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Arts Tablet Accessories

Sketchmi lets younguns sketch whatever on their tablets

Many artists have switched over to the tech side of things to become graphic designers. They use software and computers to make art. Still, many would prefer to have the convenience of technology, while still using good old fashioned pen and paper.

Sketchmi brings these two worlds together. This product is essentially a tablet case that’s most compatible with the iPad mini, iPad 2 and iPad 3, though it may still work with other models. To use, simply place on the tablet like a case. Add a sheet of paper over the screen to use for tracing a cool picture found on the Internet or from a personal photo library.

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Arts

Pika portable tattoo device gets ink done on the run

Tattoo artists are only as good as their tools. For them, the vibrating needles they use to infuse ink into skin must be sound, clean and accurate in order to deliver the best results.

Pika takes the traditional tattoo gun and adds portability. This battery-powered device allows artists to give tattoos wherever they’d like. It’s also a great way for artists to switch between colors more easily. The cordless unit allows the artist the ability to adjust the speed, throw, and depth of their needles. Pika offers customizable plate design too, so that the artist’s personal taste can shine through their tool.

While Pika isn’t the first of its kind, it does offer the type of convenience a freelance tattoo artist may crave. Unfortunately, the offered customizable plates are fairly lame. Still, backers can have one of their own for a donation of £65 (~$98) by April 2015. Pika is looking to raise £5,000 (~$7,600) on Kickstarter by March 25.

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Arts

Wooden Moku block rolls out paper for your creative pursuits

Drawing is one of those pleasures in life that provides creative release and spawns unique ideas. Such is the case with Moku. While the creator of this product loves art, he also apparently loves trees. So this product is designed to allow the user to manage their artwork in such a way that paper waste is minimized by choosing the proper size of paper for every work of art. Such kindness toward nature means that more awesome works can be created in the future without fear of using up too many trees for the paper. Since Moku is made of wood, it is a constant reminder to the artist of where their paper comes from (Who’s your mama?) just in case the paper itself was not a strong enough reminder. Moku is a great tool for creative types who routinely draw up blueprints, design furniture or doodle. It is not only simplistic, but as useful and convenient as a Saran wrap dispenser. This campaign seeks to raise $3,200 by November 3. For $66, backers get one 12” Moku in their choice of wood. Larger sizes are available at higher reward tiers. Expected delivery is currently set for November 2014.

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Arts Connected Objects Displays

FRAMED gets famed artwork from around the world into your home

The Premise. People love to decorate their homes. Many choose artwork to pepper their walls with in order to give a room some depth and personality. The only problem is that people are limited to art that they can purchase and transport home easily. The internet offers millions of digital artwork, but these can be difficult to gain access to on an everyday basis.

The Product. FRAMED is a digital frame that allows the person to purchase and display a myriad of digital artwork. The frame comes in 24” and 40” sizes, several finishes and is compatible with many different file formats. Its image can be animated, stagnant or even interactive. FRAMED works with a free iPhone and Android app so that the image can be controlled remotely. The screen is HD and features a 180° viewing angle. 

The Pitch. FRAMED’s campaign video shows the creators talking about the benefits of sharing and buying artwork from around the globe. Artists can sell or give away their work using the FRAMED network. Using one of these frames means that the stream of artwork in your home can change constantly. The rest of the campaign goes through the tech specs of the frame and shows just a few examples of the vast selection of images that the frame can display. This Japanese product hopes to raise $75,000 in a month-long Kickstarter campaign.

The Perks. Several early-bird special allows backers to purchase the product for an earlier delivery date of March 2015 at $399 and $449 for the 24” frame. The regularly-priced 24” FRAMED costs $499 for delivery in February 2015. The 40” comes in at a regular price of $1,500 and includes three pieces of artwork. Higher tiers offer multi-packs, custom colors and include free artwork. Reward tiers go all the way up to $10,000.

The Potential. In an ever-evolving digital world, it’s refreshing to come across a product that values the potential of digital with the practicalities of a physical object. FRAMED introduces a way to bring art from around the world home in the easiest way. We’ve seen a similar product recently in Electric Objects, a digital frame that displays artwork controlled by a smartphone app. Electric Objects is meant to completely blend in with physical artwork and its image isn’t animated. FRAMED allows for animated or interactive content, but is clearly digital. Both products are quite interesting and FRAMED is a great way for people to enjoy all the internet has to offer in their everyday lives without being glued to a screen.