Lin Evans

Hi Lin,

I wanted to follow up with you briefly regarding Particle Illusion. Personally, it is a software that I really enjoyed working with (and still do). As mentioned on another part of the WnSoft forum - GenArts is now part of the Boris FX family.

Equally interesting is the fact Alan Lorence, the original author and developer of this very versatile particle system software has totally stepped away from software design as a main focal point of his professional career << more on that in a moment.

A great talent and visionary, PI was cutting edge a number of years ago. As with other products in the computer world - change and evolution overtook this top-notch 2D particle system with more robust (and steep learning curve) 3D systems.

For guys like me, I "dabble" - I'm proficient enough to have been productive and actually made a living (semi-retired, now) from this and products similar to it for a number of years. Today, I share my so-called talent in only a small arena and generally only on a special request basis. 

Not quite out to pasture yet, but nevertheless slowing down to enjoy some other things in life.

Getting back to Alan and what he is up to... He too, has totally changed his focus. He resides in the St. Louis, MO area and of all things - designs and builds custom furniture with his own brand called, Nimble Mill - he is a ONE-man operation - doing what he truly enjoys - without the pressure of deadlines and project headaches.

I also wanted to thank you for your encouragement regarding my current project (re: An Illustrated History of Santa Barbara) - I was originally commissioned to do just a few illustrations and the next thing I knew - I was roped into a total rewrite and new design concept for a Coffee Table style book. 

Three + years in the making, the final technical touches are being applied with a ship date to the publisher within the next couple of weeks. Being that you are familiar with the Santa Barbara area, you might find the material and subject matter included to be of some interest to you. When we actually have the finished products in-house, let me know a good mailing address and I will send you a complimentary copy of both the book and the companion At-A-Glance guide. If all goes to plan - we anticipate the published book to be available to the general public sometime between the end of May (2017) and mid-June.

I will keep you in mind - and will let you know when it is here. It is just a very small way to express my gratitude to you for some of the insight you have provided (and I have tapped into over the years (with PTE)).

regards,
FX Designer