Integrating Computer Science Into Creative Coding

Almost all of us have heard of the term “coding” at some point. However, have you ever come across the term “creative coding?” 

The world of art is now steadily being integrated with technology in the form of creative coding. However, how does creative coding work? Can you do creative coding even when you have no background in coding? 

With that said, this article will tackle the depths you can reach when science meets art.

What Is Creative Coding?

To understand what creative coding is, we must first be clear on what coding is in itself. Coding is the process of creating directions for the computer to perform certain functions. Thus, coding is centered on creating something functional.

Creative coding, on the other hand, is when you use programming to create works of art. Simply put, it uses computer programming software to create designs, artworks, architecture, and fashion. With creative coding, you create artistic expressions or visualizations using code. 

So, while traditional coding focuses on functionality, creative coding focuses on aesthetics. In addition, when you are talking about creative coding, you hear other related terms, such as generative art. 

Creative coding creates two-dimensional or three-dimensional interactive and artistic visualizations, which are all generated by the algorithms applied using computer programming software.

Moreover, creative coding is pretty standard nowadays. In fact, you may see its results in malls, at the entrance of some universities, in the speaker’s background, or during a presentation; it can even be at a concert, a research center, among many others. 

While traditional coding is restricted to creating something of purpose, creative coding is unique because the possibilities of art are limitless. 

In addition, creative coding allows people from various fields, not just those related to coding and programming, to utilize coding to express themselves or do spectacular works of art. Creative coders come from various types of fields, including design, art, math, biology, music, and many more. 

After all, art is for everyone. Likewise, everyone has an artistic side, and creative coding helps bring that out from anyone interested. 

Still, when you hear the term “creative coding,” you may think that it is something very complicated and something that only those who have prior knowledge in programming or those in the field of computer programming and coding can do. 

However, you could not be farther from the truth. Creative coding is for almost anyone who finds it interesting and exciting. You can engage in this form of coding, regardless of your age and your career – all you need is time, interest, and creativity. 

So, you can start by learning creative coding for those who wish to learn to code or are simply curious. It is also the perfect first step for those who wish to enter the realm of coding but are pretty unsure if it is the right track for them.

Of course, for those who already have experience or have a background in coding, then you are well on your way. After all, creative coding is a form of expression and is open to all subjects, including math, architecture, biology, and many others.

Learning Creative Coding: What You Need to Know

Yes, creative coding is for everyone but for those who are interested in the field, where should you start? Of course, the first thing is showing interest in the field, so if you’re interested, you’re already on the right track. 

In addition, every creative coder who has made something artistic all started from where you are right now. However, if you are a complete novice and have no idea how to do coding, there are some things that you should do first.

Do your research

Sounds obvious, right? However, believe it or not, although creative coding is a big thing now in the world of art, there is not much information on the internet about creative coding compared to other subjects. 

Nevertheless, there is still information you can find to set the base or the foundation of your journey in creative coding. 

For example, there are some articles by Jun Wu and Sean Zhai that can help jump-start your progress. In addition, some websites offer free resources and tutorials that you can check out.

Get inspired

Every piece of art requires inspiration. Therefore, creative coding is no exception. So, get acquainted with the visualizations that people have created using creative coding online to give you some ideas. 

In addition, you can also visit malls or universities that offer creative coding courses to inspire you. Some creative coders on the internet also have tutorials on how to create their art. So, learn from them and get some inspiration.

Choose a framework

This is where it gets technical. Creative coders use different frameworks to build their visual pieces. Nowadays, the most common framework used in creative coding is JavaScript.

If you have prior knowledge in web design or web development, you may have come across JavaScript. While it’s the most common, many creative coders can use frameworks based on several programming languages. 

Take a course on creative coding.

Although creative coding is not that complicated, it is also not that simple. Learning creative coding requires technical knowledge. 

To help you with this, there are several courses online that teach creative coding you can check out. In addition, there are free courses and paid courses you can also avail of.

Of course, generally, paid courses may offer more information. However, you can also learn creative coding just by researching and watching tutorials from people who engage in creative coding.

However, if you want to cover all the bases and have a solid foundation, the best way to learn creative coding is to enroll in a creative coding course. Moreover, even if it is a paid course, it will be a worthwhile investment. 

Final Thoughts

Creative coding is when science meets art. Anyone can take up creative coding, regardless of whether that person has a background in coding and computer programming or not. 

Like all art forms, creative coding can also be a form of self-expression. In fact, the only limits to this field are your imagination. 

So, for those who are currently considering the idea of coding or are still unsure if they are interested in it, then creative coding is an excellent place to start. 

Lastly, you can start learning about creative coding at any age, regardless of what field you are in now. Nevertheless, with that said, there is still no better time to start than right now.