hunts.   I also truly enjoy all of the people I meet through operating my stores.

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

AR: Things I see in RL, as well as the various themes present in various hunts that I particpate in. I recently made a “musical” floral arrangement, which of course I would never have occasion to do in RL!

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

AR: I have developed building and designing skills, and discovered a previously dormant creative side of myself.

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

AR: The time zone!

RO: We all remember that the CSI show.  They really hollywooded it up for us didnt they? Adele was nice enough to let me take the pictures of her and her store.  Thanks Adele!

RarelyObscure: What do you design/create in SL?

Thea Tamura: I create unusual clothes & sophisticated accessories (dresses, shoes, hair, jewels and more) for woman and sometime unisex.  The style  I love to define is EthnoPunk,  mix of eastern and western influences, and a  mix of references to the Past and the Future. It’s more than just  fashion it’s structural, wearable art.

RarelyObscure: What is your store name?

Thea Tamura: My store name is TTF – Thea Tamura fashion.

RO: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

TT: I’m a fashion designer in SL since 2008 and I got into creations almost as a joke. Now  creating is my life here.
I’m a pragmatic and creative person  in general.  I always need to do concrete things and to express my personality and my dreams in what I do. That is true for my RL and even more for SL.

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?

TT: Initially I RPed here, but just a little. And I explored many RP lands. They are not only attractive, but also source of inspiration for every creative people in SL.

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

TT: It was simple for me to discover SL, because I worked on virtual worlds and virtual communities for many years.  I created an account in SL out of curiosity, but I became professionally and culturally interested in it.

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

TT: Thanks to SL you can meet a lot of people, to dream with them, and to express totally your soul.
To share the dance of your dreams and your soul are only one of the peculiarities of SL, but it was enough to keep me  logging back  in and staying here.

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

TT: Firstly, my imagination and dreams, then of course in my cultural education, in my youth excursions, and experiences of life!

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

TT:  Building in SL you have to have some skills and I already had them thanks to my RL Job. But building in SL all these years I surely improved them and I also developed new skills associated with  SL.

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

TT: For now SL is still…almost…OK! Anyway…SL has to be what the Residents want.
Without the Residents, SL wouldn’t be what it’s now; a life, a second life.
If you transform the Residents in simple Users, SL would be only a virtual world like the other 1000.
It would become a “Second World” called mistakenly  “Second Life”!

Thanks for giving us a glimpse into your heart and soul Thea.  I hope we never become merely “users”…long live SL!

RarelyObscure: What do you design/create in SL?

Etalena Lane: Medieval, fantasy, rp,  gorean, ragged designer dresses, tops, etc

RarelyObscure: What is your store name?

Etalena Lane: *GutterPup*

RO:  How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

EL: I used to rp on AOL in a medieval setting, but quit when I discovered I could create my own look visually here.  From there, I began to sell my creations for low prices in hopes to help others with limited funds to enjoy all they need for their SL experience.  I have owned *GutterPup* For almost 2 years.

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?

EL: Not anymore, I used to love it, but my RL and working on the shop has taken all my free time sadly.

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

EL: I had a friend who was here who told me how amazing it was to play and be able to see your character.  When I joined, I was hooked!

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

EL: I love being able to express myself with fashion.  I am very fond of designer clothing and meeting the needs of others. Very often I ask my customers for ideas of what they would like to see in shop so I can make their time on sl as enjoyable as possible.

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

EL: Everywhere! TV, fashion magazines, fashion shows, and blogs.  I love to look around at the world and incorporate what I see into wearable fashion for the genres I work in.

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

EL: I used to make web pages, but since I joined SL, I have gotten better at working with photoshop, and translating my ideas into something more tangible.

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

EL: The lag.  Definitely.

RO: Client-side or server side?  lol Thanks Etalena

RarelyObscure: What do you design/create in SL?
Phinneas Vella: I make mainly mens clothing. Jeans and tee shirts with a grunge twist. Also make shapes and fantasy skins.

RarelyObscure: What is your store name?
Phinneas Vella: PEER

RO:  How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?
PV: I like drow, so I started making skins for them since all I could ever find were grey, and I wanted black.

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?
PV: Yes, but no, not as much time as I used to.

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?
PV: My ex. I created my first account in 2004.

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?
PV: I can be myself here, that is very rewarding.

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?
PV: I have an odd mindset I guess… lol

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?
PV: I learned to run a sim, does that count?

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?
PV: I know everyone says less lag, but really, Id rather have more prims per parcel.. lol

RO: What was up with those awful plain grey drow skins everyone used to wear? lol Thanks Phinneas

RarelyObscure: What do you design/create in SL?

Claudia Halberstadt: Poses and Photograghy

RarelyObscure: What is your store name?

Claudia Halberstadt: NLimbo Poses and Photograghy

RO: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

CH: Well being a girl, we love romance and fantasy.

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?

CH: Yes I have, but lately I devote more time to the shop.

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

CH: First I saw it on CSI but didn’t pursue.  Then I saw it later on Gossipgirl. It from that show I went to the website and started an account.

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

CH: Well I stayed because I have met some awesome. For certain reasons I have tried to leave before. Then I met my best friend and I couldn’t leave her.  Then later I met a guy and we started dating and got together RL.

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

CH: My imagination mostly.  If I get stuck I will browse the internet to get inspired.

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

CH: Yes, I have and also gained some bad ones like typonese

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

CH: Inventory- I wish I could have a big closet to lay out my clothes so I could see  everything.  I don’t like having to put it on, because I don’t remember what it is.

RO: Inventory *sighs* everyone’s own private nightmare.  lol Thanks Claudia

RarelyObscure: What do you design/create in SL?

Enigma Watkins: Home decor

RarelyObscure: What is your store name?

Enigma Watkins: Puzzle Pieces shop

RO: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

EW: I just make a variety of things, for about 2 years

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?

EW: Yes I RP.

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

EW: A friend told me about it.

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

EW: I worked for a RL company in SL shortly after I opened an account. Then I started building for them. After building my own things, I decided to open up a store.

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

EW: Alot of times I look on the web and figure out how I can make that in SL.

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

EW: Yes

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

EW: I’m not sure what I would change.

RarelyObscure: What do you design/create in SL?

Hannah Yakan: I create medieval clothes mostly for women.

RarelyObscure: What is your store name?

Hannah Yakan: ~L&S~ Medieval Gowns. . . my old name was Laces & Steel

RO: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

HY: As soon as I realized I could make clothes in SL, I began immediately teaching myself Photoshop. I
made fantasy type clothes right from the start. I cringe when I see the quality of my first designs. lol
Since November 2006

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?

HY: I tried it once or twice… never got the hang of it.

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

HY: I was trolling the web searching for virtual sex sites! True story I swear!

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

HY: The thought of creating clothes. SL is my creative outlet. I get into the “zone” here.

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

HY: don’t know, just happens.

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

HY: Photoshop and trying to learn Maya…. Grrr not very successfully. I am also a full-time student studying graphic design because of SL.

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

HY: Better quality system clothes without all the blurred areas and better match points between uppers/lowers. oh and more attach points on avis. Sorry, that’s more than one isn’t it.

RO: Virtual sex in SL? Really? noooo not here! Thanks Hannah

RarelyObscure: What do you design/create in SL?

Maena Tammas: Fairytales, Myth and Legends give me inspiration. I am a Fantasyland builder, I work for fairies, elfs, and romantic peoples. Various crafts can be found in my forest : Garden furnitures, wings, emitters, jewels, magic weapons, tree houses & more…

RarelyObscure: What is your store name?

Maena Tammas: Mae Fairy Tale

RO: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

MT: First my ambition was to exhibit my digital fantasy gallery. I had some land I turned into an enchanted place.  To create this enchanted land was a dream of mine.  At this time I realized I could be a fantasy builder.  I could bring peoples dreams to them.  Everything I imagined, I could bring to life in SL and I could share my dreams with everyone. It was such a long path/journey and I am still learning every day….

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?

MT: My roleplay life lasted 3 months when I started SL.  I prefer independence and when I started building I had no time for fun nor relationships.  I have no regrets, I found my way!

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

MT: Thanks to my friend Mr Google, I found this “3D virtual world” During that period of my life I wanted to go away from the  real world…

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

MT: I log in still to create, build and be there for my customers. Extend my Fantasyland_*)

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

MT: In Fairytales books, movies, and their digital  illustrations.

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

MT: LSL script language of course but only useful in SL

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

MT: DCMA seriously needs to be respected. Too many RL  thieves are SELLING Art pictures in their names, this is not acceptable. Virtual does not mean “all is ok, I can do anything I want”.

RO: Mr. Google is a good friend of mine too.  Thanks Maena

RarelyObscure: What do you design/create in SL?

Fiona Meads: Primarily Gorean and medieval  things.  Furniture, clothing, buildings, and silks, but I will build anything if there are a few seconds that I am not actively doing something in RP.  Even then if there is a lull I cam out to a piece of ground and start hammering on a prim.

RarelyObscure: What is your store name?

Fiona Meads: The Gor Trading Company and also THUNDER RIVER

RO: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

FM: Nothing mystical…learned how to build and decided to build things that interested me.  That turned out to be Gorean and medieval things due to the fact that those two areas of interest are such richly textured environments.

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?

FM: I RP in Gor and also in Mystical Winds when I have time.

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

FM: I was laid up with some broken bones and a friend insisted that I go take a look at Second Life.  I was amazed that something like this existed.  Then to think people built everything I saw.  I had learn all about it. Eventually I learned to pummel a prim into submission and bend it to my will…did I mention I RP in Gor?*chuckles*

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

FM: I stay not only for the people I have met and care for here, but also to continue building.  I find it quite relaxing and it is satisfying to finish a project and stand there looking at it knowing I can’t build a box out of Legos in RL, but succeeded in making something of merit here.

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

FM: I have an active imagination and when I go to places like Twisted Thorn Textures I see all kinds of things in my mind that just HAVE to have those textures on some prims.

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

FM: I like to think my communication skills have vastly improved.  Also, my capacity for feeling more compassion for others has been elevated. Tis a pity my typing skills haven’t improved…its these boxing gloves you see.

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

FM: Ahh,  the first thing would be lag, but then there is also inventory loss, oh, and crashing.  That is a given. But if I had it in my power to change anything, it would be to make women stop using clicking noises with shoes while they walk on grass and blind me with bling.

RO: We all so agree with the clickty noises and the bling! Thanks Fiona

RarelyObscure: What do you design/create in SL?

Pak Haedong: Many different things from bowls, bottles, and plates to low prim Fantasy housing – Treehouses and Fae Bungalows. I make many articles for roleplay, but my most popular stuff is realistic rippling water animated textures.

RarelyObscure: What is your store name?

Pak Haedong: The Three Dragons. I have two partners, Malakyte Thorne and Ondine Ninetails – both very talented artists.

RO: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

PH: Becoming a builder kind of grew out of being involved in roleplay. When we needed something, I learned it was often easier to make it than search for it and then buy it.

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?

PH: Yes I do, and just barely.  

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

PH: I read an article about it in the newspaper and was intrigued, so I created an account and became addicted.

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

PH: The vast variety of things made me stay – there was always something new to see, and then I met the people I rp with… and now, of course, there’s the added need to create.

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

PH: I never have to look for inspiration. I am constantly bombarded by ideas. I have found myself looking at things in RL and wondering the best way to build a sculptie model of it.

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

PH: I can make the color brown better than I used to~      My typing has not improved at all.  

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

PH: The management. I would put people in charge who were more concerned with making SL a good place to be, than squeezing every possible penny from people’s pockets.

RarelyObscure: What do you design/create in SL?

Ravenlynn Templar: Clothing, accessories, novelty items

RarelyObscure: What is your store name?

Ravenlynn Templar: lol, there are so many, the main store however is Lvs &co

RO: How did you get into Fantasy designs/creations and how long?

RT: I got a notecard asking if I was interested and sent it in

RO: Do you RP? Do you have time?

RT: No I’m afraid all of my SL time is taken over by work.

RO: How did you discover Second Life and what made you create an account?

RT: A friend brought me into SL to show me around while another game we usually played was down for maintenance. I never went back .

RO: What made you stay and what motivates you to log back in?

RT: The freedom of creativity here. Second Life has no competition when it comes to creator content.

RO: Where do you find inspiration for your designs/creations?

RT: Everywhere. Internet, magazines, books, and Art.

RO: Have you found, developed or improved any skills because of SL?

RT: Of course, as a designer you have to constantly improve your skills.That’s one of the characteristics the separates the serious designers from others

RO: If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

RT: I’d like to see more options in the layers. Especially when it comes to tattoos, and skins. And for heavens sake give us a tight system skirt template !

RO: Yes, because we are all sooooo fond of the big-butt system skirts….LL please hear us!  lol Thanks Ravenlynn