iPad From An Artist’s POV
Apple’s iPad is a fun new toy for sure. Magical? Well I wouldn’t go that far(sorry Steve Jobs), but it does have a great interface. The screen resolution is amazing. Images are crisp, and the colors are fantastic. The keyboard is a little funny, but I’m typing this article on an iPad right now, so I can tell you it works fine. Expect lots of fingerprints, but I haven’t found them to be too distracting, yet.
What I find most interesting about the iPad isn’t the cool factor of being an Apple-ite(read fanboy), but the actual interface of the touchscreen computer, and the opportunity for interactive illustration in an industry that has been hurt by the demise of print. Is the iPad a device that we artists can use to create art? Frankly, no. The iPad is a new way to deliver your creations to an audience. It is very much a product meant for media consumption, and not for creation. But, as proven by the simply awesome Marvel Comics app, consumption on the iPad is great! Again, the screen resolution is fantastic, and the art looks even better than it does on the newsstand. The iPad offers us artists one more advantage that we didn’t have before, and that’s the chance to let the user actually interact with the art itself.
While it’s great to look at art, the most innovative aspect for me is the interactivity that I as an artist can have with my audience. The interaction is different than video games. With the iPad, and soon enough many other competing tablet PCs, the consumer can actually pick up the device, and hold it in their own hands. The Alice app is a perfect example of where this new medium is going. For any salty illustrator out there who thought they wouldn’t have a job in a few years, I encourage you to check it out. The creators have taken what would have been a stunningly illustrated book, and turned it into a stunningly illustrated experience. You can throw cupcakes around, turn the iPad upside down and make Alice grow, and do a number of other fun things with the characters.
Can you imagine how fun it will be for artists to come up with new interactive ways to explore their art? It’s so much more tangible than clicking things with a mouse. It really is a huge leap forward in tech, and a great new opportunity for artists of all types. I know I’m personally very excited about the future of art and illustration on the web and in apps. It all seems new again.
Leah Says:
You made some great points regarding the iPad. I think it is great for designers they can use the iPad to show off their portfolio. Wouldn’t it be cool to go to a client/interview and say let me show you my portfolio and pull out the iPad and show your work instantly or your on a train or plane and someone wants to see your work and there you go!
Besides the functionality I do like the look better then the other tablets out there. It’s pretty smooth and contemporary for the eye. I’m one month away from getting mine… Just have to decide which one.
Thanks for the blog Charles :)
April 20th, 2010 at 12:40 pmCDowd Says:
Thanks Leah you make a great point that I didn’t even consider. That is a lot better than carrying around dead tree copies of your work. The iPad doesn’t seem to me to have been designed with that in mind, but in future versions and even upcoming Android tablets, maybe they could be designed to be virtual briefcases for business.
Love the portfolio idea tho, and my next website redesign is loosely based on that concept.
April 20th, 2010 at 1:36 pmDavid Says:
Charles, I agree that it’s certainly built as a media device (read consumption device), however after the initial “wow” feeling I got after picking my own up I feel it really does have a lot going for it as not only a media consuming machine but an on-the-go work space. I’ve already used it to script comics (Pages app), doodle sketch ideas (Sketchbook Pro app) and used a number of apps to sync everything to my desktop computer while out and about(Connect app). The portfolio idea isn’t something I thought of right away, but I can see it really working. I have to admit, I’m not a Mac guy, but I love the iPhone / iPad interface. It’s more convenient to use than a traditional laptop, especially when taking it out, starting it up and using it when I have a few minutes to spare.
April 20th, 2010 at 4:55 pmCDowd Says:
@David I wrote this blog using the WordPress app, so I agree it’s possible to work on it, lightly. I’m exploring the sketchbook capabilities right now and I’ll be posting about it in a day or two(or three…).
I like it as a machine and the whole concept behind it is great. I really want the tablet to succeed as a platform and replace laptops forever. I’m def gonna take a look at the connect app too. Thanks for the tip!
April 20th, 2010 at 5:14 pm