FAQ:
How did you count all the dots?
The total number of dots was determined by muliplying the average stippling speed of this piece, 4.25 dots per second, by the amount of time logged in, 210 hours. That translated into 3,213,000. Because I think that number might be off just a few thousand dots or so, I rounded it off to an even 3.2 million.
How long did this take?
I logged in exactly 210 hours of just stippling, but it took nearly one full year to complete from start to finish.
How many pens did you use?
Just one! The pen is a Sakura Pigma Micron pen (nib size 005, 0.20 mm). I had many pens as backup, but I never had to use any of them. Go Sakura!
So, is this a Sakura Pigma Micron advertisement?
Absolutely not. They were not a part of the production of this video in any way.
What camera and software did you use?
All shots were done using the Canon EOS Rebel T1i (18-55 mm standard lens), and edited/rendered in After Effects CS4.
What equipment did you use for those panning shots and time-lapses?
I built all of my camera sliders and tracks using pvc pipes and rubber wheels that can be found in any local home improvement store. If you'd like to see how I built them, click here to view some photos.
Is this piece for sale?
The original is currently available. If interested, please send me an email for a price quote. If you would like a limited edition print, click here.
Making of "Hero," 2011
Hero is a drawing of my dad composed entirely out of 3.2 million ink dots. View artwork here.
» Directed, Filmed, Produced by Miguel Endara
» Music by Bonobo - Noctuary
- January 14, 2014
"The Making of Hero" reaches 10 million views!
To all the fans reblogging, reposting, retweeting, reliking, retumblring, regoogleplusing - I say thank you. Thank you all. - August 12, 2013
100 prints sold!
A big thank you to everyone who has purchased a "Hero" limited edition print. Today is a great day. - July 25, 2012
Video featured on the BioWall
Thank you to Randy Scope, Director of Programming at the BioWall, for sending over some of the photos of my video being shown on the big screen! Read more. - April 17, 2012
2012 Vimeo Festival + Awards
Great news! "The Making of Hero" gets nominated for a 2012 Vimeo Award! - March 14, 2012
"The Making of Hero" screening at SXSW
Vimeo will be screening "The Making of Hero" at SXSW from 8-10pm. #VimeoSXSW - Jan 11, 2012
Interview with Miami New Times
A big thank you to Miami New Times author Victor Gonzalez for interviewing me about my latest piece, “Hero.” - Dec 25, 2011
Featured in The 50 Most Liked Articles in 2011
It's an honor! Thank you, Yatzer! - Dec 13, 2011
Ashton Kutcher tweets "Hero"
This explains the unexpected spike in traffic. Step aside Oprah, the Ashton Effect is the new game in town. - Dec 9, 2011
"Hero" reaches 3.2 million views in 4 days
A view for every dot! Time to have a dance party. - Dec 8, 2011
TV: China | Thailand | Brazil | Greece | France
I haven't the slightest clue what they're saying, but I know I'm liking it.