Tag: iPad

UP! Fair Lexington, Kentucky

Posted on November 21, 2010 by Bruce

This weekend Cecil & I attended the UP! Fair at the Carnegie Center for Learning & Literacy in Lexington, Kentucky. Originally intended as part of the Indy Webcomics Group’s contingent- I ended up, instead of helping out a lot, just hanging out and going to sessions for the most part. While it may seem strange for those who know me, I’m really more of an introvert when it comes to these situations.  While interested in a lot what was going on, I’ve been cornered by people who have a “fantastic” comic that they have put their heart and soul into that I then feel an obligation to purchase after hearing their story. This isn’t always the case, but it has happened enough times that I tend to be more aloof. If I talk to someone I am interested in what they are doing, and if I buy it I really do want to read it & hopefully share it with others.

The UP! Fair was geared more for small press and those interested in learning more about self-publishing.  It also had a great component geared towards kids and getting them interested the creative side of comics.  Compared to the “typical” Con I have attended this was intimate with small sessions that allowed for (almost demanded) interaction with the presenter.  Similar to some of the Indy Webcomics Group meet ups.  So what did I learn?  a few interesting tricks in Photoshop, a little about some software that might help with the creation end.

A quick finger painting I did in Sketchbook Pro of Hemi

I did have a chance to play around with my iPad and a few of the drawing apps I have on it (Sketchbook Pro & Brushes).  The funny thing was that this was dealing with publishing but almost everyone was doing all of their work completely digitally.  FYI: If you weren’t aware- My Geek Odyssey is done the old-fashioned way on paper and then scanned into the computer for shading and limited color- yes, there is original artwork somewhere for every comic that has appeared.

After attending this I have to ask myself (and you my readership) is there a market for let’s say “My Geek Odyssey: Year One” as a book?  Would you want to buy one?

iPad Review – Still cool after all these weeks

Posted on June 3, 2010 by Bruce

I was reading Unshelved iPad review and realized that I haven’t chimed in on the iPad since I picked it up a few weeks ago. I’ll try to keep this short.  “coolest piece of technology I have seen in… well, coolest piece of technology I have seen, ever.

  • I have a 64GB iPad 3G-  I waited until the 3G model came out so I wouldn’t be tethered to a wifi hotspot. I purchased the Apple iPad case, the card reader and the VGA out cable.  I also ended up purchasing another charger since it nice to have one at school and one at home- although it does charge through the iPhone car charger.
  • I bought it to replace my laptop on trips and with its size and weight it will do that easily. Although I’m still trying to decide if there is a way I could do this comic on it.
  • I purchased a number of apps to play around with including “Brushes” which I love- it turns the iPad into a sketchbook.
  • Reading on it couldn’t be a nicer experience, both books & comics one nice thing is I can read in bed without having the light on to bother Sue.

There are somethings that need to be worked out:

  • Since this is new technology there are some bugs when surfing… I never realized how many site have little bits of Flash or need to be translated into a touch environment instead of a mouse.  This comes up when I’m trying to scroll down a list on a site like Facebook… I end up scrolling the page not the pop-up list.  The same issue with Flicker and managing my photos  no “click & drag.”
  • It should have come with a cloth of some kind (like the iMac & iPhone) since I tend to have to clean the screen- I never realized how much junk is on my fingertips.
  • the VGA out cable seems to only work with keynote though I haven’t tested it extensively, it would be nice if I could display my screen through a projector especially when teaching.
  • picking nits- while the keyboard is fine size wise, the layout of some things is taking a bit of time to get used to.  The placement of some keys (shift for example) is in the wrong place so I end up typing numbers or symbols… I’ll get used to it.

Do I regret my purchase?  No, I’d do it again in a heartbeat… Sue already wants to steal mine (and has for one day), fortunately for me her birthday is coming up.

I agree that the iPad is really the next big thing… it will change the face of personal computing.  It is perfect for those folks out there who aren’t “power users” and just want to check their email, read a book, and go online.  Like one of Apple’s early taglines for the mac “The computer for the rest of us.” With the iWork suite of programs it even makes it great as a mobile office in a snap.  My parents should get one- except I’m not sure what Flash games my mother still plays, besides that it should meet there needs.

Again, the coolest piece of technology out there… I can’t wait to see what will happen with version 2 or with the next (first) OS update.

Yes, I did pick up an iPad this afternoon… and no I have not opened it yet. I felt once I unpacked it I would be lost for a while and this comic would be even later than it already is.

While this is a joke, it also gives you, the loyal reader, a real look behind the curtain. I draw the strip by hand in non-photo blue pencil, ink it all in then scan it into the computer and add shades of grey and spot color (Where Mongo is concerned). So here you have my original rough pencils before I inked them and tweaked them. See this is a learning experience not me rushing through so I can unpack my iPad. That’s my story & I’m sticking to it. I’ll do a review and complete unpacking blog this week. Gotta run!