Published the Lift Axle app

I just published the Lift Axle app, if you'd like to check it out on Google Play.

As the story goes, I made a few simple iOS apps for a friend, and he learned to use Xcode during that process. He in turn made a center-of-gravity calculator app for gliders, his hobby and in fact he's a state record-holder in a few gliding categories.

A company that specializes in hauling extremely large loads - like space-shuttle multiple tractor industrial size loads - came across his CG calculator, contacted him, and asked him to make a similar calculator for their business. He made the iOS version and asked me to make the Android version.

Notice that the icon graphics are the best he could do with his mad Paint skills (other than the truck diagram and company logo, which were provided), and the user interface isn't particularly stylish. The original CG app is about the same, the company saw and approved the screenshots for this app, and they are happy with it.

Personally, I get discouraged by my lack of artistic skills when I'm making sample apps for my portfolio. Partly because my brothers are professional artists (one a multi-award winning special effects guy at ILM), and partly because I recognize the importance of first impressions and the pizzaz that is expected by app users.

I don't advocate putting out apps with crappy graphics, and for sure you can learn a lot about using PhotoShop and Illustrator here on Treehouse to make your own. But on the other hand, if you don't have the resources for super duper Hollywood quality, publish your app anyway. You can upgrade your app as you upgrade your mad art skilz. You gotta start somewhere, so go for it. Good luck!