Today’s Best iPad Deals

Discounted Prices on the Latest iPad Range

If you’re in the market for a new tablet, now’s a great time to shop. Best Buy has dropped prices on almost the entire iPad range, matching the record deals seen during Black Friday in November. This means you can get the M2-chipped iPad Air for a discounted price.

M2-chipped iPad Air: A Great Option for Creative Professionals

The latest iPad Air is a great option for digital art and illustration, thanks to its support for the new Apple Pencil Pro. With the M2 chip, it’s also capable of handling photo editing and light creative work, as well as general productivity and entertainment. We gave it a 4-star review when we tested it.

Deals in the US and UK

• US: Get $100 off the 11-inch M2-chipped iPad Air, dropping the price to $499. The 13-inch model is also discounted, with a price drop to $699.
• UK: Get up to £49 off the latest iPad range at Amazon.

More Deals and Comparisons

If you’re in the UK, you can find more deals on the latest iPads at Amazon. For a detailed look at the iPad generations, check out our guide to help you decide which device is right for you. Our iPad comparison page also provides a comprehensive overview of each tablet’s features and capabilities.

Today’s Best iPad Deals

• [Insert table or list of deals]

Conclusion

The latest iPad Air is a great option for those who need a powerful and versatile tablet for creative work, productivity, and entertainment. With the M2 chip and support for the Apple Pencil Pro, it’s an excellent choice for digital artists and illustrators. Take advantage of the discounted prices at Best Buy and Amazon to get the best deal on your new tablet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best iPad for creative professionals?
A: The latest iPad Air, with its M2 chip and support for the Apple Pencil Pro, is an excellent option for digital art and illustration.

Q: Can I get a discount on the iPad Air?
A: Yes, Best Buy is offering a $100 discount on the 11-inch M2-chipped iPad Air, dropping the price to $499. The 13-inch model is also discounted, with a price drop to $699.

Q: Are there any deals available in the UK?
A: Yes, you can get up to £49 off the latest iPad range at Amazon.

AINews: AI Tools and Artificial Intelligence

Watch the Livestream Here

Watch the livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/live/eU3XwwguttU

Follow Me on X

Follow me on X: https://x.com/mreflow

AINews #AITools #ArtificialIntelligence

Introduction to AI Tools and Artificial Intelligence

In this livestream, we will be exploring the latest advancements in AI tools and artificial intelligence. From machine learning to natural language processing, we will dive into the cutting-edge technologies that are changing the world.

AI Tools for Business

In this section, we will discuss the various AI tools that can be used to improve business efficiency and productivity. From chatbots to predictive analytics, we will explore the ways in which AI can help businesses make better decisions and streamline operations.

AI in Healthcare

In this section, we will examine the ways in which AI is being used in healthcare. From medical diagnosis to personalized treatment plans, we will explore the many ways in which AI is revolutionizing the healthcare industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the livestream provided a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in AI tools and artificial intelligence. From business to healthcare, AI is changing the world and improving our lives in many ways.

FAQs

Q: What are AI tools?
A: AI tools are software applications that use artificial intelligence to perform specific tasks or functions.

Q: What is artificial intelligence?
A: Artificial intelligence refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines or computers.

Q: How can AI be used in business?
A: AI can be used in business to improve efficiency, productivity, and decision-making.

How to Take Photos of Fireworks on a Phone

How to take photos of fireworks on a phone

When you’re taking shots of fireworks, you don’t have much time to react, so I recommend playing around with your settings in advance so you know where things are. Here are seven general tips that can help you get better results.

01. Find a good composition

As with most kinds of photography, one of the most common mistakes people make is not thinking about the composition, and this is really the key to a great shot. Like astro shots of starry skies, photos of even the most impressive fireworks often disappoint if there’s nothing else in the composition. Without other elements to provide context, all you have are some sparks in the sky, which isn’t really very interesting to look at because it could be anywhere. Finding a location where you can frame a shot to include buildings, landscape or people in the foreground can result in a much more impressive image.

02. Choose the right settings for fireworks photos

For smartphone photography, many of us use automatic settings. These can be fine for taking quick shots of everyday scenes, but they can let us down when it comes to taking shots at night, and particularly of fireworks. The problem is that the camera will often try to expose for the dark sky, making the image too bright, with insufficient contrast to see the fireworks clearly. You’re phone may also take an exposure that’s too long, leading to blurry fireworks.

03. Disable flash and high-dynamic range (HDR)

Don’t use a flash! While your camera’s flash can be useful for some forms of photography in low light, it makes no sense for fireworks because the fireworks themselves generate light, and your flash won’t reach them anyway. All the flash will do is illuminate objects closer to you.

04. Use burst shooting to capture a precise moment

Burst shooting allows you to fire off a batch of shots in quick succession. The clear advantage of this for photographing fireworks is that if you start the burst shot just as a fireworks launch, you’ve got more chance that one of the shots taken will capture the precise moment the fireworks explode.

05. Try video

Many cameraphones can now capture 4K video. The advantage of video is that you can capture more of a fireworks display and not miss a moment, and 4K footage is a high enough resolution that you could extract stills from it if you want photos rather than moving images.

06. Create an HDR photo

Want to take things to the next level? We mentioned turning off your camera’s automatic HDR. But for really pro fireworks shots, you could create your own HDR images manually by taking two photographs and then layering them.

07. Experiment

If you have the time to try out different things, fireworks provide a great opportunity to experiment with creative photography. You could try taking long exposures to capture light trails. This can be particularly effective with sparklers, allowing your subject to draw images in the air with light. You could also try capturing long exposures as fireworks explode, capturing the trails that form as sparks fall.

How to edit photos of fireworks

After you’ve taken your shots, you’ll often be able to make photos of fireworks look better with a little bit of editing. That could be in an app like Lightroom or even in your phone’s own camera app.

FAQs

Q: What’s the best way to take photos of fireworks?
A: Find a good composition, use the right settings for fireworks photos, disable flash and HDR, use burst shooting to capture a precise moment, try video, create an HDR photo, and experiment with different techniques.

Q: How do I edit photos of fireworks?
A: You can edit your fireworks photos in an app like Lightroom or even in your phone’s own camera app. Adjust luminance, contrast, white balance, and saturation to improve the image.

Q: Are there any special tips for taking photos of fireworks on a phone?
A: Yes, make sure to play with your settings in advance, use burst shooting, and try to capture the right moment. You can also use video to capture more of the display.

Stefan Falconer, Creative Director at Golden Wolf

Could you walk me through a typical day in your role?

My day usually begins with a reluctant dog walk whilst catching up with emails/slack on my phone, and then heading to the nearest coffee shop before I can even think about properly starting my day (General Store Peckham always hits the spot).

My day’s then broken up into a few different chunks. On a studio day, I’ll spend the first chunk of the day being distracted by the studio dogs (there’s at least 2 at any given moment) and catching up with the team. It’s an unspoken rule that the first hour or so in the studio isn’t for working…

What was your early career like?

My early career was a lot more illustrative. I started my career as a design intern for studio Ilovedust, so was heavily influenced by graphic design and illustration. I began experimenting with animation and motion graphics, and found a lot more satisfaction and excitement in that area. Over time my interest in this area grew and I became more confident and curious, exploring new motion graphics techniques and developing my style. I eventually made the step fully into motion design, and following that moved into creative leadership and direction.

Tell me about a tricky work-related challenge and how you approached it

Inopportune client feedback is probably the most prevalent work-related challenge I face as a creative lead. But it’s always important to maintain a level head and remain impartial, for the sake of the client and the team. There’s always a solution or a compromise to be made, so it’s really beneficial to be as flexible as possible – some of the best creative solutions can arise out of these moments.

How do you find your ‘voice’ as a creative?

I really value time spent thinking and problem solving. Quiet and calm moments where I can just sit with my ideas and prepare my thoughts. I’ve never been the loudest voice in the room, and hate being the center of attention – it’s really important for me to find creative solutions in my own time and on my own terms. Collaboration is obviously very important, and working with other creatives is key to elevating your ideas, but that can’t happen without being in my own head a little and preparing my own creative perspective.

What sparked your interest in 2D/3D motion graphics?

I’ve always loved how flexible motion graphics can be – it isn’t a rigid process by any means, and there’s endless ways to communicate an idea; there’s no one solution. And that’s what interests me, that freedom and flexibility to create something in your vision that feels bespoke to you.

How inclusive is the design industry in 2024 and what does it need to improve?

There have been improvements, with a lot more increased awareness of diversity and inclusion issues – but there’s still work to do.

Diversity and inclusion have always been priorities for our studio, and I believe it’s essential to maintain a strong focus on these values across the industry. There are still plenty of challenges and barriers – Leadership roles within the industry remain unevenly distributed among different demographics. There needs to be a continued commitment to fostering inclusive design methodologies, and prioritizing inclusive hiring practices to create a more representative industry.

What are your favorite tools?

It changes from week to week depending on what I’m working on – Since I’ve been working on a lot of pitches recently, it’s currently Google Slides… sorry, not the most exciting answer…

What’s your dream project/dream client?

Would love to see our work on the Vegas Sphere – can’t think of a better way to amplify our work!

What career advice would you give your younger self?

Keep exploring, pivoting, and trying new things. You won’t just find one thing you’re good at and stop there, and it doesn’t have to be right the first time – it’s all part of the process, so keep meandering as much as you need to and find satisfaction in the journey.

Conclusion

Stefan Falconer is a creative force to be reckoned with, with a passion for pushing the boundaries of motion graphics and animation. With a background in illustration and a wealth of experience in the industry, he has developed a unique style that blends the irreverent with the intensely dynamic.

FAQs

Q: What is your typical day like?
A: My day is divided into different chunks, with time spent catching up with emails, meeting with the team, and working on projects.

Q: What was your early career like?
A: I started my career as a design intern for studio Ilovedust, and later transitioned into motion design and creative leadership.

Q: How do you approach difficult client feedback?
A: I try to remain impartial and find a solution or compromise that works for both the client and the team.

Q: How do you find your creative voice?
A: I value time spent thinking and problem-solving, and believe that collaboration is key to elevating your ideas.

Q: What sparked your interest in motion graphics?
A: I love the flexibility and freedom of motion graphics, and the ability to communicate ideas in a unique and creative way.

Q: How inclusive is the design industry in 2024?
A: While there have been improvements, there is still work to be done to foster a more representative and inclusive industry.

The Creation of a 3D Super Mario Fan Art

Initial 2D Concept
The project began with a 2D concept by Pedram Jamadi, a visual development artist who has worked on character design for video games, films, and animation. His concept featured a stylized Mario with a unique twist, including babies and a color key for the characters and photobashed background.

Modelling the Character in 3D
Ehsan Nouri, a 3D character artist, created the 3D model of Mario. He used ZBrush and Maya to build the characters, starting with a blockout in ZBrush and gradually adding details, followed by working on the topology in Maya. The model was then returned to ZBrush for further development of the character’s form to restore details lost during topologizing, such as the inside of the mouth and eyelids.

Creating the 3D Environment
Shayan Takapoomanesh, a senior modelling artist, built the 3D environment. He created the ground plane using the sculpting tool in ZBrush, keeping it irregular to feel more natural, with details built up steadily. The main elements, such as grass, flowers, and mushrooms, were modelled and scattered using the MASH plugin in Maya to control the look.

Character Grooming
Siavash Arji, an experienced grooming and character modelling artist, worked on the character’s hair. He used XGen and noise dot maps to create clumps, placing five Clump modifiers and up to four Noise modifiers, including one for flyaways. Given the stylized nature of the piece, natural texture was a key consideration for the clothes, with a Sampler used to create patterns.

Substance Textures
I handled the texturing, starting with carefully creating UVs of the characters and objects in the scene. I used Substance 3D Painter and Sampler to create the skin, adding layers for sun damage and the like. The clothes were textured with a Sampler, and the environment was individually textured for each object.

Lookdev Process
I also took care of the look development using Arnold, creating texture maps for the characters and environments. The skin required subsurface scattering, and procedural maps were used to achieve a better look. For the hair, I used AiStandardHair to achieve the desired brown and black colors.

Lighting the Scene
The goal of the lighting was to convey a dreamy mood, directing the viewer’s attention to the characters. I tested various lighting angles, referencing The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Tangled. The setup used sunlight as a rim on the characters, with a strong fill to bring warm color. An area light added fake bounce light, as if from the sun, to lighten the underside of the mushroom.

Final Compositing
To finish the project, I did the compositing tweaks using Nuke, matching the AOVs rendered in Maya. A depth fog was added to the shot, with each layer graded and LPEs used for the lights. A ZDefocus node created fake depth of field to bring the viewer’s eye to the middle ground.

Conclusion
This project was a collaborative effort, with a team of artists working together to bring a stylized Super Mario fan art to life. From concept to final compositing, each artist contributed their expertise to create a unique and captivating piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What software was used for the project?
A: ZBrush, Maya, XGen, Substance 3D Painter, and Nuke were used for the project.

Q: Who was involved in the project?
A: Pedram Jamadi, Ehsan Nouri, Shayan Takapoomanesh, Siavash Arji, and Pejman Rajabi were involved in the project.

Q: What was the goal of the project?
A: The goal was to create a stylized Super Mario fan art, showcasing the team’s skills and creativity.

Q: What was the most challenging part of the project?
A: The most challenging part was balancing the stylized look with realism, while maintaining the characters’ recognizable features.