Coding Art: The Four Steps to Creative Programming with the Processing Language (Paperback)

Introduction

Part I: Creative Coding

In the first main part of this book, we present a four-step working process when code is involved in art practice.

Chapter 1: Idea to Visuals

In this chapter we show how creatives can translate their ideas into simple visual elements, and then work with these elements creatively, by animating them in motions and interaction. In this part, we move quickly from shaping up visual elements in static to animate and scale them in variants and complexity. We also make the comparatively large step to interaction as input for animating visual elements already in this first step. This allows creatives to directly experience the power and expressivity of a computational creative tool like Processing. We don’t hold back in this first step, because we see interaction (and ultimately data) as the important differentiator and driver behind the power of computational in creative practice. Even the raw understanding of interaction in code can help creatives ideate with minimal computation at an early stage of a project.

Chapter 2: Composition and Structure

In this chapter, we align the structure of code and the visual structure to reinforce the initial momentum with transparent concepts in code. In this step, we list different code examples that are related to repetition and variation. These are all features related to the creation and manipulation of a Gestalt, introduced as the “many things as one” concept in the book. The reader learns about the shift from an individual element in repetition to many things in layers and alignment. While we introduce fewer new elements from Processing, we maintain the momentum for the reader in showing how they can, with a few lines of code, amplify the expressivity of their first tryouts. The divergence from traditional creative programming books is most visible in the second step, we leave the path of explaining Processing and let the creative process take charge.

Chapter 3: Refinement and Depth

In this chapter, we use randomness and noise as sources for depth and entropy and explain how to refine and deepen the idea regarding controlling, selecting, and making choices. In this part, we specifically introduce new data structures as means to simplify and extend the design of aesthetics, rhythms and smoothness. We also return to interactivity at this developed stage and use interactivity as input to bring creative concepts closer to refinement and depth. 

Chapter 4: Completion and Production

In this chapter, we look at the backstage of coding an art piece for presentation and “show-time”. We show how to leverage the diversity of art code on other platforms like the web or in mobile applications. In this step, we also specify how to backstage, test and control the creative work in a less risky way on the final production stage.

Part II: An Example: MOUNTROTHKO

In the second part of this book, we present a large example for computational art, MOUNTROTHKO (2018). This part shows how we applied many aspects of the first part of the book in a real project. We emphasize that what we write about in this book is what we also practice: we unfold MOUNTROTHKO from the very beginning by showing the conceptual and visual starting points. Then we walk through the four steps of the whole creative process in close relation to this example. In MOUNTROTHKO, certain steps were taken going back and forth, or in iteration, which underlines how the book is practically meaningful as a process reference.

Chapter 5: Inspiration

Chapter 6: From idea to completion

Part III: Coding Practice

In the last part of this book, we address common pitfalls and challenges of the creative process and formulate suggestions and tips for creatives based on our experience over the years. We indicate main problems that creatives might have in practice: how to help yourself, how to get help from others, and how to find and work with experts from other fields. Finally, we outline a continuation of the learning path for creatives alongside reading and making: this book ideally represents the starting of a personal creative journey working with both art and code.

Chapter 7: Dealing with Problems 

Chapter 8: Learning Path

Chapter 9: Creative Processes

Conclusion

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