Island: the Driving Force

It seems that many are under the impression that Animations Rising is all Miro Collas. Nothing could be further from the truth. When I first set up shop, it was a little hole in the wall place selling art and a small selection of animations. Were it not for Island Projects, that is where the business would still be.

When Island joined me in the business, his first major act was to get it located somewhere decent, make it a real store, and he went to work HARD in promoting it. And behind the scenes, his constant feedback, suggestions for improvement of existing products, and ideas for new ones, drove the business onward, made it grow. (Back then, we were known as "The Penguin Bar Animations".)

We grew larger, outgrew the parcel we had bought, so Island took us further, with the acquisition of the SIM we are located in now, Animations Rising. All the while, working tirelessly on many fronts to get our products and our name out into SL.

And while doing all of this, he continued to provide invaluable ideas into new product lines, taking a core idea and making into something that would amaze. Living Light is a prime example of what Island contributed: the many suggestions he made regarding design and function led to the products we sell now - which amazed both of us with their success. :-)

Island is a great artist in his own right. But in our business, he has instead chosen to use his business acumen to advance the company - at least in public. But as mentioned, behind the scenes, his creative contribution is substantial and vital. He has chosen to allow me, Miro, an outlet for my creativity, sacrificing himself in the process.

The names on vendors or on the items themselves are NOT a true indication of the creative mind behind them. Animations Rising is a team of two people. We both contribute to the business, in our own ways, be it working separately, or in collaboration. The business would not exist without both of us. Though frankly, Island could probably take ANY business and make it into something huge - if he wanted to.

Many business partnerships emerge in SL, but most of those die quickly, as internal squabbles tear them apart. Some clubs are a prime example of personal bickering destroying a business. Animations Rising was born officially almost a year ago, on February 8. And it has survived a long time, in SL terms, thanks largely to our shared values: honesty, trust, loyalty. Island embodies these words, he would never betray some one's trust, regardless. He makes enemies because he will not tolerate BS from anyone, and people don't like being called out when they lie or distort the truth.

Some who read this may say that I am biased. Yes, maybe I am. I am "married" to him now. :-) But it was the values I described above that led me to want to commit myself to being with him. Those, and many personal aspects which I will keep for myself.

In summary: a business of any significant size if often not the work of one person, but of two or more. But thanks to the way SL works, usually only one is known, when instead credit goes to a team. Animations Rising is two people, Island Projects and Miro Collas. And Island has done and sacrificed so much more than anyone can begin to imagine, to make us what we are. And he has done this selflessly, with intense dedication, passion and yes, love.

Island, you have not just my love, but my deepest respect. You are a true man of honor, and any who think otherwise simply do not know you, and/or misjudge you. Animations Rising owes its existence to you, in every sense.

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