You may know by now that I am a bit obsessed with Instagram – so for today’s Artful Friday I picked one of my favorite photo apps as the spotlight of the feature. You know which app I’m talking about?

Picfx!

This powerful little app has the awesome ability of mixing effects and letting you choose how much you want to apply for each of them – so smart!

I went down to the root of Picfx and, guess what? I got an interview for you with one of the Co-creators, yah! Say hello to Ben Bradley – a.k.a Ben Curious - one of the guys behind this marvellous mobile editing tool.

 Most of my work a year ago was very heavy texture based. I wanted textures that where not available at the time. Co-creator David Boyes of Active Development and I sat down and discussed making an app to fill this niche.

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

Creating awesome filters that people love. Still trying to do it!

Did you have any previous experience with photography?

I have always loved taking photos, it’s only been in the past few years that I have started taking it more seriously. I’m snapping photos every time I leave my house. I carry my iPhone everywhere, + my SLR most places.

What’s your secret behind building a strong community online?

Talk and interact as much as possible. I’m always looking around Instagram to find picfx users, to get their thoughts and comments about the app. We have always had a great response and being active on Instagram has helped us get the users what they want. We have also started putting together a few brief tutorials which people have responded well to, so more of those to come!

Do you have any new developments coming for Picfx?

We are currently working on an update for Picfx right now. It will include a whole range of new filters that I personally think are the best we have released. Really interested to see how people respond and use them.

What are some of your favorite creative apps?

Picfx, Picframe, PicBoost, Filterstorm, Cross Process, Blender, Decim8, Slow Shutter

Your favorite blogs?

iso50, 13thwitness, Trashhand, Hallwood, Booooooom.

Thanks a lot for the fantastic app Ben and for sharing your words with the peeps of the Artful Desperado.

Folks, you go get that app because trust me, you’re in for a real good photo treat. Have a great weekend! And please, if you have any other cool apps you’d like to share, leave them on the comments below :)

all images: Ben Bradley 

Mr. Yams and moi being all nerdy and shit

Desperados!

Ah I am so hyper right now. I just came back from Instameet Vancouver and totally had a blast. For those who don’t know what this whole Instameet thing is, here’s the scoop: it’s a bunch of Instagram users getting together for a photo walk in their city – it happens everywhere around the world and you get to hang out and share your best geek tips. Sounds nerdy? It is! And it’s freaking fun.

The reason why I am mentioning this on the blog today – and not the usual boombastic art – is because I think these type of city events are a GREAT way to connect with other creative minds. That’s the beauty of social media – you use your online profiles to meet with people in real life.

Let’s not forget that inspiration not only comes from pretty pictures and blogs – inspiration comes from people, friends, family and relationships. Nothing will boost your creativity more than having an arty possy where you can share your ideas.

Take advantage of little gatherings in your city and never miss a chance to say “Hello!” to a friendly stranger. You might not end up being BFF’s but you’ll surely refresh your social skills.

So, that being said – I’m now going to share with you some awesome shots taken from the Vancouver Instameet. To see the rest of the images, click here. Thanks so much to Mr. Mario for organizing the event. Oh! If you want to be buddies, add me up yo! @ArtfulDesperado

PS – Tomorrow we’re back to the regular artful posts where I’ll be sharing some fantastic photos of floating objects. Yep.

photo credit: Douglas @dtsyvr

photo credit: Maurice Li @Maurice

photo credit: Maurice Li @Maurice

photo credit: Corinna Chan @Corinna_Chan

image credit: Gabriel @artfuldesperado

photo credit: Mario Arturo Castanon @mackanno

image credit: Tina Albrecht @bittadesign

Resources: I used INK361 to view all instagram pictures on the web. It’s quite useful! 

We all are surrounded by technology. We can’t avoid it. Even if you are in a far far away forest, you will be molested by the incessant rippling of invisible radio waves. Should we fight technology? heck no! Otherwise we wouldn’t be able to enjoy pretty little blogs like this one (so humble).  We can all cohabit in this hot mess we call planet Earth and – to our fortune - Jack Addis has found a way of merging both – the human and technological world – into several awesome works of art. I’m jealous! Aren’t you?

Via – Sweet Station