I’m learning more about DoInk – a web-based animation studio. I took their popup ‘Create Now’ app for a spin and was suitably impressed: vector drawing, some primitives, paint bucket, erase, text tool, onion skinning and more. What was quite unique was a community library of props that you can use in your own animations.

The look and feel of the drawings is very Flash-like, which I’m not a fan of, but I can look the other way for now. Alright I lied:

Dear DoInk, in a future version may we have more painterly effects as well as the ability to import PNG alpha-channel bitmap drawings for cut out animation? Love, Carl.

But let me tell you, cadets — what got my wheels spinning in the driveway was this announcement: it’s available for the iPad. A mobile animation studio you can carry in one hand. For $5. (On sale for $4.99, reg. $8.99)

*clutches chest*

I can’t even imagine taking animation projects with you let alone working on one at the doctor’s office, the kitchen table or the front porch. Geez, I’m still getting used to pixel drawing on my iPod whenever I get the urge. To draw.

Where will the iPad and apps like DoInk take artists? I don’t know, but am eager to find out.

Of the many things that tickle my ears or dry out my eyes, I had not until now seen tee shirts and stop motion combined. The comedic artists Rhett and Link were hired to produce a television commercial, the behind-the-scenes goodness you’re about to watch.

A great video (in three parts) which explores illustrator and artist (and really cool guy) William Low’s use of computers in his work, especially the ever elusive Cintiq computer display that he paints on.

Find the second and third videos here. I believe these were produced by PageTurner Films.

I’m in awe of the hardware, the software and Kassan’s talent. Shout out to Drawn.ca

While I do have this very app for my iPod Touch, the weensey screen and my lack of painting talent = suckage.

I just had to share this. Kudos to Patrick Boivin for your wonderful ideas and talented execution.

This was a short segment in the newly resurrected Futurama, back at you for Season 6 – this time on the Comedy Channel. Yes, I’m digging through my bricks looking for those !@#$ pieces that I know are somewhere. Those would be the 1×1 slopes which, I fear, my LEGO is too old to include. I’m also missing the 1×1 round in white. And orange and purple pieces. C’mon LEGO!)

Now, the above frame clearly shows, should you count by studs, that the top of Leela’s head, for example, is a 2×3 brick. However, the scale between width and height is strongly suggestive of a 2×4 brick. I chose the 2×3 reference and went for gold.

Adam Savage of Mythbusters fame speaks at Maker Faire Bay Area (May 5) 2010 on the topic of “Problem Solving: How I Do It”. At heart Adam is a storyteller, geek and engineer and all three facets shine in his presentation to a crowd of DIY builders and makers. Listeners familiar with Todd Henry’s Accidental Creative efforts may sense overlap on such themes as Time, Resources, Rhythm and Focus.

A Q&A period follows Adams presentation, much of which is Mythbusters-flavoured but engaging nonetheless.

If you aren’t a digital artist, this might sound like run-of-the-mill gadget lust. It isn’t, but let me put this in perspective for you:

• If you run, this is your Boston Marathon
• If you drive, this is your driving a Lamborghini on an open track
• If you golf, this is your Masters
• If you cook, this is your Iron Chef
• If you swim, this is your English Channel
• If you ride government test planes, this is your Moon landing
• If you play guitar, this is your screaming solo in front of 50,000 fans
• If you garden, this is your Royal Botanical
• If your lucky, this is your winner numbers
• If you’re still with me here, this is the canvas to my Mona Lisa