Tools: Inspiring Your Child’s Inner Artist with Doozla

Yesterday, we were treated to the artwork of budding artist Nathan McQuillan. Like most of us, Nathan’s medium of choice is the tried and true crayon on paper. But, alas, many members of this younger generation are so much more technically savvy and are itching to make their creations in a digital format. As parents, we can hardly sit them down with Photoshop and send them on their way. Not only is the program far too complicated, but they are just as likely to delete our financial history and hack into W.O.P.R. in the name of art.

That is where Doozla comes in. Doozla is a drawing app for the Mac from Plasq that contains all of the right tools for kids to experiment and express themselves while doing little damage to the computer itself (no guarantee against a peanut butter covered mouse, though).

The program opens full screen to prevent meddling minds from exploring other applications and system settings. It provides kids with the basic tools for drawing in a variety of colors and shapes, coloring book templates, and realistic backgrounds in which to insert their masterful contributions. They can even use the built in iSight to snap self portraits to modify as they see fit. The whole experience is a lot of fun and quite addictive (even for parents). As an add-on, the system uses a fun voice to call out changes in tools and colors within the application. It’s the ideal environment for your child to channel his or her inner Picasso.

Drawing in Doozla

Coloring in Doozla

Drawing on a Background in Doozla

Drawing on a Webcam Shot in Doozla

Once your child is done, you can save or print their artwork. Even better, you can preserve it forever in their very own Inkubook. Doozla is available for download at www.plasq.com/doozla. It costs $24.95, but there is a free 30-day trial.