Today we have the pleasure of interviewing Mike Cizenski, a self-taught programmer and a Flash/AIR enthusiast!
He has recently begun a startup called EventFULL that helps others to create mobile apps more easily. So what is his plans and goals for the future? What inspires him and… Well, that’s exactly what we’re going to find out along with a peek at his side projects. Alright, Enough chitchat, let’s meet Mike!
Please tell us a bit more about yourself Mike
I’m an electrical engineer and self-taught programmer that has been using Flash/Actionscript/AIR since the Macromedia days. I’ve been in the engineering/consulting world for over 15 years where, in addition to my regular job duties, I’ve successfully leveraged the AIR framework to build many engineering tools to help myself and colleagues perform our work more efficiently. Because of the flexibility of the framework, I’ve been able to create applications for Mac, PC and mobile devices, the most successful being a mobile app used around the world to perform mobile data collection.
What is your goal and plan for the future?
I’ve recently begun a startup with some friends and will be creating a platform to allow people to create mobile applications for conferences, sports leagues and more. Giving back to those in need is important to us, so a certain percentage of our profits will be donated directly to charities of our client’s choosing. We’re calling our new venture EventFULL and can’t wait to share it with the world…soon!
Is there any side projects that you’re currently working on? If so, please explain.
I’ve been noodling ideas with some friends to create an allergy friendly recipe app and even an app for a farm that raises emus!
Outside of work and programming, I enjoy time with my family, running and I’ve also gotten into home brewing kombucha.
Just a peek at Mike’s workspace.
Where do you look for inspiration and what inspires you?
I draw inspiration from all over. My wife is the most creative person I know and has written several wonderful books that transport the reader into fascinating times and places (www.anneblankman.com). She’s always been a great sounding board for my wacky ideas.
I also get a lot of inspiration from discussions with my friends and colleagues as well as from people I find interesting on Twitter.
What tips do you have for other aspiring designers/developers?
Borrowing from the Robert Greene’s book “Mastery”:
Value learning over money.
Keep expanding your horizons.
Trust the process.
Apprentice yourself in failure.
Advance w/ abandon through trial and error.
Thanks for your time Mike, any final words?
Too often I see people get wrapped around the axel with the HTML5 vs. Flash debate. Resist these arguments at all costs and choose what works best for you and your particular needs. I remember one such instance where some colleagues of mine were arguing the merits several mobile app frameworks and ‘poo-pooing’ eachother’s suggestions. Before the argument was over I had already built a mock-up of the actual app. As one of my mentors taught me, “Sometimes you just need to shoot the designer (not literally) and just build the damn thing.”
These tools are a means to an end and, if done right, the end indistinguishable from the tool.
Interview with Mike Cizenski the MyFlashLabs 2015 December Contest Winner
Today we have the pleasure of interviewing Mike Cizenski, a self-taught programmer and a Flash/AIR enthusiast!
He has recently begun a startup called EventFULL that helps others to create mobile apps more easily. So what is his plans and goals for the future? What inspires him and… Well, that’s exactly what we’re going to find out along with a peek at his side projects. Alright, Enough chitchat, let’s meet Mike!
Please tell us a bit more about yourself Mike
I’m an electrical engineer and self-taught programmer that has been using Flash/Actionscript/AIR since the Macromedia days. I’ve been in the engineering/consulting world for over 15 years where, in addition to my regular job duties, I’ve successfully leveraged the AIR framework to build many engineering tools to help myself and colleagues perform our work more efficiently. Because of the flexibility of the framework, I’ve been able to create applications for Mac, PC and mobile devices, the most successful being a mobile app used around the world to perform mobile data collection.
What is your goal and plan for the future?
I’ve recently begun a startup with some friends and will be creating a platform to allow people to create mobile applications for conferences, sports leagues and more. Giving back to those in need is important to us, so a certain percentage of our profits will be donated directly to charities of our client’s choosing. We’re calling our new venture EventFULL and can’t wait to share it with the world…soon!
Is there any side projects that you’re currently working on? If so, please explain.
I’ve been noodling ideas with some friends to create an allergy friendly recipe app and even an app for a farm that raises emus!
Outside of work and programming, I enjoy time with my family, running and I’ve also gotten into home brewing kombucha.
Just a peek at Mike’s workspace.
Where do you look for inspiration and what inspires you?
I draw inspiration from all over. My wife is the most creative person I know and has written several wonderful books that transport the reader into fascinating times and places (www.anneblankman.com). She’s always been a great sounding board for my wacky ideas.
I also get a lot of inspiration from discussions with my friends and colleagues as well as from people I find interesting on Twitter.
What tips do you have for other aspiring designers/developers?
Borrowing from the Robert Greene’s book “Mastery”:
Thanks for your time Mike, any final words?
Too often I see people get wrapped around the axel with the HTML5 vs. Flash debate. Resist these arguments at all costs and choose what works best for you and your particular needs. I remember one such instance where some colleagues of mine were arguing the merits several mobile app frameworks and ‘poo-pooing’ eachother’s suggestions. Before the argument was over I had already built a mock-up of the actual app. As one of my mentors taught me, “Sometimes you just need to shoot the designer (not literally) and just build the damn thing.”
These tools are a means to an end and, if done right, the end indistinguishable from the tool.
Follow me on Twitter @mikeciz
Now get out there and make something amazing!
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