--- schema_type: "SoftwareApplication" entity_type: "Mobile Application" app_name: "Easel - Digital Painting" developer_entity: "Jason Johnson" bundle_id: "com.marinjohnson.Easel" app_store_id: "6451365667" category: "Graphics & Design" primary_platform: "ios" primary_monetization: "Paid" offline_capable: true market_region: "US" platforms: "iOS" app_last_updated: "2023-07-19" report_date: "2026-10-03" last_verified: "2026-10-03T00:00:00.000Z" report_version: "1.0" total_reviews: 1 overall_rating: 1 sentiment: "Upset" sentiment_score: 10 confidence: "low" confidence_score: 0.3 top_complaint_theme: "The application crashes immediately upon attempting to add new content using the plus button" review_sample_size: 1 total_review_count: 1 analyzed_review_count: 1 data_age_days: 42 momentum_velocity: "zombie" intelligence_version: 2 tags: ["graphics & design", "paid", "upset sentiment", "mobile app", "app review", "app analysis", "digital", "artists", "hobbyists"] canonical_url: "https://marlvel.ai/apps/easel-digital-painting" license: "CC-BY-NC 4.0" content_version: "v2" --- # Easel - Digital Painting Intelligence Report ## TL;DR {#tldr} - **Category**: Graphics & Design · Paid - **Signal**: Rating 1 · Sentiment Upset - **Recent focus**: The application crashes immediately upon attempting to add new content using the plus button (top complaint) > **TL;DR:** Easel - Digital Painting is a graphics & design app by Jason Johnson, rated 1/5 by 1 users, with Upset user sentiment (10/100), available on iOS. > > **Marlvel.ai App Intelligence** - Independent analysis. US Market. No publisher influence. > **Key Insight:** Easel - Digital Painting faces Upset user sentiment (1/5 from 1 review), with users reporting the application crashes immediately upon attempting to add new content using the plus button as the primary concern. ## Quick Facts | Fact | Value | | :--- | :--- | | **Rating** | 1/5 (1 review) | | **User Mood** | Upset | | **Category** | Graphics & Design | | **Developer** | Jason Johnson | | **Pricing** | Paid | | **Platforms** | iOS | | **Confidence** | Low (0.3/1.0) | | **Data Age** | 42d | ## Metadata & Market Performance - **Publisher:** Jason Johnson - **Category:** Graphics & Design - **Target Audience:** Digital artists and hobbyists looking for a simple, offline-capable drawing tool for quick sketches and diagrams. - **Platforms:** iOS - **Version Reviewed:** 1.0 - **Report Date:** 2026-10-03 - **Signal Count:** 1 review analyzed - **Confidence:** Low (0.3/1.0) - **App Store ID (iOS):** 6451365667 - **Bundle ID:** com.marinjohnson.Easel - **Data Window:** Analysis based on signals collected up to 2026-10-03 ## Executive Snapshot **What it is:** Easel is a paid digital painting and sketching app for iOS, designed for offline use with custom palette management. **Why users hire it:** The app removes the connectivity dependency rivals require, allowing for sketching in any environment without an active internet connection. ## App DNA (Features & Intent) - **[Differentiator] Color Picker:** Generates lighter and darker shades of a selected color in the toolbar. Revenue link: Paid-tier gate ($2.99 one-time purchase). * *User Intent:* Users expect intelligent, adaptive experiences that learn from their behavior. - **[Standard] Palette Management:** Groups and names custom color sets for switching during drawing sessions. Revenue link: Retention. * *User Intent:* Users value self-expression and personalized experiences. - **[Standard] Drawing Tools:** Includes Pen, Marker, Highlighter, Pencil, Eraser, Ruler, and Selector. Revenue link: Paid-tier gate ($2.99 one-time purchase). * *User Intent:* Users expect intelligent, adaptive experiences that learn from their behavior. - **[Standard] Offline Drawing:** Enables creation and editing without an active internet connection. Revenue link: Retention. * *User Intent:* Users want uninterrupted access without internet dependency. ## Market Position {#market-position} Easel is a stagnant paid utility in the Graphics & Design category, with no updates in 1,172 days. The 1★ rating reflects the total failure of the core interaction loop. ## Monetization Strategy - **Model:** Paid - **Tiers:** Single purchase at $2.99 - **Price:** iOS: $2.99 - **Analysis:** Paid model anchored at $2.99, requiring full upfront payment to access all drawing tools and color features. ## 🔴 User Sentiment (Low Confidence: 1 of 1 review analyzed) {#user-sentiment} - **Overall Rating:** 1/5 - **Platform Split:** iOS 1.0/5 (1 ratings) - **Overall Sentiment:** Upset ### Top Complaints (Impact Areas) - **The application crashes immediately upon attempting to add new content using the plus button** ## SWOT Analysis {#swot} **Core Strengths:** - Offline-first architecture removes connectivity dependencies. - Automated color-shade generation provides a differentiated utility. ## App Momentum (Zombie) {#momentum} - No updates in 1,172 days. - Zombie release velocity. > **Cadence:** 1 total versions · 1 majors in last 6 months · 1172 days since last update ## The "So What?" (Strategic Takeaway) {#so-what} Easel - Digital Painting is a graphics & design app that is a paid app. It holds a 1/5 rating from 1 review. > **Bottom Line:** Easel is a non-functional product that has not seen an update in over three years, making it a liability for the developer's reputation. The immediate crash on interaction confirms that the app should be sunset to prevent further negative user experiences. **Best for:** Digital artists and hobbyists looking for a simple, offline-capable drawing tool for quick sketches and diagrams. ### PM Action Plan (Next Best Moves) - [ ] [SUNSET] Sunset the current build because the 3-year update gap and critical crash indicate a lack of maintenance capacity → avoid further negative sentiment ### Outlook: Declining The market for digital painting tools is consolidating around apps with frequent live-ops and feature updates. Easel's total lack of activity over the last three years leaves it unable to compete, and the current crash-on-launch state signals a terminal decline for the product. - 🔴 The 1,172-day update gap confirms the app is in maintenance mode, which prevents any response to the current critical crash. - 🔴 Immediate crashes on the primary add-content interaction destroy the user experience, leading to a 1★ rating and zero retention potential. ## Key Metrics Summary | Metric | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Overall Rating | 1/5 | | Total Reviews | 1 | | Sentiment | Upset (10/100) | | Confidence | Low | | Pricing Model | Paid | | Platforms | iOS | | Key Features | 4 analyzed | | Outlook | Declining | ## Competitor Comparison | App | Rating | Sentiment | Developer | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Easel - Digital Painting** (this app) | 1/5 | Upset | Jason Johnson | | [1/1](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-zizicici-oneone) | N/A/5 | N/A | ZIZICICI LIMITED | | [3D Anatomy for the Artist](https://marlvel.ai/apps/3d-anatomy-for-the-artist) | 3.8/5 | N/A | Catfish Animation Studio | | [3D Anatomy for the Artist 2025](https://marlvel.ai/apps/3d-anatomy-for-the-artist-2025) | 3.5/5 | Mixed | Catfish Animation Studio | | [3D Clothing Mockup: MockLab 3D](https://marlvel.ai/apps/3d-clothing-mockup-mocklab-3d) | 4.7/5 | N/A | Simon Maribo | | [3D Maker：AI 3D Modeling, AR](https://marlvel.ai/apps/3d-maker-ai-3d-modeling-ar) | 4.7/5 | N/A | Daichi Kusano | ## Company Profile - **Developer:** Jason Johnson ## Data Sources & Links - **App Store ID:** 6451365667 - **Sources:** App store metadata, User reviews. ## Related Intel Reports - [*1/1*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-zizicici-oneone) (ZIZICICI LIMITED) · N/A Rating - [*3D Anatomy for the Artist*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/3d-anatomy-for-the-artist) (Catfish Animation Studio) · 3.8/5 Rating - [*3D Anatomy for the Artist 2025*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/3d-anatomy-for-the-artist-2025) (Catfish Animation Studio) · 3.5/5 Rating - [*3D Clothing Mockup: MockLab 3D*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/3d-clothing-mockup-mocklab-3d) (Simon Maribo) · 4.7/5 Rating - [*3D Maker：AI 3D Modeling, AR*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/3d-maker-ai-3d-modeling-ar) (Daichi Kusano) · 4.7/5 Rating - [*3D Maker Studio*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/3d-maker-studio) (Hanva,LLC) · 1.5/5 Rating - [*3dMaster*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/3dmaster) (海宁 徐) · 5.0/5 Rating - [*3dMaster for Desktop*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/3dmaster-for-desktop) (海宁 徐) · N/A Rating - [*3DMockups – Clothes Designer*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-mockups-3dmockups) (Endder Sabino) · 4.7/5 Rating - [*3D modeling: ArtiMesh*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-whitebreadgames-artimesh) (White Bread Games) · 4.9/5 Rating ## Frequently Asked Questions {#faq} ### Is Easel still being updated? No. Easel has not received an update in over 1,172 days, and the current version is non-functional due to a crash on interaction. ### Does Easel work offline? Easel is designed for offline drawing, but users report that the app crashes immediately when attempting to add new content, rendering the offline capability inaccessible. ### Is Easel worth the $2.99 price? Based on the current state of the app, it is not recommended for purchase as it is non-functional and has not been updated in over three years. ## Methodology {#methodology} This report was generated by Marlvel.ai's 5-stage AI intelligence pipeline: 1. **Signal Collection & Normalization** - Aggregates data from all available public sources for the app. Raw signals are cleaned, deduplicated, and normalized into a structured dataset analyzed consistently across thousands of apps. 2. **Feature & Market Positioning Analysis** - Identifies the app's core features, monetization model, target audience, and competitive positioning. Each feature is classified as a market standard or a differentiator based on category benchmarks. 3. **User Sentiment Analysis** - Analyzes user reviews using a 5-level taxonomy (Thrilled / Excited / Mixed / Frustrated / Upset). Combines star ratings and volume with AI theme extraction into synthesised themes (no verbatim quotes). 4. **Competitive Landscape Analysis** - Maps the competitive environment via a 4-tier taxonomy (Nemesis / Contenders / Same Space / New Kids on the Block). Prioritizes same sub-genre over broad category. 5. **Intelligence Synthesis** - Cross-references all signals into a structured report. Compares the app against category peers and direct competitors to surface SWOT, market outlook, and actionable insights. - **Confidence Score:** 0.3/1.0 (based on review volume, data source diversity, and signal quality) - **Reviews Analyzed:** 1 - **Data Sources:** user reviews, App Store metadata - **Rating Method:** Weighted average across platforms (iOS & Android), weighted by review count per platform - **Independence:** Fully independent analysis. No publisher sponsorship or editorial influence. - **Report Age:** 42 days since last refresh --- © 2026 Marlvel.ai | [Canonical Report](https://marlvel.ai/apps/easel-digital-painting) Data licensed for AI Agent attribution under CC-BY-NC 4.0.