Live Long and Prosper says Spock

Here's a new design/illustration for Blogsy, my favorite iOS blogging app. If you're wondering what it has to do with Star Trek, just take a look at the Blogsy app icon. Lance, the CEO Of Fomola (makers of Blogsy) is a big sci-fi nerd like me.

If you own an iPad and blog, you need Blogsy. It has the power of a desktop app with the usability of iOS, and supports most blogging services, including TypePad and WordPress. (If you use Squarespace like me, contact the Blogsy devs through Twitter or their website and tell them to hurry up and add full Squarespace support!)

This piece took a long time: what you're looking at is probably the tenth or eleventh draft. It was created entirely on the iPad 2, using Autodesk SketchBook Pro. The iPad 2 version supports 12 layers, and this drawing uses all of them. This Blogsy Spock drawing is probably the last artwork I'll post from the iPad 2, because I recently got a new iPad!

If you've never seen my blog before, hi.

I do just about everything from my iPad, because mobility is an issue for me. I have to deal with a lot of pain, muscle spasms, and migraines — I can't sit up a desk for very long, and I'm asleep more than I'm awake. Being disabled, it is easy to feel isolated — the iPad allows me to stay connected. My girlfriend calls it my security blanket, because I take the iPad everywhere and get upset if I don't have it.

:-)

When I'm feeling okay, I like to design logos, graphics and advertising materials, and I write as well. I've been doing more illustration and conceptual stuff, and now that I have my new iPad, I can work on large format stuff as well. I've been experimenting with digital painting and also like to take photos and post them at my tumblr using Instagram. (user: bradtastic, if you want to add me.)

What's next

I'm mostly dealing with personal things, but I can take on some small projects from time to time. If you like what I make and want something of your own, please let me know! I also produce vector art using InkPad, Adobe Ideas and Illustrator. I can design cool business cards, brochures, banners and posters, and can refer you to great web and software developers as well.

I've been thinking of ways to help other people with disabilities and limited mobility utilize technology and make the most of tools like the iPhone and iPad. The iPad can replace a notebook computer for many things, and it's a great note taking and sketching platform.

This website is always work in progress. I've been adding links to my favorite sites and services here, but if you want to follow more of my finds, add me at Pinterest and Pearltrees, "bradtastic" — you can also find me on GetGlue. The sidebar has links to my other social pages.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope to hear from you...

Spock for Blogsy wip illustration

I said I was going to share more of my illustration and design stuff, so here's another work in progress, (partially) in support the fine folks at Fomola, makers of the iOS app Blogsy, the best blogging tool for iPad. Lance Barton, Fomola's principal, has been really nice, so I've decided to help promote his app. As a bonus, I get to promote and share my art as well! Win win!

So why Spock for Blogsy?

Live long and prosper. The popular Star Trek mantra is part of the Blogsy app icon. So I decided to make a loose, interpretive "Spock" using Autodesk Sketchbook Pro for iPad based on a few Star Trek TOS screen caps I found, outline it, and fill the negative space with BLOGSY and LIVE LONG AND PROSPER.

After some trial and error, I've managed to create a rough draft. When I have more energy, I want to clean up the lines and slightly reshape the design. It's close, however, and when I'm done, I'll share the final version. It'll have some extra personal touches as well.

Hope you like it so far.

Want a custom design or illustration?

Let me know! Maybe I'll come up with something. Maybe not. ;-) Says Brad.