Bradtastic Multi-app iOS art

I stumbled across a cool app called Rays, so I thought I'd post a retouched image to show its effects. Rays is an app that dynamically creates light rays on an image, and the length, color, and opacity of the rays can all be adjusted. Really cool!

I've recently been inspired to create iPad art using multiple apps.

I met an iPad artist on Twitter named Greg Brainard (@gregbrainard) — he enthusiastically creates everything with an iPhone 4 and iPad 2, and doesn't even have a desktop computer. The iPad is now such a robust platform with so many amazing, powerful art, design and productivity apps, it is very possible to ditch the desktop and not look back (unless you do large scale print work, complex 3D or vectors, there are some apps for each, but nothing studio grade).

If you are an iPad or iPhone artist/photographer/filmmaker, please contact me! A few of us are putting together something pretty neat in our spare time; if you have some talent or passion and are looking to share your work, it may be a good fit!

The Bradtastic image with this post was created using SketchBook Pro for the text, Wurm for the background, and Rays for the… rays.

I hope to continue sharing more iPad art with you. Please take a moment to "like" my Facebook page if you follow my blog; this is very helpful for me.

I just joined dribbble as well, so in addition to my tumblr, I'll post stuff there. I've been giving some thought to renaming my tumblr and brand. Got suggestions? I'd love to hear them!

Paper by FiftyThree actually awesome!

If you sketch, doodle, jot, draw or paint, you will love Paper by FiftyThree.

That's what I think, anyway, especially if you use an oStylus (Bradtastic Approved, of course!) the world's best capacitive touch stylus. Of course, you need an iPad.

Download Paper by FiftyThree (from the App Store)

They've announced on their blog that Paper has been downloaded 1.5 million times, an impressive number, especially for an app that isn't a game (and even for a free app). They also announced the number of pages that have been created, though I don't know how they know that without spying on people's usage… a scary thought. I will have to ask them.

Initially, I didn't like Paper.

I thought it was overpriced form over function, more style than substance. My opinion was formed using the one free tool, and though I'd like to think that the App Store reviews did not influence me, I'm sure that that was a factor as well.

I was comparing Paper to "pro" drawing and painting tools. In doing so, I missed the beauty of Paper — simplicity. I saw its minimalist interface as a negative, something between crude and kitschy. I thought of paper as one thing trying to be something else, and decided to dislike it on that alone. Throughout, I still acknowledged that custom ink engine and crisp feel were special — noteworthy… good.

Discovery.

About a week or so ago, I downloaded The Essentials (the $7.99 USD IAP) after discussing it with several people, reading reviews and emailing FiftyThree. I decided that it made more sense for two reasons:

1. The Essentials may include other features or tools in the future.
2. it's a hassle to download each individually at a savings of 3¢.

I first got the full Paper experience first on the iPad 2, and was immediately struck by the difference. The trial versions (called "Try it!" in the Store) do not do justice. Paper instantly transforms (think butterfly) from dull to dangerous. This wonderful sketching app delivers a rich, satisfying experience, perfect for doodlers and serious designers alike.

Some ways to use Paper

Paper can be used to make masterpieces — I've seen some — but that's not its strength. Here are a few ideas.

• mind-mapping
• visual notes

Both of these have dedicated apps, but the simplicity and aesthetics makes Paper a good choice for concepts.

• doodles, scribbles
• diagrams

• graphology (handwriting analysis)

• telephone notepad

good for phone numbers and jotting quick thoughts while on the phone; also great for idle moments and rants (while you're placed on hold)

• logo ideas
• conceptual design
• scenery
• symbols

artists of all skill levels and types will likely find that Paper's tools are a great balance between speed and control.

Four stars, work in progress.

Paper isn't perfect — it's WIP. FiftyThree is still adding features. If you have suggestions, contact them; I did, and got a very sincere reply. Being critical of an app and offering constructive feedback early on will help to shape the direction of this tool.

Some people just don't like Paper, and that's okay. There are a lot of drawing apps on the iPad, and many great professional tools such as:

• Procreate
• ArtRage
• SketchBook Pro
• Layers
• Brushes

And there are inexpensive alternatives with wonderful functionality as well:

• Sketch Club
• Infinite SketchPad
• Noteshelf

There's also fun, social stuff like Clibe.

I created an Infinite Sketch discussing key points of Paper, pros and cons, and additional features that I'd like to see.

Check out a web version of the Infinite SketchPad outline that I made. I would love to hear your ideas as well, so don't hesitate to comment or message me!

Coming soon: more detailed thoughts on Paper, including comments on specific tools and the UI.

(btw, I love being able to set auto-post times for blog entries, allowing me to write when I'm feeling okay, yet stagger the entries. I know this isn't a new or revolutionary feature and that many people use it, but still… it's brilliant!)

Migrating from iPad 2 to new iPad

The new iPad — so exciting!

But not without its own issues. (This update applies most to people thinking about upgrading to the new iPad from an earlier model) The new iPad, or iPad 3, is slightly thicker and heavier than the 2, but is otherwise similar in look, shape and feel.

I won't go into the specs too much, but for those unfamiliar with it, here are the highlights.

• retina display, 2048x1536 resolution (versus 1024x768), 4x pixels!
• 5MP camera, 1080p video & FaceTime camera
• dictation (translates spoken English into text in the cloud; requires net connection) — works well!
• optional 4G LTE (Verizon model can act as a hotspot)
• still no Siri — come on, Apple, give it to us! Please send them an email and let them know you want Siri on the iPad. Maybe if enough people complain… (let us be the squeaky wheel)

Two things to keep in mind

For $99, Apple offers AppleCare+ protection for the new iPad. This coverages extends the warranty to two years and also covers two instances of accidental damage ($49 service fee per instance). For the price, it's a great deal for the higher end models; it's peace of mind, and will cover screen scratches, coating wear and more.

However, if you intend to get AppleCare+, purchase it together with the new iPad. It must be purchased within 15 days otherwise, and if the iPad is opened, you'll need to make a genius bar appointment at a retail store for an "iPad inspection." Trust me, this is a huge hassle.

Last, if you're "restoring" from an iPad backup (migrating/transferring from iPad or iPad 2 to the new iPad), many apps will sync without converting to retina graphics. Example: although I had the newest version of SketchBook Pro installed on my iPad 2 when I made the backup, when I opened it on the iPad 3, no retina graphics. It's like it was running in iPad 2 mode. Many of my favorite apps ran similarly, and needed to be reinstalled to correct the issue.

Unfortunately, many of my favorite apps still lack new iPad versions. With time, developers will update apps and the retina display issue should be resolved. For now, I'm using it as an opportunity to start fresh — my new iPad will run my favorite apps, and the iPad 2 will be a testing ground for new apps I'm not yet sure about.

Don't let me dissuade you from the new iPad, however. It's awesome. Whatever the hassles, I think it's worth it!