Exclusive Interview with iStoryTime App Developer Woody creator of Shrek Forever After Kids Book – and more besides
iStoryTime brings the joy of a children’s book to the convenience of your iPhone, iPod® touch, or iPad. All books are illustrated and narrated, so your child can enjoy them even when you’re busy. Best of all, the app is drop-dead simple to use because it’s actually designed for a 2-year old. With that in mind we couldn’t wait to chat with Woody to find out more about it, read this exclusive interview here…
iOS 4
Although we can’t wait to get started talking about your iPhone app, we must start by asking you of your thoughts of the new iOS 4 that has just launched. It has many features that will be of benefit to your app, what advantages can you envisage with it?
We’re most excited about the ability for users to organize their apps into folders. This way you can store your library of children’s book apps in one place to make it easier for parents and kids.
iPhone 4
We would also like to discuss your thoughts on the new iPhone 4. The Retina Display is certain to enhance your app even more, what are your thoughts….
The apps look so amazing on the app the new iPhone because we have such incredible illustrations/animations that we’re working with. There is so much more detail to enjoy, it really helps to stories comes to life that much more.
The Beginning
Can you tell our readers how your iPhone app was originally thought of, what were your thoughts behind the marketplace, specifically?
We wanted be able to take books on the go for our toddlers in a convenient way that was always accessible. We also wanted to be able to hand over our phones and give a wholesome alternative to a lot of the other entertainment options that are out there. The fact that a book can be read to your toddler when you are grocery shopping or driving is a great option to keep kids enjoying books.
Design
Can you tell us how you came up with the colors and themes ideas, design?
From a design perspective, we really want it to be so intuitive that a two year old can use it without any instruction.
Target Market
Who do you see as the main target market for this app, in terms of genre, age?
Our focus is on kids ages 2-7.
Production Process
How long did it take from the original planning to the production process of your app?
Each of our apps vary and can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months.
Sales
How do you predict sales to be, is there a good solid market for this style of app?
We aim to have all of our books in the Top 5 Children’s Books.
Obstacles
What has been the hardest obstacle you have had to overcome regarding this app development?
For the Shrek property, it was the availability of the stills from Shrek Forever After because they aren’t finalized until just before the movies are released into theaters and we launched just before the movie was released into theaters.
Third Parties
Would you consider developing apps for third parties?
We have been approached by several interested parties regarding app development and we did a joint collaboration with Reader’s Digest that was very successful.
App Store
What have you learnt from the App Store?
We’ve learned that content is king, make a great app and the downloads will come!
Apple
Have Apple supported you well with your app development?
Yes, Apple has done a great job communicating and being a resource for us.
The Future
What next, are you developing another app? Would you go for the same genre again, if not which?
We’re currently working on Penguins of Madagascar storybook based on the top rated Nickelodeon cartoon.
Joanne Carter
Joanne Carter is a British photography journalist, editor, curator, and the founder of *TheAppWhisperer.com*, one of the world’s leading platforms dedicated to mobile photography and art. Since its launch in 2009, TheAppWhisperer has become an international hub for artists of all levels to discover, learn, exhibit, and engage with contemporary photographic practice.Built on principles of inclusivity, accessibility, and artistic excellence, Joanne has spent almost two decades championing mobile photography as a serious artistic medium. Through interviews, critical essays, exhibitions, competitions, and education, she has helped shape and document the evolution of mobile art on a global scale.Her work has taken her internationally, lecturing on photography and mobile art at institutions and events including the Museum of Art in Seoul, South Korea, alongside appearances in the UK and Europe. She has served as a juror for international photography and mobile art awards across Portugal, Canada, the United States, South Korea, Italy, and the UK.Joanne is also the founder of *TheAppWhispererPrintSales.com*, one of the first online galleries dedicated exclusively to collectible mobile art, connecting artists with collectors across Europe, the United States, and Asia.Before founding TheAppWhisperer, Joanne worked extensively in print journalism and photographic publishing, including roles at a paparazzi photo agency and as deputy editor of a leading photography magazine. Her freelance journalism, criticism, and commentary have been published widely in both the UK and the US, with bylines in *The Times*, *The Sunday Times*, *The Guardian*, *Popular Photography*, *NikonPro*, *DPReview*, *Which?*, *Vogue Italia*, *LensCulture*, the *BBC*, and more recently, the *Financial Times*, where her published letters on photography continue to contribute to wider conversations around the medium.Alongside her editorial and curatorial work, Joanne’s own photographic practice has been exhibited internationally across the UK, Europe, South Korea, and the United States. Her work increasingly explores themes of grief, loss, death, memory, and the body.Her current research interests centre on grief, death, and poverty, with forthcoming postgraduate study leading towards doctoral research in these areas.Joanne is currently developing new long-form writing and photographic projects and is available for commissions, editorial projects, speaking engagements, and collaborations.Contact: joannetheappwhisperer@gmail.com)
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