*Interview with the creator behind Remarkable Oblivion - Sebastian Prince of Thorns!*

I had the awesome pleasure of interviewing the creator behind Remarkable Oblivion (RO) goodies. If you are familiar with all things RO then you understand why I'm so stoked! Thank you Seb, for spending time with me. And thanks Blair for hooking me up! ♥ Enjoy the interview!


Seb and I first spoke at an event @ Verasong which is a new art, fashion and music venue. This was our initial convo:

Sebastian Prince of Thorns (AxsisThorn): Hiya Joon, nice to meet you. :) Blair told me I should say hi.

Joonie Jatho: Hi Seb! :)  Oh she did, did she? That brat!

Seb: Heheh. Should I not have?

Joonie Jatho: Of course you should have :)) I'm glad you did. She told me I should say “hi” to you but I'm too shy. So of course, she had to tell you! lol. Thanks for saying hi. 

Seb: You were too shy! lol!

Joonie: Yes!

Seb: Lol, shouldn’t be, I don’t bite.  :P

Joonie: Well sometimes it's hard to separate the designs from the person so I didn't want to fan gurl you! 

Seb: Lol. Well, I’m just an ordinary nerd.

Joonie: Me too :)) So what's new to come from RO?

Seb:  Hmmmm, we’re in the arcade. I haven’t decided what I’m making yet but it’s coming in the next few days. Otherwise, I’ll be making a helmet soon for a racing event and I’m looking into making a coat at some point.

Joonie: The coat... male AND female?

Seb: Most likely! I’d like to make something to go with those darned paragon hats.

Joonie: lol! More boots! Is it more fun doing guy stuff?

Seb: Not specifically. It’s a different challenge but in general, I want to make stuff for everyone. I like making these gauntlets but it’s nice to sometimes work on simpler things too. lol.

Joonie: Did you know when you came to SL that you wanted to create? Does this sound like an interview? Lol! Oooh you should let me interview you for my blog!

Seb: Lol, sure I don’t mind. Actually, when I joined SL, the first thing I did was join a vampire clan. :S  I can’t fathom anyone being interested in reading an interview with me. lol.

Joonie: Omg you must be kidding me. Well, I’ll like it. lol! Thanks so much, Seb. I’m glad you’re not as shy as me.

Seb:  Lol. I’m pretty introverted, too. By nature anyhow. lol

Joonie: Are you different when you're here in SL?

Seb: No. I think I’m pretty much exactly the same. I think so anyways. You?

Joonie: I can fake being outgoing more here than in RL. But one on one convos are easier.

Seb: Theres nothing wrong with being introverted. lol

Joonie: I know but ... extroverted people seem to have more fun! Maybe just a different kind of fun.

Seb: I hear ya :) More friends but less close friends perhaps?  I don’t know.

Joonie: Yes. I'd rather have a few close ones. Or one hot guy creator one?

Seb: lol!

(He then sends me a friend request *faints*)

[2014/05/16 22:41]  Second Life: Friendship offer accepted.

Joonie: Oh did you think I was talking about you? lolol!

Seb: lol. What was I thinking!

Joonie: hahaha!  :) Thanks! 

The next day we manage to meet up for the “official” interview.  I asked him if I could ask anything and he said…

Seb: As long as they aren't related too much to 3D. I talk about that all day at work. lol

Joonie: I promise! So I’m going to ask about how long you've been in SL because your profile says 2011 but it also says making items since 2006.

Seb: I’ve been in SL for about 2 years now. Well, that’s because I learned 3D around that time. lol

Joonie: Ohhh… lol. I won’t ask you any more questions about 3D. How did you learn about SL?

Seb: You can ask me questions like that. I meant more like questions about software or techniques.

Joonie: I don't even know enough to ask those questions! lol

Seb: Blair told me about it. Around Christmas time I went to visit my parents and had nothing to do. Blair told me to download SL.

Joonie: What was your first impression? 

Seb: I remember wanting to change my avatar right away; I hated the way the noob - starter avatar looked.

Joonie: Yes! Haha. Well, it's obvious you care about your avatar :)

Seb: I spent a long time on SL in the past, so I figure to make something I actually enjoy looking at. lol! I think that the avatar should reflect a person’s personality and design sense.

Joonie: How long were you here before you knew you wanted to start creating?

Seb: It was about a year or a little less, when Mesh was introduced.

Joonie: Do you remember the first thing you created?

Seb: Yes, it’s still on the marketplace. It was a cardboard box.

Joonie: Hahaha… no way! I'm going to find the link and add! it 

Seb: Sure :) 

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/RO-Cardboard-Box/3266929

Joonie: Oh awesome! Thanks :D  Oh that's not just any cardboard box :))

Where do you find your influences? Is it fun to create?

Seb: I’m influenced a lot by video games, movies. I like a lot of things that are unusual and unexpected.

Joonie:  You have an intensely loyal following. The RO group is always anxiously waiting your next release.

Seb: I'm really happy that they enjoy our products, it's the reason I keep making them. RO fans are some of the best people on SL.

Joonie: One thing I’ve noticed and love is that you ask your customers and fans what they'd like to see created next. That's rare, I think. Do you get a lot of requests?

Seb: A lot of people asked for custom work, this is a way to ask for that, but to also be able to share with others. I don't think many know where the suggestion box link is. I should actually add it to my picks.

Joonie: I'd be happy to add it here if you'd like. Tell me about your creative process. Do you have help with creating? Does Blair play a part?

Seb: Blair and I usually come up with an idea and draw it out. Then we add to it as it goes, usually, and just by itself it comes to life. We both create. Blair doesn't mesh but she can come up with some pretty funky ideas.

Joonie: Everything is so well made! That was the first thing I was so impressed with and then the designs are so amazingly cool.

Seb: We don't want people to think they wasted their money buying our products.

Joonie: I don’t think you have to worry about that. They're really like tiny works of art.

Seb: We put a lot of heart in our products.

Joonie: You recently released an animated item, a gauntlet. How did that come about?

Seb: Animation is what I do best. However, the tools to make animation on SL are limited.

Joonie: Do you have an art background? Do you consider yourself an artist?

Seb: Yes. I was always about drawing when I was a kid. I wanted to be a comic book artist.

Joonie:  Do you still have some of those drawings?

Seb: I have kept some, but I have not uploaded any online yet. Maybe I should one day.

Joonie: When you're not creating, what do like to do in SL?

Seb: I used to enjoy socializing but now I don't have as much time for it. I also like to shop. I try to support a lot of other designers.

Joonie: How would you describe your style?

Seb:  I guess that my style could be called Over the Prim Limit.  lol

Joonie: So being a talented creator... and a hot avi... do you get hit on a lot?

Seb: Because I'm not online as much, surprisingly not. I think people are afraid to talk to me.

Joonie: Does Blair help you with your look?

Seb: Nope. I pick everything. She might show me stores but I’m the one who puts my look together.

Joonie: Wow! That’s impressive. Maybe you could give classes to all the other male avis in SL.

Seb: If I had more time! lol. I’m not sure other people would want to look like me. 

Joonie: Too bad! lol!  Do your friends and family in RL know what you do here?

Seb: Yes, most of them. I have a lot of pride in my work; I’m happy to share it.

Joonie: That's awesome. I can see why. Do you have a “home” here in SL or do you primarily log in to create?

Seb: I don't. I usually stay at my main store. I have 3 RO stores across SL but I usually just stay on the main one.

Joonie: If you weren't creating in SL what else do you think you'd be doing here?

Seb: Probably hanging out with the old vampire family I used to be part of. lol.

Joonie:  Awww. Do you keep in touch with them?

Seb: Not so much.

Joonie: That was a  HUGE thing for a while. I mean everyone was doing it. There was a lot of biting going on!

Seb: Yeah it was. Lol. I used to have a bunch of gothic prim clothes. 

Joonie: lol! Did you rise up through the ranks?

 Seb: Yeah, I remember people trying to steal souls or something. I actually could not convince anyone to join so I stayed human. Lol!  I went to visit my Clan recently, and they were still dressed like Neko's, like they were stuck in a time warp. Lol! It was bit strange.

Joonie: Were they impressed with how you were dressed? Did you want to say “come with me into 2014?”

Seb: I didn't get a chance to talk to them and really though, I wouldn’t because some people really believe that looks good so I respect their choice.

Joonie: I always wonder if they just hang out with each other and because of that they aren't aware of the changes. As a blogger, we’re kind of forced to keep up. Sometimes I wonder if I wasn’t a blogger if I would be aware of the latest trends.

Seb: It could be a combination of things like tastes in nature or lack of money, I guess?

Joonie: Ah good point!

Seb: I know Blair is like that too even though she no longer blogs, she is always shopping, looking at the newer stuff.

Joonie: I think some of my friends would disown me if I showed up somewhere all flexied out and blinging. It’s tempting to do that sometimes just to see the reaction! lol. Did you wear bling in the beginning?

Seb: I never did! Lol! I never found that appealing. I think I bought Avid’s stuff right away which was the best prim clothes I could find at the time. It was like $20 an outfit but was really worth it.

Joonie: Is there anyone's work you admire here in SL or anyone who helped or mentored you in the beginning?

Seb: Many. A lot of people make very impressive work. Nobody really mentored me. It was a lot of trial and error in the beginning.

Joonie: Was it you and Blair from the beginning?

Seb: Yes. I know Blair in RL. She helped me learn some of the basics of SL but the creating part I had to figure out.

Joonie: Was it like a HUGE decision to make? Like did you kind of talk about it a lot before you actually jumped in and did it or was it like BAM… let’s do this?

Seb: I started out making stuff for myself and then decided to sell them. It was weapons in the beginning and then turned  to Accessories.

Joonie: Okay so here we go with the juicy stuff. You may decline to answer. Lol. So in your profile it states you’re Single By Design. Was that your stance from the first day or a result of a failed attempt?  

Seb: That is because I don't pursue relationships in SL. Most of them create too much drama for me to handle. Also, I’m extremely busy in RL so it would be bad for me to start a relationship with someone when I’m hardly around. It would be unfair.

Joonie: Have you found that difficult to adhere to? Yes that would be difficult. Why do you think your avatar is so hot?

Seb: You’re going to have to tell me! lol.

Joonie:  Lol. So wait. You make this hot avatar and then you’re not going to get into relationships? That is like slathering yourself in honey and going into a bear den and saying “don’t bother me.”

Seb: Hardly anyone sees me so really I don't have that problem. lol.

Joonie: Okay. Fine! :D Do you think there will be more animated objects coming out from RO in the near future?

Seb: Absolutely. I have plans for at least one more that a friend of mine suggested, but it's still a secret for now. It’s very basic… the animation.

Joonie: Oh nooooo. Not even a hint? Okay. I know. Just leave us wondering.

Seb: An item that will go with the gauntlets, I think. Part of the set. But before that I have quite a few other events I’m participating in.

Joonie: Tell me about upcoming events.

Seb: It seems this June things exploded. There's like Gacha events like every month. 

Joonie: Omg the gachas! They make me crazy! It’s maddening. I don't know how you come up with all the things.

Seb: Planning. We usually come up with the item idea ahead of time even if it’s a vague idea, not the details of it.

Joonie: Like in June... do you already have ideas?

Seb: You mean for the Arcade?

Joonie: Yes.

Seb: I'm already working on stuff for it. There is a week left before set up actually. Lol. So if I didn't have any ideas, I would be in real trouble. Lol.

Joonie: Um... so... what are you making?

Seb: Well that is a secret!

Joonie: It doesn't have to be! lol

Seb: I don't tell people my ideas until all the items are made :)

Joonie: Fine. A hint? Just a little bitty one?

Seb: I will give you a clue. It’s mostly for women.

Joonie: YAY!

Seb: If not entirely for women.  ;p

Joonie:  YAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!! Sorry, didn’t mean to yell in your ear.

Seb: lol.

Joonie: lol. That’s awesome tho! Do we have Blair to thank for that?

Seb: This time yes :)

Joonie: *love you Blair* ♥   (you can see it here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/remarkableoblivion/14048349267/ )

Joonie: So what would people be most surprised to learn about you?

Seb: I’m really quite shy. Also, I’m not intimidating at all. 

Joonie: No you aren’t at all. You’re very nice! It's a miracle then that this interview is even happening ... esp with two shy people.  :)  So i'm really happy Blair said to talk :)

Seb: So are you, Joon.

Joonie: Thanks! Okay, so in RL, what’s your fave thing to wear? Like what would we most likely find you wearing if we were to stop by your house? (yes, I know this is a risky question!)

Seb: Favorite thing to wear hmm, I don't know really.

Joonie: Are you a jeans guy?

Seb: I am.

Joonie: Boots?

Seb: Yes.

Joonie: Tshirt? Or Button down?

Seb: I love to go into the woods, camping - stuff like that.

Joonie: Oh nice. What kind of car do you drive? I mean, is it a beater or fancy?

Seb:  lol. You might not believe me but Fancy actually.

Joonie: Whatever!

Seb: Lol.

Joonie: What’s your fave color?

Seb: Dark red.

Joonie: What’s your fave drink?

Seb: Barqs root beer. lol

Joonie: Do you have any pets?

Seb: I have a ferret and a Siamese cat.

Joonie: Names?

Seb: Tulip is the name of the ferret and my cat is called Osaka. I had a second ferret named Lilly, she passed away earlier this year... was very sad.

Joonie: Awww… I’m so sorry. How old was she?

Seb: Not old at all. She was about 5. She had cancer.

Joonie: My doggie Molly died last year. It's really hard.

Seb: Yeah it is. It's like having a family member pass away. It’s really tough.

Joonie: It really is. I don’t think people always understand that. Is Tulip new?

Seb: Some don't but it's them I cannot understand. No, she lived with Lilly the entire time. She’s a year younger.

Joonie: I’m sure she misses her, too.

Seb: Yes I think so. She has acted differently since then.

Joonie: Poor Tulip.

Seb: I call her Tuli for short.

Joonie: Sweet :) So would you say you’re a big softie?

Seb: I am. I have a big heart.

Joonie: It seems like it. I’m so glad you were willing to say hi to me. I never would have. Lol.

Seb: Blair was very insistent. Lol.

Joonie: Was she?

Seb: Yes, even if it was just to surprise you.

Joonie: She was insistent with me, too, but there was NO WAY! Lol. And then the IM screen popped up and it was YOU! I just stared at it for a bit like OMG. Then I im’d Blair and was like “I’m going to KILL you.” Or something. But then you were so nice and now I get to spend some time chatting with you. Win/Win!

Seb: Lol. Yeah :)

Joonie: Is there anything else you'd like to say before I finally let you go? 

Seb: I'd like to thank our customers for supporting us all these years, We always have our customers in mind when creating our items; and we want them to know we're very friendly and open, so they should never worry if they have questions or want to talk to us :)

Joonie: =)  I love that! Okay a few last questions and then I promise you can get on with your evening. What does a typical day/night look like for Seb in RL? Are you a party guy? Or do you hang out with friends?

Seb: Work, work, work, more work. lol! Party guy? Hahaha. No. I never have time! I’m a home body and a workaholic. I hang with a few of my friends and I work with friends in RL so I get to spend time with them in the day, too, which is nice.

Joonie: That’s awesome! Okay last question. When is your birthday?

Seb: November 13^th.

Joonie: Oh a Scorpio! Nice. =) Well, I think that’s it, Seb.

Seb: It’s been fun, Joon. Thanks for interviewing me.

Joonie: Yes! Thank you so much, Seb.

Seb: Any time, Joon.

And that was that. He was off to work on something awesome for us. But he did say, and it's right here in black and white, that I could interview him "Any time." You're all my witnesses. He DID say that. :)

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. It was a lot of fun and he's an awesome guy. Say hi to him sometime. :) And definitely go check out the RO store and be amazed! ♥