Monthly Archives: September 2013

How to Make an App – Step 4

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How To Make A Story App – Step 4

Work on character sketches, Interior sketches, and animations.

If you’re new to this blog you might want to scroll down to see my first steps…

Keep in mind that I’m making this up as I go

– I really don’t know what I’m doing but I’m going about this as systematically as possible. And the others here at Folio Academy are still letting me so there you go. I’m using my experience from illustrating children’s books to guide my process but apps are a whole new beast so we’ll see if this works out. Right now I have the entire app sketched out and am checking all of my animations to make sure they work and communicate.

What should you NOT animate?

The hard part was figuring out what to animate but more importantly what NOT to animate. I really want this app to be able to do more than a book but I don’t want to get into full blown animation. I like the idea of page breaks to let the reader fill in the missing visuals with their mind – so not getting caught up in time consuming non-important animation is key to making my self imposed deadline and keeping my sanity, or what’s left of it.

But what if you’re not an animator?

Good Question, I’m NO animator – This is my first time. I’m taking a serious crack at it so I don’t want to bite off more than I can chew either. The little guy above is my main character and I’ll be able to re-use this animation over and over in my story. Of course I still have to paint him so my work isn’t finished but you can see that even an old illustrator can learn a few new tricks

Where can I learn more about creating my own apps?

Glad you asked.

– I made a video tutorial on how to prepare this kind of artwork for a story app here.

Alex Sousa is going to show us how to make these kinds of animations work in Kwik in our upcoming class that begins in a few weeks. We still have a handful of slots left for the live class but many are opting for the LITE, or video recordings of our class.

Check back October 4, 2013 for step -5.

How to Make an App – Step 3

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How To Make A Story App – Step 3 

Set yourself apart from the competition

Decide what you can put into your story app that will be unique to set yourself apart from the competition. This might take some brain storming but it’s worth it.

Be a leader or a follower that surpasses the leader

Are you a follower or a leader? When I look at many of the story apps available in the app store I notice that many creators seem to be playing follow the leader – and some aren’t even following the leaders. It’s hard enough to actually make the app but to put something out that is painfully predictable and average at best is a waste of time. It’s already hard enough to get noticed so don’t make your app forgettable by just doing what the other guys are doing.

If they are all putting coloring book activities in their story apps don’t add a coloring activity – unless you can do it better or different. If the other guys are making every object wiggle with a silly sound when you touch it – yeah you get the picture. We’re at the front of a new technology so don’t assume the other guy is doing it right. This is your app. What do you want to do? Then do that and don’t look back!

Don’t be afraid, Take some risk.

Afraid that you’ll do something other people will scoff or laugh at? Perfect! It’s not art if there’s no risk! Better to fail big and learn than to copy and be forgettable. Be remarkable.

So how can you be original? I think it’s by having one or more unique aspects in your app. Suggestions:

Great story
Great artwork
Animation that is unique to your story
Great voice acting
Integrated music
Unique navigation
Teaches niche moral or principle
Appeals to a niche market
Insert other unique aspect here.

So what am I planning for my app?

Another good question, glad you asked.

1. I think Rick Walton wrote a unique story for us – but the market will decide that.
2. I’m going to work hard on the artwork so I’m hoping to impress in that category.
3. I’m working on animation that helps further the story.
4. I will hire voice actors to enhance the experience.
5. Instead of page turns my app will navigate up, down, back, and forward.
6. The story has a sustainable living theme running throughout.

Like I’ve written before – none of this is a guarantee of commercial success but all I can do is put out the best I’m capable of in a reasonable amount of time and then begin work on the next app.

I’m really looking forward to beginning the Kwik class in a few weeks! Learning how to program my own app without any programing experience is going to enable me to take control of my app creating bug! More info on the class here. 

Tune in September 30, for part-4.

How to Make an App – Step 2

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How To Make A Story App – Step 2

Get Acquainted with the Market

Often I see artists embark on a journey without knowing how people made the same trip before them. The pioneers before you encountered the same problems you’re going to encounter and looking at their solutions will make your project much easier. The more you consume the more you will develop your own opinions about what works and doesn’t work. In addition, when you look at great art it inspires you to be great and the ideas begin to flow.

But where can I find great story apps?

I’m so glad you asked! You need to check yourself into Digital Storytime! There’s a screen shot from their site right below here. I like to click on “Quality” and then “Overall Rating” to see what they think are the best story apps. I devour these being aware of  the commonalities of each one. You may want to ask yourself,

Do they all have read to me files? Do they have static text or highlighted text? Do they offer them as options or are you stuck with the read to me file and highlighted text?

 

Tune into #Storycppchat every Sunday night.

Next, you need to tune in to #Storyappchat every Sunday night at 9:00PM Eastern 6:00PM West Coast. This is a twitter chat where anyone is invited and there’s a new topic about story apps each night. The information being shared is pure gold if you’re looking to produce your own apps.
I’ll be back soon with step 3 and don’t forget to check out our Kwik class that begins in October 2013 – and you can always sign up for the video only version – the recorded live classes.

check back this September 27 for step-3.

 

How to Make an App – STEP 1

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How to Make a Story App – Step 1

Step 1 – Start with a GREAT story!

I’m going to be blogging about the progress on my new story app “Gary’s Place” from now until it’s for sale in the app stores – and beyond – even updates on my sales figures. This is really scary because I’m promising to do something that I haven’t done yet. In fact there’s a voice yelling inside right now begging me to delete this and stop writing. But – here we go…

Step 1 – Start with a GREAT story!

I came up with an idea for a story about a gopher who isn’t content with his home. It had a good beginning, middle, and end but I couldn’t write a good manuscript because I don’t have enough writing experience.  So – I approached Rick Walton, a well known children’s book author and friend (over 90 published books – google screen shot above) and asked him to read my story and write it if he liked the idea. In a ridiculously short time he turned it into gold. Yes I will cut him in for a large percentage and yes it took him no time but I believe it will be worth every penny. He’s been writing for over 25 years and his experience shows.

The story is THE most important part of a story app. Illustrations, music, character voices, animation, games, coloring activities, things that giggle, wiggle and jiggle won’t make it a great app!

Often we don’t hold ourselves to the same quality standards we expect from the goods and services we consume. We want to see movies with a great story and cinematography asking friends and family for recommendations before dropping money at the box office. But do we provide the same when writing for a book, app, or e-book? If you don’t have the writing skills are you working hard to develop them? Have you considered partnering with a professional author?

I get emails, messages, and phone calls here at Folio Academy every week from authors looking for illustrators to partner with. Professional authors often have a huge back list of manuscripts that have never been published – usually much larger than their printed books. I guess a good question is will having a great story sell enough apps to offset the percentage or payment you’ll have to give up to an author? I think so. I believe that a smaller percentage of a GREAT project is worth much more than a larger percentage of a Mediocre project.

Did you know there are thousands of movies produced each year? How many can you name from 2013? My point is that if you aren’t producing the best who will care?

But Will, you’re a professional illustrator so it’s easy for you to work with professional authors.

Sure – it’s probably easier for me to strike up a conversation but from the sheer numbers of authors I’ve been approached by I know there’s a huge need out there and it’s only going to grow. If you’re passionate and committed I doubt you will have trouble talking an author into letting you take a crack at bringing one of their stories to life.

So check back say, Monday the 23rd, for Step 2 as I share my progress reports!

 

Don’t Let “THEM” Define YOUR Success!

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Don’t Let Them Define Your Success!

A Self Defeating way of thinking. 

Too often I hear up and coming illustrators, animators, and comic book artists say, “Hopefully I can make it someday and get freelance work.” This is a self defeating way of thinking…if you never get hired does that mean you didn’t make it? Is there a such thing as all or nothing as an artist? Is this easy for me to say because I make a living with my art?

Keep Creating even if you aren’t “working”.

I don’t think so because I remember those very discouraging times when I wasn’t getting work. But more importantly I would be creating art even if I wasn’t getting hired to complete freelance assignments. I don’t create for my clients – I create for myself. My publishers get to publish my work. I own it and stand behind it and even though I work closely with them they don’t own it – I do. I take responsibility for the quality of my work and place a higher standard for myself than my clients demand – therefore – it’s mine.

Do Commissions Equal Success?

The problem with thinking that assignments equal success is that you let forces outside of your control define your value. It’s a dangerous game to play because at what point to you throw in the towel and say, “well, time to quit – nobody hired me.” Success can be defined in many ways and I understand the need to generate income with your craft. I think it’s important to remember that some artists start earning a decent income within a year after school. Some might take 1-5 years. Some much longer.

What if you don’t find work right away?

I once had a student who stated, “I need to start earning money with illustration right after graduation.” I didn’t know quite how to answer that and I failed to give a good answer at the time. What I would say today is this: “So, what if you don’t? does that mean the past four years was a waste of time? What if you could see the future and you are able to generate more money than you could imagine but it takes you 10 years to get to that point – is that worth it? Do you have the commitment to make it through the 10 years of below expected income levels? What if your experience was like my friend who struggled for 4-5 years after school and then was asked to illustrate: “A Series of Unfortunate Events”? Would that be worth it?

The tendency is to want the rewards with little sacrifice. If you really truly want it you will have to dedicate your life to it – this is good news for most because you’re in control of it! You have many years ahead of you of hard work! Embrace it. Fall in love with it. Cherish the time you have with your craft.

What does “success” mean to you?

If being successful means being chosen to work for someone else – you might be disappointed if your work is easily good enough but you aren’t being seen by the right clients.

If being successful means earning enough money to pay your bills – you might be judging your potential before your work is marketable.

If being successful means winning awards – you might be creating art that is unappreciated by the trend police.

If being successful means selling a certain quantity – you might be disappointed if the right audience never sees your product.

The previous is inspired by Seth Godin who says we’re now living in a time where you can’t afford to wait for someone to pick you – rather you must pick yourself.

Nobody hired me to make ebooks but I picked myself and published them.

Nobody hired me to make video tutorials and online classes but I picked myself and created them.

Nobody hired me to run my youtube channel but I picked myself and publish videos every month.

Nobody hired me to write this blog but I picked myself and now I have a place to share my ideas.

If you set attainable goals you can be successful every day, month, and year. It starts with a commitment to excellence and improvement. It ends when you die. I can promise you that I will be creating art until that day. I don’t work -I create. I live and breathe knowing that I have much more to give. I am successful because what I create makes me happy. Do you want to be an artist? Then be an artist and be successful by your definition, not THEIR’s.

Liberty, the world’s longest tie-dye is back

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Orriginal Record Holder Demands a Recount. (re-Measure)

Liberty: World Record, Largest Tie-Die

Worlds Largest Tie-Die

The current, or previous world record tie-dye held by Artist Masami Shaingai of Tokushima Japan is considered a part of Japanese national heritage, so Guinness requested a re-verification of the new world record held by American artist Inez Harwood.

Liberty took four months to tie-dye.

Using over nine-thousand zip ties to hold the 950 pounds of fabric and one-hundred-twenty pounds of dye. (Dry weight) Dye that was generously donated by California based company Dharma Trading Company, who helped get the word out about the project on their blog. On rinse day, fire rescue volunteers pumped approximately 300, 000 gallons of water to rinse of “Liberty”. Official measure of Liberty is 2945 feet and 7 inches, 200+ feet longer than the record held by Artist Masami Shaingai ofTokushima Japan. Shibori, the Japanese version of tie-dye is a traditional art in Japan and the current Japanese world record is considered a part of Japanese national heritage, so Guinness requested a re-verification of the new world record held by American artist Inez Harwood. The official remeasure will be calculated by Greg Loweden of Hunt Land Surveying Inc. of Weaverville California. Since the first measure was completed while the fabric encircled two holding pond and was still wet from the rinse, Lowden feels the remeasure could be significantly longer. He has started a local betting pool to benefit the local high school, that offers a prize to the person who can guess the exact measurement of Liberty. (email glowden@velotech.net for more information)

Contact: Inez Harwood (646)397-5385 or (801)874-6184 inez@greyforeststudio.com vibrantprotest.com

Contact: Terry Nagle (530)739-9366 terry@unseen-arena.com unseen-arena.com

Last March Artist Inez Harwood set out to break the world record for longest tie-dye. Harwood wanted fabric sourced from cotton grown in the United States, however finding a piece of domestic fabric long enough to break the world record wasn’t easy.   The search for fabric made from domestically grown and milled cotton took many months as Harwood searched local textile suppliers, the internet and finally, took to calling textile mills; through this research Harwood found that a very high percentage of American cotton is outsourced to places like the middle east and China for the spinning and weaving process, then shipped back to the U.S. The search ended in the discovery of Inman Mills in South Carolina. “I care about the American’s who have lost their cotton textile jobs. So I named my world’s longest tie-dye, Liberty that’s how this became my vibrant protest. “Says Harwood.Expecting to pay a premium, Harwood was surprised that the price of the high quality domestic fabric undercut the foreign equivalent by a significant percentage.

Liberty took four months to tie-dye. Using over nine-thousand zip ties to hold the 950 pounds of fabric and one-hundred-twenty pounds of dye. (Dry weight) Dye that was generously donated by California based company Dharma Trading Company, who helped get the word out about the project on their blog. On rinse day, fire rescue volunteers pumped approximately 300, 000 gallons of water to rinse of “Liberty”. Official measure of Liberty is 2945 feet and 7 inches, 200+ feet longer than the record held by Artist Masami Shaingai ofTokushima Japan. Shibori, the Japanese version of tie-dye is a traditional art in Japan and the current Japanese world record is considered a part of Japanese national heritage, so Guinness requested a re-verification of the new world record held by American artist Inez Harwood. The official remeasure will be calculated by Greg Loweden of Hunt Land Surveying Inc. of Weaverville California. Since the first measure was completed while the fabric encircled two holding pond and was still wet from the rinse, Lowden feels the remeasure could be significantly longer. He has started a local betting pool to benefit the local high school, that offers a prize to the person who can guess the exact measurement of Liberty. (email glowden@velotech.net for more information)

Harwood visited the Trinity county area this month to attend several meetings with local civic leaders, businesses and artists aimed at blustering the local economy through e-commerce and tourism centered on the Saint Francis Festival and an official re-measuring of Liberty the worlds longest tie-dye. Harwood’s focus is on attracting attendees of the remeasure event to local businesses and events taking place during the Saint Francis Festival. In her interview with ABC (channel 7 news) Tracy Leong, Harwood said, “ I think we should start voting for the home team.” Harwood believes that if U.S. citizens choose to buy American products first, the current economic crisis will resolve itself. (to see a webcast of the interview visit http://vibrantprotest.com/2013/08/13/vibrant-protest-liberty-is-going-places/) If you are interested in seeing “liberty” the worlds longest tie-dye it will be on display at the Unseen Arena in Hayfork California during the Saint Francis Festival September 25th– October 6, 2013. To find out more visit vibrantprotest.com or unseen-arena.com