William Bart on Life, Omega, and Theming - December 29, 2003
For those new to the Mac customization scene, William Bart is one of the more interesting and controversial characters whose work you're likely to encounter. An accomplished commercial designer and illustrator by trade, his extensive BBX theme designs are widely considered to be some of the best non-commercial GUI work ever released. His attention to detail and overall sense of style are the kind of stuff that make enthusiast's heads spin and critics foam at the mouth. In fact, you're likely to see his influence in the work of many up-and-coming theme designers on both platforms, in commercial interfaces for everything from websites to video games and (as rumor has it) perhaps even within Aqua itself. Curved buttons, realistic glossy surfaces, translucency, directional lighting with drop shadows - all stuff William and others were doing with the OS9 utility Kaleidoscope long before Aqua was revealed.
Although he hasn't released anything for the Mac in over two years, he remains well-known and maintains a level of collaboration with today's most prolific and popular OSX theme developers. Max Rudberg, arguably the most well-known Mac OS X theme designer, has even ported William's BBX MERCURY™ Futuristic GUI Overlay Kit to the OS X platform. The precursor to the extensive 'skin suite' concept that's taken hold on the Windows platform recently, BBX Mercury was released way back in 2001 - yet still enjoys considerable popularity due in part to dozens of ports and adaptations for Windows (even PDAs and cell phones) in addition to the interpretation by Max. To say that it remains one of the most popular themes of all time is no exaggeration.
To some he's the equivalent of a GUI rock star, to others he's just a guy who hasn't released a Mac theme in over two years. But whatever your take on William Bart might be, it's hard to deny the fact that he's a force to be reckoned with. MacTheme's Phil Ryu recently chatted with him for some insight into his perspective on things and what the near future holds for BBX fans...
MT: What got you started as a graphic artist?
BBX: My dear old dad is a commercial artist - I grew up surrounded by graphics, typography and illustration... I guess I've been a creative monster from a very young age.
MT: Were there any occupations or talents before this?
I've starved as a painter, struggled as a cartoonist and eventually thrived in advertising.
MT: So you've done agency work?
BBX: Yeah, until just recently I was working as a creative director with one of the world's top promotional agencies. I had an 'edge' in that I did everything myself - my own concepts, my own copy, layouts and design, illustration, photo shoots - just one of these hypercreative freaks who does it all I guess. I think I was pretty good at it - I captured big accounts, won some ad and promo awards around the world, even had headhunters for the big agencies calling me at my desk - pretty crazy stuff. But I had to put the brakes on and give up the 100+ hour work weeks or go insane trying to keep it all together. Now I'm much happier working from my home studio - and I have time for the other stuff I've always wanted to do - like interface design.
MT: What kind of stuff did you do when you worked in advertising?
BBX: I've done a lot of creative work for Microsoft on Xbox (and if you've seen the eyes on the sides of the Xbox cube vans that drive around doing demos and events, those are actually my eyes), some Pepsi stuff (tons of branding work, developed that Wild Cherry character they had for a while), stuff for the movie studios - basically anything having to do with electronics, entertainment or junk food. I still work in advertising with the same agencies and clients, I'm just able to pick and choose now - which is nice.
MT: You are a Mac customization celebrity, but you have yet to release anything for OS X. How is that?
BBX: OSX is still very young let's not forget... And until very recently it's been 'less-than-fun' to develop theme stuff for. Too many limitations in simply patching Aqua to accommodate my crazy theme designs - I just didn't want to jump on that Aqua mod bandwagon, so rather than release lackluster themes I spent my time developing theme designs steadily over the past couple of years... All in the hopes that one day I'd be able to actually pull them off in OSX. Thanks to Jason Harris and Unsanity, the day is fast approaching whereby my designs can be fully realized on a modern Mac - which is good, because I was about to throw in the towel on skinning the Mac and jump into theming Windows just to get it out of my system.
MT: That still doesn't explain the celebrity part.
BBX: It’s kind of embarrassing now because I’ll look at my old stuff and I really cringe at most of it – the stuff I’m doing now is light years ahead of my previous UI designs. Themes and skins have really taken off over the past few years - I think I just got in there with some funky stuff at the right time. My stuff was always fairly popular, but BBX Mercury™ just exploded for some reason. I guess it’s because it had a really strong identity, was fairly different from anything that came before it and looked funky in screenshots – and despite the fact that I’d redo just about everything differently these days, I still love that logo. Now you'll see ideas I used for my BBX stuff used everywhere - high-impact pseudo-branding with bold logo designs, teaser posters, the idea of the GUI Overlay Kit. That was all stuff I carried over from what I was doing in real life. A lot of people just seem to dig the BBX thing I guess.
I've also been active in the MacOSX and Windows skinning communities - and over the past two years I’ve been creating some uber-cool commercial WindowsMediaPlayer skins, so people still seem to know who I am.
MT: What’s it like developing for WindowsMediaPlayer?
BBX: It’s incredibly fun – in fact, this is where I’ve been honing my skills primarily... Developing these over-the-top fully animated futuristic interfaces with a combination of 3D and photoshop has been a real blast – there’s really very little you can’t do (and there’s nothing this extensive in terms of skinnability on the Mac). I’ve done all of my WMP work with a company called The SkinsFactory – I just do the graphics, they do all the client-getting, coding and distribution. If I’m not mistaken, I think our Terminator3 skin is the supposed to be the most popular mp3 player skin of all time. I’ve never seen any of them up and running of course, on the Mac I just see animated GIF tests of the animations... They’re pretty time-consuming in that I end up doing a lot of frame-by-frame sequencing in Photoshop. There’s a lot I’d love to show off, but it’s sitting in the wings waiting for release.
MT: So what does BBX stand for? What is this BBX thing anyways?
BBX: doesn't really stand for anything - it's just something cryptic I came up with so that people know it's mine... It also allows me to call any of my designs anything I want to regardless as to whether or not the name's been used already. For example, if there's an Aurora and a BBX Aurora you'll know and remember that they're different things - and (if I've done things right) you'll get a jump when you see those three little letters appended to something's name.
The idea with BBX was to translate style trends, surfaces and toys I find to be technolusty into some cool designs. BBX style is generally minimalist - the entire design is generated from a limited number of 'seed' elements, so this keeps things consistent and tight. It's also fantasy futuristic – I want the user to feel like they’re playing with a funky new toy from the future once it’s all fired up. I’ll also use these slick photorealistic (or realistically stylized) surfaces, mono/duo chromatic color schemes and simple geometric symbols (I call them glyphs) rather than the more literal representations we're used to being bombarded with. It seems to be a similar direction to the one (good) industrial design has been taking over the past couple of years, the same direction Apple seems to be heading in with their hardware.
MT: Sounds like what a lot of people would claim to be doing. Why do you think your stuff stands out?
Comments
Posted by NetworkShadow at December 31, 2003 12:09 AM | Edit | Delete
Great interview! Can't wait till the site is launched.
Posted by Phoenix1701 at December 31, 2003 09:59 AM | Edit | Delete
Well, w00t! Pretty impressive interview; I learned a lot I didn't know about Billy. :) If this is the sort of quality we can expect when the site goes live, all the Windows folks are going to say we're taking this theming thing waaay too seriously... which is exactly what I'm hoping to hear. :) Good work!
Posted by Corey Klinck at December 31, 2003 10:39 PM | Edit | Delete
Great interview- this whole site is going to bring great organization to the modding/theming community. THANK YOU macthemes.net!
Posted by Fonzie at January 1, 2004 01:06 AM | Edit | Delete
Wow. What a great interview. I just can't wait for Omega to come out. All the other themes in-the-works sounds amazing aswell. Thank you William Bart! And thank you to the interviewer!
Posted by rorschach at January 1, 2004 01:27 AM | Edit | Delete
Lookin' good! Can't wait for Omega and I hope this site keeps growing! Keep up the good work.
Posted by Cerbero at January 1, 2004 09:20 AM | Edit | Delete
Great interview, and that preview looks amazing. As do the site. Keep up the good work.
Posted by Awimoway at January 1, 2004 01:05 PM | Edit | Delete
As much as I want to say "I can't wait," I know I need to cool my jets and let it comes when it comes. So let's just say I'm really loooking forward to BBX Omega. Thanks for the great interview.
Posted by Jiminy at January 1, 2004 04:01 PM | Edit | Delete
No profanity please - Phill
Posted by NetworkShadow at January 1, 2004 04:31 PM | Edit | Delete
Jiminy get a life, I'd like to see you make graphics like that.
I wonder when he's going to launch the Omega site?
Posted by Adam Betts at January 1, 2004 05:04 PM | Edit | Delete
Jiminy, take it easy.. I understand that some people may not like his way of hyping something but there's no need to get all cocky. There's plenty of better vocabularies to use (for starter: www.thesaurus.com )
Posted by Jiminy at January 1, 2004 07:47 PM | Edit | Delete
This BBX dude is so presumptuous, vainglorious in fact, narcissistic to a point; completely full of himself. I admit he has some skills, but for the most part he's 99% hype.
Posted by scaught at January 1, 2004 08:26 PM | Edit | Delete
unlike yourself, of course, who has shown himself to be such a great man of confidence and intelligence.
i am rather excited about this theme and this website. congrats to the staff.
Posted by billyb at January 1, 2004 11:42 PM | Edit | Delete
I'm colorful with my descriptions, I'm excited about what I'm doing - if that gets others who find my stuff interesting excited, then so be it - if that's your hype then I make no apologies. I fail to see just who it is that benefits from your proclaimations of holy disaproval, however. You do seem unaturally hostile... it's a quandarry of sorts, really ;)
Posted by yazoo at January 2, 2004 06:41 AM | Edit | Delete
billyb you don't need to reply to this troll. He is in the minority. Jealous even, maybe.
I look forward to when its all done, Good luck ;)
Posted by Dave at January 4, 2004 01:46 AM | Edit | Delete
If the theme looks like the teaser pic of his Konfabulator iTunes remote, I will be quite stoked. OS X has needed a great dark theme for a while now.
While in some ways, "I can't wait," in others I can. It looks to be a great theme and I'd love to have it, but it's more important to me that it be done right.
This guy seems to be a perfectionist, so I can wait for something truly cool for my mac. It does look REALLY COOL though...
Posted by Mr. Negative at January 5, 2004 02:04 AM | Edit | Delete
I find it interesting that even though all of the negative reactions about his titanic-esque hype occur in this one obscure forum, bbx still goes back there to feed the trolls. :)
I, for one, welcome our bbx Omega overlords.
Posted by at January 5, 2004 07:21 AM | Edit | Delete
givf already!
Posted by Barney at January 20, 2004 11:33 AM | Edit | Delete
Screw Omega, I want someone to make a theme out of that T3 animation thing. The minute that's available for download I'll make my paypal donation, and from then on I'll get a thick one and cry at the same time because I won't be able to handle exactly how cool my OS looks.
Posted by Wes at January 21, 2004 10:43 PM | Edit | Delete
You know, I wish I could get excited about all this.
I really do.
But I've been going to mmicons.com frequently since mid 2002 hoping that Miraikane was released. EVERY time the site would still be the SAME.
Now with this BBX Omega thing he's saying he didn't want to hype it (with his big poster that said FALL 2003)
"Why should I watch the hype? I always hype my kits" - William Bart
Now he's saying "OHHH NO I'm just making a teensy-weensy announcement to hardcore themers" On MACNN? Please.
He's not a god. Max Rudberg is a god. Why? He *releases* themes. He doesn't make ridiculously underwhelming release dates on teaser posters, then neglecting his fans.
Posted by The Skins Factory at January 22, 2004 11:50 PM | Edit | Delete
To those of you who are ragging on Billy for "neglecting his fans" or "hyping himself" you need to start making your own skins. He doesn't get paid to make these for anyone. People seem to forget that. You have no right to complain when you aren't paying for these GUI kits. The man has a right to earn a living. These are things he does because he wants to, not because he's "obliged" to.
Jiminy: Man put up or shut up. Let's see your artwork. Until you produce something on par with what Billy does, you don't have a right to say a damn thing.
Someone mentioned a Terminator 3 theme. Well there is one but its for Windows not OSX. You can see it here: http://www.theskinsfactory.com/tsf-temp/Terminator_3.jpg
Here's a few other things that Billy's been working on with us.
Darkling for Windows Media Player Party Mode: http://www.theskinsfactory.com/tsf-temp/DarklingPromoSheet1.jpg
Crimson Skies for Windows Media Player 9 Series:http://www.theskinsfactory.com/tsf-temp/Crimson_Skies.jpg and http://www.theskinsfactory.com/tsf-temp/CrimsonSkiesWMP9.jpg
He's been a busy bee. Hey maybe that's what the BB in BBX stands for
peace,
Jesh
Posted by Dave at January 23, 2004 01:49 PM | Edit | Delete
Talk is cheap!
You have been teasing the mac community for 3 years already. If your job ain't done....Don't brag about it. Don't get me wrong your works are good...but you have done all of us wrong.Now you hyping about a new project on the works. You probably go on another year ( 2005 ) teasing us with your hypeness. Do us a favor...stop jerking off and show and prove.
Posted by Sandra at January 23, 2004 02:08 PM | Edit | Delete
I have to agree with Dave and the rest. I have been going to the site to see any updated results on his site and projects... and still NOTHING!
After awhile your fans do get piss. I will understand a 3 or 4 month project you working on a theme but a project that will take 3 or 4 years and not still deliver any goods.... in top of that I'm still waiting for the Miraikane project. You begining to sound like the boy who cried wolf. Nobody believes in you any more.
Posted by at January 24, 2004 08:20 PM | Edit | Delete
Jesh from The Skins Factory is absolutely right. Honestly some people carry on as if it's their 'right' to have these skins made just for 'them'. How fortunate we are to have talented artists such as William Bart performing such astonishing work such as he does for the community. I'm not a MAC User (Yet) but I do know William Bart is a legend in the Windows skinning community and I've lost count of the Ports that have been based on his work (Mercury et all).
William you are an insipiration to many Users, Skinners & Themers. You go right on touting your work because their are precious few who can match it IMHO. If it takes another year for Omega to arrive on Mac/Windows then so be it because I know it'll be worth the wait. I'm a massive fan of Bladerunner myself so if that Asian/Retro/Dark Noir style is one has inspired you then I am positively busting to see what you've done (And make a few Wallpapers of my own to compliment it).
IN the famous words of all Devs the world over - 'It'll be done when it's done'. Best of luck to you.
Posted by Dave at January 25, 2004 01:02 AM | Edit | Delete
.........if you gonna post a comment on this site...at least post your name as well. (What are you scare of? )
Don't talk for William's behalf. He has a mouth of his own. Stop being his bitch.
Posted by Ernest Liu at January 28, 2004 02:03 AM | Edit | Delete
Wow! That last image there is techno-cool!!!!
Posted by Nav! at February 4, 2004 10:06 AM | Edit | Delete
Hey William....ure really amazing...as a graphic artist too, ure a bigger influence. But can u REALLY tell us when BBX OMEGA (not im not even talking bout Mirai) will be released for Panther? Man...im crazy to put my goddamned hands on it! Do u have a concrete idea of when???
Posted by Dave at February 8, 2004 02:42 AM | Edit | Delete
No profanity please
Posted by William Bart at February 10, 2004 05:22 PM | Edit | Delete
Hehehehehe... sorry, been busy - didn't realize people were still posting comments. Thanks for the kudos, Nav et. al :) And Dave, Sandra - get some lives, will ya'.
Posted by Nav! at February 10, 2004 05:58 PM | Edit | Delete
Im glad u wrote back, Bill..but u didnt answer the question.
When will we FOR SURE see the amazing Omega???
Posted by Dave at February 11, 2004 02:38 AM | Edit | Delete
Hehehehehe.....busy slapping it you mean.Hell I curse the hell out of you out which I understand....but the others didn't...
and in top of that...you didn't even answer the question.That goes to show what you all about. 4Q and yeah buff this shit bitch.
Posted by William Bart at February 11, 2004 12:37 PM | Edit | Delete
Nav, read the interview. There is no solid release date - when it's done it's done... wish I could give a better answer but I can't.
Dave, what are you - like 11 years old. Grow up - bitch ;)
Posted by Dave at February 11, 2004 06:04 PM | Edit | Delete
Almost hit the age correctly...I'm 14...so I got an excuse for my sillyness.....but what about you!
Stay and keep supporting your PC peeps.
You have gain a bad reputation with the mac community. BBX stands for bullshittin' bitch....xactly.
Posted by Nav! at February 12, 2004 07:49 AM | Edit | Delete
Dave...stop that...if u dont like Bill, BBX and stuff, we all can understand...but whats the point on writing all this aggressive shit? No one here needs that....cmon...I respect your point of view...but if u hate Bart, theres no need to waste your time coming here everyday to say it. Anyway, I do not have anything against u. Dont try to pretend ure not wise. Be!
Posted by Dave at February 12, 2004 11:52 AM | Edit | Delete
I apoligize to all...thanks Nav for putting me on check about this.
I didn't meant to disrespect the fans or this site. This site just give me a chance, a opportunity to let William Bart know that he's foul for misleading his MAC fans. You know it and I know it...it's just wrong!!..
I know I'm not the only one feeling like this towards him.
I know 85% of mac users feel the same.
anyway......I will stop from now on..........
We'll see if the OMEGA will ever give life......not!
again...you have my peace.
Posted by Nav! at February 12, 2004 07:56 PM | Edit | Delete
Yeah..thats the attitude, bro.
Posted by Question... at February 21, 2004 04:45 PM | Edit | Delete
Does anybody know what's going on with Mikkel Madsen's homepage (www.mmicons.com)??? It's been like that for quite a while. One other concern, do William Bart and Mikkel Madsen ever team up for designs? They share the same logo/sign (sphere with an engraved "M"). Anyone know? Please answer. I am indeed confused. Thanks.
Posted by Mikkel Madsen • mmicons.com at March 25, 2004 11:04 AM | Edit | Delete
Hey William Bart ..Great Interview, You really are a true hero in my eye's...And I for one know the amount of work It takes to make Mac graphics..but my 3000 icons don't even come close the the project you are working on right now..( so people chill the F*CK DOWN! plz ) ..Damm Omega it's gonna be SO cool and I know I have to be gettting back in the Icon game, one's Omega is out on the street!..It's true inspiration!
And about my www.mmicons.com homepage..hmm..well I just needed a big nice long break fom making Icons ..The MMX•Mercury took over 7 Months to complete..But im thinking on working on some themes, and new icons for the G5..or maby make some Omega Icons ?? [BB.. if you need help with the icons? ..you just mail me .ok...or just mail me a nice preview of Omega ..plz =P ].....Salute // MM
Posted by Makki at January 30, 2005 02:48 AM | Edit | Delete
Where is it? man i tell ya mockups after mockups seem to turn out as still borns.
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Posted by compatelius at January 31, 2005 07:26 PM | Edit | Delete
bocigalingus must be something funny.