In the coming weeks we will be publishing interviews with some of our speakers. Today we have Michael Ninness from lynda.com. Michael will be presenting Photoshop CS2 & Flash® 8: Optimizing Pixels and Workflow at Flashforward2006 Seattle.

Flashforward: Can you introduce yourself briefly?

Michael Ninness: I joined lynda.com in March of 2005 to manage our video training business after working for seven years at Extensis, Adobe and Microsoft as a product manager and user interface designer of products for creative professionals.

FF: Tell us a bit about your session, and why people will want to attend.

MN: Getting Photoshop layered content into Flash continues to be a cumbersome workflow. My session will teach you several methods and workflows to make this task much easier and efficient. Also, I’ll sprinkle in as many useful Photoshop tips and techniques as time allows for getting great image quality and small file sizes.

FF: Are you using any new features of Flash 8 that you’d like to share?

MN: I think the new bitmap features are fantastic! The ability to apply Filters and Blend Modes directly in Flash is a huge time saver, and it enables designers to go beyond the traditional Flash vector aesthetic that has dominated the visual appearance of Flash-based content for years.

FF: What projects do you have in the pipeline?

MN: We plan on publishing many new video training titles on Flash at lynda.com this year, such as Flash 8 Video Integration, Flash 8 Audio Integration, Flash & After Effects Integration, ActionScript Animation, and more! Check back often at Lynda.com for these and other exciting new training titles.

FF: Any sessions that you’re looking forward to attending?

MN: Less Ordinary by Erik Natzke. I always leave his presentations feeling inspired. I am also very excited to attend April Greiman’s Think About What You Think About session. She was one of the designers that inspired me to pursue a Graphic Design BFA. And of course, I’m getting an early seat at the hoops and yoyo: Character Development session. Maybe I can get the presenters to autograph my hoops and yoyo plush dolls for my daughters, who are the biggest hoops and yoyo fans ever!

FF: Any parting words to encourage people to attend your session and/
or the conference?

MN: This conference is going to kick ass! Break out of your day-to-day routine and get inspired by hanging out with the world’s most creative Flash designers and developers.

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