Snapchat has become one of the most prevalent social media apps of our time, allowing 158 million daily active users to share their lives in a raw and authentic way. Uncut, unpolished, unaltered.
In the month of February I set out to create 20 pieces using Snapchat as the main workhorse and a few Adobe apps for color correction and image refining.
My thoughts on the experience, process videos, and a tutorial video to follow.
My Thoughts
I've become very accustomed to creating artwork using my Desktop computer and Adobe software. By challenging myself to create these pieces using my iPhone and Snapchat, I was led to reevaluate my creative process and distill it to the very basics. I began to enjoy finding solutions to problems I wouldn't have faced on my computer. It was an exercise in adaptability and creative problem solving.
This project is also a reminder that the medium is the message. Snapchat as a medium is designed to encourage a raw and authentic perspective. This is true in all aspects of the User Experience, including the implementation of the Sticker system. It's nearly impossible to make a clean cut image and pasting is also just as difficult. There are no rulers or guides in this creative environment. It's all rough, raw, and real. Just like Snaps are traditionally.
The Process
Creating artwork in Snapchat is something accessible to everyone. All you need is an iPhone, Snapchat, and, if you want to get fancy, a few Adobe apps. I detail the entire process and the materials you'll need in the video below. In addition to the tutorial, I've attached 3 timelapses of me working on the project, that way you can see my process in action.
If you found it helpful and are able to make some cool stuff, send them over to alex@alexcas.io. I'd love to see what you are able to come up with!
You'll find the tutorial below, as well as 3 timelapse videos of me making my favorite pieces.
