Drawing on the iPad

I admit to being an “early adopter” which means I need instant gratification. I admit it. And when it comes to Apple gadgets, my needs are overwhelming. The iphone literally changed my life (and I don’t use the phone that much).

When I saw the iPad, I knew I needed it to draw on. I draw incessantly on the corner of every piece of paper, on meeting notes, place mats and any other blank space. I decided the iPad would replace all of those doodles spread throughout my life.

Even though the iPad is not nearly as sophisticated as drawing on a Wacom tablet, I have found the process to be easy to adjust to, fun and rewarding. The drawing programs, primarily Brushes, Layers, Sketchbook Pro and ArtistsTouch, all have various features that the others don’t. I find myself exporting the pictures in various stages from one app to another as I use different functions. The programs all include various Photoshop-like features and I am reasonably satisfied with the feature sets of each application.

If I could wish for one more thing it would be selection tools in Brushes.

Oh, and a better stylus from Pogo and mouse support for the iPad.

Attached are some drawings done on the iPad.

There’s a jack for that.

The Nixon Tapes

A few months back I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Ziggy Nixon for his blog on art, illustration and all things creative. We had a terrific discussion about art and life and sundry things, while I suffered a few senior moments. Check out the interview and let me know what you think. In the meantime, I am working on some other longer blog entries including new work and some new directions.

Looking Back to Move Forward

The fact that I haven’t added anything to the blog for quite some time leaves me with one advantage: I have a lot to report.

In the fall of 2008, “Vector Graphics and Illustration: A Master Class in Digital Image-making” was published by Rotovision. I co-wrote the book with Steven Withrow and it is available through Amazon and other book outlets.

The premise of the book was simply to demonstrate the difference between vectors and bitmaps, and point out the advantages of using vectors to relatively new users of graphics software. Where the “master class” part of the title came from I never understood. I always cringe when I read the title. I know most of my colleagues would immediately recognize that this book is not a “master class” at all. Having said that, I am also positive the book can have a great deal of value to anyone new to using programs like Illustrator and Photoshop. Students that I have now (more about that later), or students from my past at DCAD.

The book is organized in a way that every spread is a self-contained “lesson” demonstrating a very specific skill that the user will need to master or, later in the book, simply showing the effects of filters or combinations of techniques.

Steven interviewed many fantastic illustrators from all over the world, showcasing some terrific work. The breadth and depth continues to amaze me as an illustrator whose world tended to revolve around New York City and The Society of Illustrators. A world that is now woefully narrow.

Steven’s interviews with them are enlightening and entertaining and the diversity they represent is astounding when you consider that there was no budget to pay these people. Everyone who appears does so as a professional courtesy. Others that didn’t appear, and should have, we were unable to include because they wanted (and rightly so) to be compensated for their contributions. This is not unusual, but it was frustrating. As a matter of fact, the entire process was frustrating for all parties and I did not help the situation as I tended to express my frustration quite clearly. In retrospect, I am proud of the book (despite many failings that I know it has) and am in the process of doing others.

For anyone interested in pursuing writing in this market, approach it with one very definite reality in mind: you will spend many, many more hours working on it than you will ever be compensated for.

Check out Steven Withrow’s other books “Secrets of Digital Animation,” “Illustrating Children’s Picture Books” and “Character Design for Graphic Novels,” among others, and his blog “Crackles of Speech.”

Time Flies and then Some

Yep. I have not been able to keep up with this blog to save my life. Until now, when it indeed may save my life. While I know I am talking to myself for the most part, I am committed to finding a way to get this into a schedule that will serve as something of a diary, if nothing else.

I have successfully ported the design to a new server and am currently working on adapting a new theme from Woothemes to suit my needs and aesthetic. As I finish the technical details of the new design, I am going to update more consistently and get up some news that I think is important.

Still Trying to Catch Up

A couple of weeks late (remember the relationship between late and never?), I wanted to comment briefly on the New York Comic Con at the Javitz Center. I went on Friday (we all know cons are always Friday, Saturday and Sunday – no matter the dates) to miss the crowds and touch base with old friends and art dealers. Ran into Rich Faber and John Gallagher of “Buzzboy” fame. Two of the nicest guys you would want to meet. Pick up a copy Buzzboy for your kids or the kid at heart and visit the website. I have a project that has occupied parts of my sketchbook for some time and I hope to get the guys interested in it.

Visit Rich’s site and check out his character RoboyRed and read his touching and poignant blog.

The convention was fun, I attended with my friend, colleague and benefactor George Fernandez (an amazing and gifted educator, painter and illustrator) and then we headed straight over to the Society of Illustrators Annual Show. On Saturday, I went with my 22 year old daughter (a great treat). She stood in line to meet a young actor from a current popular TV show. At this very moment (blogging is an “in the moment” experience isn’t it?) I can’t remember the name of the show or the actor. She was extremely happy and excited, so nothing else matters, really, does it?

A good time was had by all.

Two at a Time?

Hey, I figured while I’m at it, and because I know so many of you are watching, I’d put up another post: an illustration I have been working on to further break my dependence on the use of photo reference. My brother titled it “Watch Out What You Fish For.” My friend and favorite illustrator Scott Anderson asked me how it was done (after sharing some very successful trade secrets with me–thanks Scott): it’s a grayscale digital grisaille painted with a shoe shine rag and oils. Huh? Yeah. A Shoe shine rag.

Flogger?

I am sure there is a term out there in cyberland for somebody who can’t keep up with his blog. (See www.linesandcolors.com, best art blog on the internet for an example of real blogging).

Anyway, for today, just a brief note. I have joined “www.hireanillustrator.com“, and you can see my work there as well.

I’m Late, I’m Late

Certainly, my intention was to maintain this blog on a daily basis. A move from Wilmington, Delaware to Lindenhurst, New York was stressful and time consuming. Last minute eureka obligations and the challenges of selling a house in this market have conspired to make blogging a lower priority.

We have been here for about 4 months, settling in fairly well. I am teaching a Farmingdale State College and Lisa is working at an interactive ad agency. There are still some struggles ahead: the house still hasn’t sold and the market continues to decline.

But we are off into a new and exciting chapter of our lives with ambitious plans for our professional and personal lives. I’ll be back more consistently soon.

Out of the Ordinary

Occasionally, all of us are called upon to create a piece that falls outside of our “style” or thematic approach. Sometimes that can be frustrating, other times great fun. In this case it was a pleasure working with The Archer Group in Wilmington, Delaware to create a poster for an IMAX movie called “Wild Ocean”. Timing was tight and there were many decision makers, common on high visibility projects like this. The Archer Group was great, working very closely with me to create the image the client wanted. Is it a masterpiece? I doubt it, but it was gratifying to see the image at the prestigious Franklin Institute in Philadelphia where the movie was being shown on the Institute’s terrific IMAX theatre. Above are two images: The top image the client-approved version and my preference below. Click on the images for details. 

Orphan Works Update from Delaware

I just received a response from Tom Carper, a Democratic Senator from Delaware (The other being Joe Biden) and I found myself confused as to what exactly he’s saying. His description of the Bill sounds wrong to me and I can’t, for the life of me, understand if he supports it or not.

You be the judge:

July 8, 2008

Dear Mr. Harris:

Thank you for contacting me to express your opposition to the Shawn Bentley Orphan Works Act of 2008. I appreciate hearing your views on this matter.

As you know, S. 2913, the Shawn Bentley Orphan Works Act of 2008, was introduced by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) on April 24, 2008. This bill would allow orphan works – art work whose copyright owner cannot be traced – to be exhibited if no copyright owner was found after an extensive search. This bill also contains provisions to protect copyright owners of orphaned works and allows for monetary compensation to be given should they later emerge. This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Companion legislation was also introduced in the House of Representatives and has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

As you know, hundreds of creative works that may be protected by copyright are not being viewed because their owners are unknown. While interest in displaying such works exists, fear of copyright infringement fines have prevented these works from being displayed. The sponsors of the legislation contend S. 2913 would help potential users find the owners of the orphan works and facilitate a way for the owners to receive compensation for their works. Moreover, the public would be able to view many creative and artistic works that are valuable to our national heritage.

On the other hand, I have heard from some constituents, like you, who are concerned that the legislation would make it easier for others to replicate their work and produce it cheaply in factories for personal gain. Moreover, while those in opposition to the bill agree that they would have copyright protection, they contend that most artists would not be able to afford the court costs associated with proving the ownership of the piece.

I certainly understand your concerns with this legislation. Artistic fields are very competitive and I appreciate the time commitment involved in learning a new craft. Should I have an opportunity to consider the Orphan Works Act of 2008 before the full Senate, I will be sure to keep your views in mind.

Thank you for contacting me, I appreciate hearing your views on this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future about other matters of importance to you.

With best personal regards, I am

Sincerely,

Tom Carper
United States Senator

All I can say is “Duh…” while I drool on my new Society of Illustrators t-shirt.