Emojis and the art of conversation
THEY say the art of conversation is being killed off by the influx of ‘emojis’ creeping into text messages and emails.
Yet if a love for the Toon is part of your natter then you are in luck as Geordies will soon be able to use Newcastle-themed emojis - including the Tyne Bridge, St James’ Park and a whole range of wor most iconic sayings.
More than 100 ‘Geordiemojis’ will be available to download for iPhone and Android and the Tyne-based creators have asked our readers to chose the final few items, people or places which should be included.
The app can be installed on your phone and allows people to send the Geordiemojis in chat apps such as WhatsApp, Google Hangouts and iMessage as well as social media platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter.
The start-up company behind the emoji-stickers has teamed up with illustrator Dave Richardson to create images of the city.
Yet for the final few ideas, they are throwing it open to the people of Newcastle to decide what else should be included.
Tim Webber, the Fanmoji founder, said: “Drawing the character out of the city and transforming that into Geordiemoji form was our goal – and we have tried to cover a range of areas and topics to do that.
“There are landmarks and places, famous characters, sport, food and drink and of course words and phrases.
“We think we have a good mix of things which can be used in everyday messaging by both locals and visitors.” The poll for the final additions will close on August 31 and developers hope to have the app launched in time for the Great North Run on September 11.
Tim added: “The idea behind the poll is simply to give the people of Newcastle a say in some of things that make it into the app.
“Geordiemoji will definitely benefit from their input and we hope to include the community, not just now, but moving forward as well. We hope to add to the app on a regular basis if it proves popular so any support is hugely appreciated.”
Speaking about being given the task of turning some of the city’s most recognisable icons into emojis, illustrator Dave said: “This is a first for me emoji-sticker wise and it has been tip-top.
“The most challenging Geordiemoji was easily the stottie cake – ironic, really, as ultimately it is just a beige circle – and it needed the love and design polish appropriate for a baked North East icon. I cannot get enough of them.
“The buildings were great to design. Some are very intricate, especially St James’ Park, and I loved the challenge and the process of the building actually taking shape.
“I am hoping the reaction to Geordiemoji will be really positive. I am proud to be from the North East and I hope people use and enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed designing them.”
To vote for the final additions to the app, visit www. fanmoji.co.uk.